Flagler County, FL – With 29 years of experience working in governmental administration, and more than half of those in Flagler County, Heidi Petito is set to take the helm as County Administrator.
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners at the regular meeting on Monday (June 21) voted unanimously to move Petito – who has been working as interim Chief of Staff – into the position of interim County Administrator for at least three months.
“Heidi has a long standing record of accomplishment here. She has grown up from the ranks. She understands every portion of what we do here,” said current County Administrator Jerry Cameron, who retires right before the long Fourth of July weekend. “And she is willing to step in as the interim administrator for you.”
Cameron recommended Petito for at least three months. Both he and she indicated the arrangement could last longer if it is the desire of the Board of County Commissioners.
“I will serve in any capacity necessary for Flagler County,” Petito said.
Petito has worked for Flagler County since August 2005. Before being named interim Chief of Staff last Fall, her tenure included managing the $23 million budget of the county’s largest department – General Services – developing capital improvement plans, writing and managing grants, implementing cost-saving initiatives to retain $1.6 million annually, and directly managing 111 employees.
“I am extremely honored that you have the confidence in me to move the organization forward,” Petito said. “I think that we’ve got a great team, an extraordinary team, and I look forward to continuing moving the organization in that direction, even if it is on an interim basis.”
Petito will have the support of Jorge Salinas who was hired at the beginning of the calendar year as Chief of Staff – the number two position on the organizational chart.
Salinas last worked as the deputy city manager and chief information officer for the City of Albany, Oregon, about 70 miles outside of Portland. He also served as interim economic development director for more than a year. His tenure with the city stretched back to 2006.
“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.”
Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO
