County manager John Hanson to step down

After nearly five years of serving as county manager, John Hanson announced at this morning’s commission meeting that he will only be working for the county for four more weeks and will help with the transition from full time county manager to interim county manager. ”It is with a heavy heart that I announce our county manager has accepted another position,” said commission chairman Briar Johnson. “We wish him the best of luck.”Hanson was hired with less county manager experience than other candidates but many say he will leave big shoes to fill for the next county manager. Prior to his appointment as county manager, Pike County had a reputation for keeping county managers for less than two years before they were replaced. Former county manager Mike Phillips was fired after an hour-long executive session prior to a commission meeting only 8 months after he was hired. The county manager before him – Bill Sawyer – resigned with just over a year of service as county manager. ”We appreciate all your hard work and congratulations on your next opportunity,” said commissioner Tim Guy. “You steered this ship in the right direction and you are leaving us in a good, stable situation.”