The Currituck County Board of Commissioners has decided that a familiar face will continue to lead county staff, announcing Friday they will officially name County Attorney Donald “Ike” McRee as County Manager during their February 7 meeting.
McRee has been serving as Interim County Manager since August 28, following the departure of Ben Stikeleather.
McRee has extensive experience in Currituck County. He began his career as a local government attorney in May 1989, when he was appointed Currituck County Attorney. After continuing in that capacity for other county governments in North Carolina, McRee returned to Currituck County in 2008 when he again accepted the position as Currituck County Attorney.
After Stikeleather left, the board hired a search firm to identify potential candidates. Ultimately, Commissioners decided that McRee was best suited for the job. McRee’s familiarity with the Board of Commissioners and knowledge of county departments, procedures, and local issues provides a beneficial continuity of operations for the Board, county employees, and the public.
“After reviewing options, and through numerous discussions with Ike, the Board determined that Ike would be a great fit for filling the role as County Manager,” said Mike Payment, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “During his time as interim County Manager, Ike expressed his desire to become the full-time manager. The Board sees Ike’s abilities and attributes as positives for the citizens of Currituck County.”
After McRee is officially approved as County Manager, the Board will begin a search for a new County Attorney and McRee will relinquish the Attorney’s role.