County Manager's Office

About the County Manager

The County Manager is a professional administrator who oversees the day-to-day operations of county government on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. The manager’s role is to give sound, objective advice to the elected Board who in turn makes policy decisions for the welfare of the citizens. He and his management team then determine the most effective and efficient way to implement the Board’s directives, manage the various County departments, and develop and implement an annual budget.

Ron Smith, who was appointed by the Iredell County Board of Commissioners in July, 2011, serves as the County Manager. In this role he works with both internal and external agencies to implement the directives and policies of the Board. Mr. Smith is also responsible for reporting the County’s financial, operational and administrative activities to the Board of Commissioners.

Tracy Jackson is the Deputy County Manager. Mr. Jackson stands in for the Manager in his absence. He is directly responsible for the emergency services and public safety departments (other than the Sheriff), as well as health and human services functions. Mr. Jackson is also responsible for handling projects set forth by the Board and the County Manager and is a strategic member of the management team. Mr. Jackson has been with Iredell County for 11 years.

Susan Blumenstein is the Director of Finance and Administration. This includes Finance, Purchasing, Information Technology Services, and Veteran’s Services. Ms. Blumenstein’s primary responsibilities are fiduciary and she plays a lead role in the preparation, implementation, and reporting associated with the annual budget. Ms. Blumenstein has been with the County for over 26 years.

The Clerk to the Board of Commissioners is Jean Moore. Ms. Moore is responsible for preparing an agenda, advertising, and attending all Board of Commissioner’s meetings. She develops the minutes and also maintains legal records and decisions for the Board. This position is appointed directly by the Board and Ms. Moore is their primary support position. Ms. Moore has been Clerk to the Board for 16 years.

Mr. William Pope is the board appointed County Attorney. Mr. Pope acts as the legal counsel for the Board and provides legal guidance to other County departments when necessary.

Retha Gaither is the Executive Assistant to the County Manager. Ms. Gaither assists the manager in many ways and is the designated back up for the Clerk to the Board. Ms. Gaither is responsible for scheduling meetings, preparing the County Circle (monthly newsletter), and generally assisting the manager in the performance of his duties. Ms. Gaither has been in this position for the last four years.