The Orange County government did not have to look far to find its replacement for retiring county manager Bonnie Hammersley.

A release from the local government on Thursday announced the board of county commissioners appointed Orange County Deputy Manager Travis Myren to the position. Myren has worked extensively with Hammersley in the role, having arrived to Orange County in 2015.

“Orange County is an extraordinary community, and I am so grateful and excited to lead this county into its next chapter,” he said in the release. “I am proud of the work we have done over the past nine years and look forward to building on those accomplishments to help the county and its residents thrive.”

Travis Myren, Orange County Manager. (Photo via the Orange County Government.)

Prior to his time in North Carolina, Myren lived and worked in Wisconsin after earning his master’s degree in public administration and his bachelor’s degree in political science. He worked for the Dane County government for more than a decade — some of which was alongside Hammersley, who later helped recruit Myren to Orange County. In 2009, Myren became Dane County’s Director of Administration before being hired in 2015 as deputy manager to increase the Orange County government’s efficiency and ability to tackle complex projects.

Since arriving, Myren has done just that. In addition to serving as the lead executive staff member for the local government’s COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery efforts — including the distribution of federal funding — he also worked helped develop several long-term planning projects. The county’s strategic plan, the long-range facility plan, transit plan, and Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations disengagement plan are among his highlights, as listed by Orange County. More recently, Myren has been a leader in the county’s implementation of its broadband task force’s goals and developed the general obligation bond plan residents are expected to vote on in November for school infrastructure projects.

“The Board is excited to appoint Travis Myren as our next county manager,” Chair of the County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford said in the county’s release on Thursday. “Mr. Myren brings nine years of Orange County experience across all departments serving our residents, which will make for a seamless transition. His experience combined with his quick intellect, sterling character, collaborative nature and listening skills will move us forward in accomplishing our mission to be a visionary leader in providing governmental services valued by our community, beyond those required by law, in an equitable, sustainable, innovative, and efficient way.”

“We are lucky to be able to hire Travis into this crucial role,” added Vice Chair Commissioner Sally Greene. “As Bonnie Hammersley’s deputy, he has proved more than ready for this next step, sharing wise and thoughtful counsel across the whole range of county operations.”

Hammersley, who announced her retirement in April, will officially step away in July. Orange County said Myren will take the oath of office on July 17 and begin his service that evening when Hammersley’s retirement became official.

 

Photo via the Orange County Government.

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