Replacement search to begin in ‘near future’
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Mark Pullium attending Thursday’s board meeting.
Clay County Manager Mark Pullium resigned Thursday, Nov. 7 following a closed session of the board of commissioners. The resignation went into effect immediately.
Director of Health and Human Services Debbie Mauney has been named interim county manager.
Commission Chairman Rob Peck confirmed Pullium’s resignation in a statement released Tuesday morning but declined to give specifics.
The departure seemed abrupt with Pullium handing in his government issued cell phone, keys and other items and no official notice given. Thursday marked his final day as Clay County manager.
“Mark related that after much personal reflection he wanted to spend more time with his family,” Peck said.
Pullium was hired June 30, 2017 to fill the position vacated by Paul Leek who left to take a new position after serving 15 years as county manager. Among other jobs, Pullium had served as the controller for The University of Montana and as the Chief Financial Officer for Fayette County, Ga.
Pullium, a native of Andrews, relocated to Clay County from New Bern, N.C. He had signed a three-year extendable contract with a starting salary of $82,000. June 2020 would mark his third year in that position. Pullium will be paid $49, 614 as part of the terms the remainder of his contract.
“The board of commissioners want to thank Mark Pullium for his nearly 2 1/2 years of service to Clay County. We have achieved a tremendous amount in that span,” Peck said. “Mark’s strong accounting background, knowledge with regard to budget preparation and implementation along with his understanding of local government policy will be hard to replace. We wish Mr. Pullium nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
In the meantime, Mauney, who Peck said had been working in the capacity of assistant county manager, will assume Pullium’s duties.
“As such she assumes all roles and responsibilities relative to the position,” Peck said. “We are extremely confident in Debbie Mauney and our leadership team as we transition in the months ahead.”
Peck said a “thorough and extensive” search for Pullium’s replacement will begin in the near future.
“In the meantime, necessary steps have been taken to ensure that all policies and projects progress as planned,” he said.