Dillman
Chuck Thompson
An interim Sampson County manager was appointed Wednesday morning following a closed door meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Beginning Dec. 1, current county human resources director Nancy Dillman will take the helm of Sampson County government — for two days.
Based on the commissioners’ decision, Dillman will hold the interim position long enough for a new board to be sworn in on Dec. 2. While there is a chance she could maintain the interim role or even be given the job permanently, the current board opted to delay a final decision until the next meeting when a new member, possibly two, will take seats on the board as others vacate theirs. Commissioners Jerol Kivett and Sue Lee will leave the board at the end of November. Kivett will be replaced by incoming commissioner Eric Pope. Lee’s Dist. 3 position has yet to be filled, lining up a decision on Dec. 2 to possibly be a tie vote should members not agree on moving forward with Dillman’s appointment.
Dillman, who currently works as the director of human resources for Sampson County, has held other leadership roles in the past. She served as assistant superintendent for Clinton City Schools from 2009-2015, and briefly held the interim superintendent’s position there for about six months.
“I am thankful the Sampson County Board of Commissioners has that kind of trust in my abilities,” said Dillman. “We have good leadership in the county, and department heads committed to the county’s citizens.”
Kivett, outgoing chairman, praised Dillman for what she will bring to the position, stating, “Mrs. Dillman has served the county well since she’s come to the county, but she has also shown strong leadership when she was with the (Clinton City) school system, doing an admirable job.”
County Commissioner Thaddeus Godwin also added his confidence in Dillman’s appointment, saying, “I think this will be good for her and the county. She has worked closely with (county manager) Ed Causey. I think this will be great because now we have time to work on that with the new board.”
Commissioners colleague Lethia Lee added her own thoughts. “As far as I believe, it was a wise choice to pick her,” Lee pointed out. “It’s not permanent but there’s so much to be considered, and I wish her the best.”
After Wednesday’s meeting, Kivett congratulated Dillman on the temporary appointment, stopping by her office to shake her hand and wish her all the best, and giving words of encouragement.
“Congratulations,” he said. “A well- appointed position. I wish you all the best in your new role, and with the dedicated department heads, and employees on staff, here at the county, I’m sure things will go well.”
Lee also offered support for Dillman in a later interview, saying, “I am extremely excited for Nancy Dillman to take the job as county manager. With her experience, she will be a good fit for the position.”
For her part, Dillman offered gratitude, both for the position and the man she follows in the job.
“I just appreciate the opportunity to continue here in this capacity,” stressed Dillman, also mentioning the void being left behind by Causey. “We are going to miss the leadership of Mr. Causey. I have been thankful to work with him and learn from him, and wish him all the best.”
All regular Sampson County Commissioners meetings are held at 6 p.m. in the county auditorium, located at 435 Rowan Road in Clinton, unless otherwise stated.