County Administrator

The County Administrator (CA) is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is responsible to them for managing County operations. The CA has responsibility and authority to assure County functions are carried out efficiently and effectively:

• Directs and manages department directors, internal business support functions, and assigned staff to assure alignment with Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) priorities; Responsible for all aspects of personnel management (in consultation with the BOC), such as hiring, establishing goals, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and dismissals;
• Explores and evaluates strategic opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness;
• Establishes standards and performance measures for county organizational improvement;
• Facilitates interdepartmental collaboration, integration, and communication;
• Oversees the development and administration of policies, procedures, programs, goals and
• objectives;
• Oversees labor negotiations;
• Advises on and implements Board of Commissioners’ strategic planning, policy and program
• priorities, and objectives.
• Oversees implementation of County-wide strategic planning activities.

Incoming County Administrator Rachel McEneny

Effective Sept. 1, County Chief Financial Officer Rick Crager will step into the role of Interim County Administrator until McEneny's start date on October 2, 2023. McEneny She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effective leadership in various administrative roles. Notably, she has served the City of Albany, New York, with distinction since 2016. McEneny's career in public service includes serving as the Budget Director and later as the Commissioner of Administrative Services for the City of Albany. Her contributions have been instrumental in enhancing efficiency and governance within the city.

Prior to her time in Albany, McEneny served as the Director of Public Affairs for the New York State Department of Labor/Workers Compensation Board and as the Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Experience at the state level has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of complex administrative challenges and solutions.

McEneny's ability to foster positive working relationships has been evident throughout her career, including her time as the Director of Communications for the Albany County District Attorney and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Political Science from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Purchase College, SUNY. Moreover, she is a distinguished graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

Contact the County Administrator at Rick.Crager@bentoncountyor.gov or 541-766-6246.