- April 26, 2024
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Heidi Petito, previously Flagler County's General Services director, earned a unanimous County Commission vote June 21 to become the county's interim county administrator as County Administrator Jerry Cameron steps down.
"I think that we’ve got a great team, an extraordinary team, and I look forward to continuing to move the organization in that direction, even if it is only in an interim capacity," Petito said at a County Commission meeting June 21.
That was not the expected transition: Cameron's second-in-command, Jorge Salinas, has been trained for the tasks associated with the administrator position, and had been the expected pick.
But Salinas, Cameron said at a June 21 commission meeting, had decided to stay in his current position as chief of staff and was backing Petito for interim administrator.
"Flagler County is indeed fortunate," Cameron said. "We have two people that are ready and could take over any organization this size tomorrow, and do a great job. ... I agree with him that Heidi has a longstanding record of accomplishment here. She has grown up the ranks; she understands every portion of what we do here."
Cameron proposed that the commission appoint Petito for a three-month interim position, ending Sept. 30, then make a decision on whether to retain her as regular county administrator or conduct a search.
"That will give you three months, will give Heidi months, to assess what that position is and what her abilities are," Cameron said. "You will effectively have a three-month interview."
Petito had indicated that, should the commission decide to conduct a search after the interim period, she'd be wiling to stay on while that happens, Cameron said.
"There’s really no downside, and every upside, to the team [of Salinas and Petito]," Cameron said. "I heartily recommend that you appoint her."
County Commissioner Andy Dance noted that few staff members have as much history with the county as Petito. But he suggested that county staff "work in the background to prepare search parameters," so that if the commission ultimately decides to conduct a search after Sept. 30, it can do so quickly.
Commission Chairman Donald O'Brien noted that Petito will be the county's first female county administrator.
Cameron's last day will be July 2.
