The Lake County Board unanimously voted Tuesday to make Amy J.P. McEwan the interim county administrator, replacing Barry Burton, who has announced plans to take a job in Florida starting in November.
McEwan, presently the deputy county administrator, will take over the position Oct. 24. She has been with the county for more than 12 years, serving the past eight years as deputy county administrator and four years as senior assistant county administrator.
According to the resolution to appoint her, she meets or exceeds qualifications required for a county administrator in the county’s ordinance. She also has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Michigan State University in East Lansing, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
Interim Board Chairman Carol Calabresa of District 15 said she was impressed with McEwan when she was hired.
“I remember when she first started with the county and I thought, ‘Wow, what a quick study this young lady has. She has a total grasp on county board issues, and she can answer all the board members’ questions,’” Calabresa said.
“She also understands people and can work with anybody. When barriers come up, she always says we can find a way,” Calabresa added, saying McEwan’s “positive attitude and ability to work with people” are why 21 board members voted for appointment.
“She’s qualified. I’m a fan,” said Board Member Steve Carlson, District 7. “She has the institutional knowledge we are going to need. … She’s diligent, articulate and she can be diplomatic.”
Carlson added he worked closely with McEwan on the board’s Health and Community Services Committee, which he chairs. He said that while there will be a nationwide search for Burton’s permanent replacement, he believes no one will be able to match her credentials.
“I’d be astounded if someone came in more qualified. She has a combination of talents and knowledge of Lake County,” he said.
McEwan’s salary will be $229,000, with a $7,000 vehicle allowance. She can resume her old position if she wants with an annual base salary of $210,000, vacation equal to the highest annual accrual provided to all other employees, a vehicle allowance of $7,000 and severance equivalent to six months of salary.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead Lake County and have been preparing for this role throughout my 25 years of local government service,” McEwan said in a statement.
“I believe change is ever-present and, to be successful, you have to start with a clear vision, invest in developing strong relationships, and deliver on your plan with equal parts of patience, persistence and adaptability,” she added. “Lake County is fortunate to have a strong team of professionals. I am confident working together we can meet the demands of added responsibility.”
Burton was also honored at the board meeting for his service as administrator since 2002. He is leaving to become administrator in Pinellas County in Florida.
Calabresa said Burton was instrumental in keeping the County Board budget above water during the financial crisis 10 years ago.
“We never had to worry about our financial status,” she said, citing the Triple AAA bond rating the county has maintained, which lowers the cost of borrowing.
“And we’ve always had a cash reserve,” Calabresa added. “We never had to worry about his ethics or professionalism.”
Burton addressed the board, saying his just over 17 years went by rather quickly.
“I really do appreciate this board. I’ve known several chairmen and 50 board members, and you are here for the right reason,” he said. “As a board, you are trying to make a difference in the community.”
Burton added that he also enjoyed working with many of the mayors in the county, “and we’ve been able to get things done.”
“I’m very proud of that. Thank you for allowing me to work here. It’s been an incredible ride,” he said. He also gave a shout-out to the county workers, who are not bureaucrats. “They are people dedicated to the community,” he said.
“They are truly good people. I’m glad I added to a great tradition,” he said.
The board gave him a standing ovation following his comments.
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