Sampson County administrative staff has undergone a transition in recent months, as a 35-year employee retired and two others — a current employee and a new hire — are now stepping into reclassified positions to pick up the slack.
With the retirement of LeAnn Honeycutt, who worked with the county from August 1982 to March 2017, the duties of deputy clerk have now been transferred to Projects and Information Specialist Richard Carr. Carr previously received advanced training through the UNC School of Government, which county officials said has readied him for the new duties.
Assistant county manager Susan Holder administered the oath of office to Carr during Monday’s regular Board of Commissioners meeting.
“We have transferred the duties of deputy clerk to Richard Carr,” Holder said, noting his recent studies.
In May, Carr was honored for successfully completing the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Administration Course. The coursework – completed in 4-day sessions during a seven-month period – provides instruction in the legal framework of county and municipal government and provides in-depth knowledge of all the departments and services provided by local government. The course is reserved for local government officials whose responsibilities require an understanding of functions beyond areas of individual specialization.
“That afforded him the particular skills and abilities to take on this role, and I am very appreciative of having him because he backs me up,” said Holder.
Completing the personnel transition for the Administration Department, the county has also hired Stephanie Parker Shannon, who will fill the reclassified position previously held by Honeycutt. She is classified as an “Administrative Assistant 1.” She will begin work on Monday, July 17.
Shannon graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in business management.
“She has held several administrative assistant positions and has those demonstrated skills and abilities, most recently with Smithfield’s Hog Production Division,” said Holder. “She was able to come through a very rigorous training. She had to interview with both (Human Resources director) Nancy Dillman and me, and if you can get through an interview with the both of us you have accomplished something.”
The interview process also include various testing. Holder said she and Dillman found Shannon to be “very bright, articulate, poised and polished.”
“We are delighted to have her on our team,” said Holder, who noted that commissioners would be working with her on a regular basis. Shannon said she was looking forward to the opportunity.
“I am looking forward to working with you all and getting to know you better,” she told commissioners. “I am very thankful for this opportunity and excited to get to work on Monday.”
“We look forward to having you on board,” said board chairman Clark Wooten. “You definitely have some shoes to fill. LeAnn was very good. There’s no question in my mind that you have the skills to do just as good, and we look forward to it.”
