Michael Henderson was one of 27 applicants who had applied for the newly created position. Henderson is scheduled to be at his new post in Dover-Foxcroft on Sept. 13 with an annual salary of $47,500. Still active in the Marine Corps Reserve, he was not available for comment last Wednesday. Henderson and his family intend to relocate to Piscataquis County in the near future.

County Clerk Carolyn Doore, who is resigning her post after 33 years serving the county, will work with Henderson until her retirement on Sept. 30. Following Doore's notice of retirement commissioners created the new position of County Manager.

As chief administrative official, Henderson will be responsible for administration of all departments and offices controlled by the county commissioners. Henderson has 15 years of supervisory and leadership experience, most of that as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he worked primarily as a Supply Officer. He plans to continue his affiliation with the Reserve.

Henderson holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Illinois, and earlier this year earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

The duties described under the new County Manager's position include acting as a purchasing agent for all county departments and offices; working in conjunction with department heads to prepare the county's budget for submission to the county commissioners; to work closely with department heads in reviewing expenditures and revenues on an ongoing basis; to develop and implement county administrative policies and procedures after approval by commissioners, and is to oversee the day-to-day operations of county government.

Elected county officials will continue to be responsible for administration of their departments.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."