Northumberland County council has announced the appointment of Glenn Dees as interim chief administrative officer following a special meeting held Wednesday, Oct. 1.
As previously reported earlier this week, the position had become vacant as of Monday after a brief notice that the county was parting ways with long-time CAO Jennifer Moore.
According to a county release issued Thursday, Oct. 2, Dees joined the organization in 2009 and has held a series of progressively senior roles.
He started in the finance department where he served as director of finance and treasurer before moving into a special projects role in 2022. In 2023, he became director of health and human services, where he has overseen the operation of the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home, along with community and social services, according to a county bio.
Council said Dees will now provide leadership to staff and support to elected officials as the county starts the process of recruiting a permanent CAO. His appointment ensures continuity at the senior leadership level while council moves through this transition, said officials.
The decision follows an urgent special meeting of county council called on Wednesday, which followed another special meeting Monday, after which, there was the announcement that Moore was leaving her post. Moore spent nearly 10 years as CAO and nearly two decades with the county. There has been no reason reported publicly for the changeup.
Recruitment for a new permanent CAO is now reportedly underway. In the meantime, council said residents and staff can expect business as usual under Dees’ leadership, with continued focus on delivering essential services across Northumberland.
On Wednesday night, council met at 6 p.m., with the meeting mostly held in closed session. There were no public reports and the meeting was officially adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)