Jackson County manager steps down
Don Adams. File photo
After more than seven years as county manager, Don Adams will leave the post by the end of the year.
In a press release the county said that Jackson County Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams amicably came to an agreement to end Adams’ employment with Jackson County effective Dec. 31, 2023. Mr. Adams began serving as manager in August of 2016.
“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Jackson County,” said Adams. “It has been my privilege to work with excellent employees and elected leadership within the county.”
Adams cited personal reasons as the basis for his departure, including his health. In 2020, Adams experienced a cardiac event and had to have triple bypass surgery.
“Due to personal reasons, including health and other personal issues, I believe it is in the best interest of the county and for me to step away and retire,” said Adams. “This will allow for other leadership to take my place.”
The decision came during the Oct. 24 commissioner meeting, which was the continuation of an Oct. 17 meeting that had been recessed. During the meeting commissioners went into closed session for almost half an hour, after which they came back into open session and made an amendment to the agenda — “county manager contract.”
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“[This is] an agreement for mutual termination of contract and waiver of employee rights for Mr. Adams’ contract,” said Chairman Mark Letson after resuming open session.
In a statement, Letson applauded Adams’ work with the county.
“Mr. Adams has served Jackson County well,” Letson said. “The Board of Commissioners greatly appreciates his service to our community, and we believe the agreement reached reflects our positive opinion of Mr. Adams. We wish him the best. As mutually agreed, it is in the best interest for Jackson County to move forward with transitioning to new leadership. We look forward to working towards accomplishing this task. Transitioning to new leadership will assist the board in achieving other positive goals and objectives within our community.”
Prior to starting his post in Jackson County, Adams worked as manager of Alleghany County for almost 20 years. When he was hired in Jackson County he replaced the retiring Chuck Wooten.
“I am extremely appreciative of the Board of Commissioners for moving forward with this agreement that is in the best interest of the county’s operations and its citizens,” Adams said. “Jackson County is my home and a wonderful place to live. I plan on remaining in the county during my retirement.”
