Adams has been the county manager in Alleghany County for over 19 years where he worked closely with elected officials, county employees and citizens throughout that time to provide excellent service to the Alleghany community. Working with these groups allowed for the creation and/or enhancement of many programs in Alleghany County.

Some of these programs included the creation of the public transportation, recreation, planning and E911 departments along with the business development center. These partnerships also produced many construction accomplishments within Adams’ tenure to include successful financing and construction of many building projects that encompassed multiple school projects, a community college, a courthouse, an administration building, health department, library, EMS facility, a public pool facility, recreational fields and a fire safety training facility.

Adams is looking forward to meeting and working with Jackson County elected officials, county employees, community leaders and the citizens. He believes that developing and maintaining these relationships will allow for Jackson County government to continue providing excellent service to its citizens.

Prior to his employment with Alleghany County, Adams worked as a department head over public transportation in Anson County. Adams’ educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University. He majored in political science with a multi-disciplinary concentration in town administration, city/county management and a minor in community and regional planning.

After graduation, Adams completed an internship with the Town of Boone and worked there on a part-time basis in various departments until his employment with Anson County. Adams has participated in multiple continuing education courses throughout his career.

Recreationally, Adams enjoys kayaking and fishing during the summer and snow skiing in the winter. He has been married to his wife, Stacy, for 18 years. Stacy Adams is an attorney and has been practicing law for over 20 years. Some of Stacy’s hobbies include horseback riding and volunteering for 4-H. She is currently a 4-H leader for a horse club in Alleghany County. The two have a 13-year-old son, Jackson, who enjoys baseball, basketball, kayaking, fishing and snow skiing. The Adams family is looking forward to enjoying all the recreational opportunities and amenities Jackson County has to offer and getting to know and becoming involved with the community. 

Jackson County started the county manager search in early March after the Board of County Commissioners finalized a job profile for the position detailing the education and experience requirements as well as preferences regarding experience in local government and specialized skills the new manager would possess. The County received 29 applications from qualified individuals and interviewed the top four candidates. The new manager will begin on Aug. 1 and will be paid $125,010.36 annually.