Stokes hires new county manager; Board approves 5-year contract

DANBURY — Following a nationwide search for the right candidate, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners named Jeffrey Sanborn, of Pinehurst, as the new county manager Monday night.

Sanborn, a retired U.S. Army colonel, will officially take on the role Sept. 18.

According to a statement released by county officials, Sanborn has been serving as the Pinehurst village manager since 2015 and has more than 33 years of leadership experience in executive level management positions.

He retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army in 2015 after a 27-year career, with his final assignment as the garrison commander of Fort Liberty.

“Mr. Sanborn’s extensive background and experience in strategic planning and leadership will be valuable in navigating the opportunities and challenges that will define our county’s future,” Board Chair Brad Chandler said in a statement.

Sanborn is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and additionally holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as master’s degrees in industrial and operations engineering and strategic studies.

Sanborn and his wife, Kim, have two children. The Sanborns have a home in Stokes County that they will make their permanent residence after moving from Pinehurst.

The statement also notes that Sanborn is an avid hunter, outdoor enthusiast and enjoys spending time on his farm.

“Stokes County is so fortunate to have Jeff as their next county manager,” said Nancy Fiorillo, former mayor of the Village of Pinehurst. “He is an approachable leader, committed to excellence and leading in the most professional, ethical manner.”

Thorough process

Amber Brown has served as interim county manager since March 2023. She was named to the post following the resignation of Shannon Shaver, who had been county manager since November 2021.

Previous to her time as interim county manager, Brown had served as assistant county manager and clerk to the Board since June 2021.

She will return to that role in September.

“Mr. Sanborn will bring an abundance of unique experience and knowledge to the position and will be an excellent addition to the County of Stokes,” she said. “Together, I think we will make a great leadership team, and I look forward to working alongside him for the continued betterment of the county and community within.”

The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) assisted Stokes County officials with a nationwide county manager search.

“Early in the process, NCACC staff met with the board to create a candidate profile of attributes and characteristics they desired in the new manager and to develop a structured process with multiple layers of evaluation,” the statement reads.

The county officials ultimately interviewed three candidates from the applicant pool.

“I am so pleased that commissioners remained dedicated to this extensive and thorough process of evaluating candidates for our next leader,” Chandler said in the statement.

The Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on July 8 to approve Sanborn’s five-year employment contract. (Commissioner Ronnie Mendenhall was not present at the meeting due to cataract surgery that morning).

Commissioner Rick Morris, who served as county manager for nine years, commented before the vote.

“I’ve made a lot of noise about hiring qualified people to work in the county jobs,” he said.

“I think he’ll probably be the most qualified county manager that’s ever worked here,” Morris said of Sanburn. “I also think, based on limited contact with him, he and Amber [Brown] really make a good team for us as well, working together. So I’m really looking forward to him getting here in September.”