Garland shifting to exclusive role
Robbinsville – As outgoing Graham County Manger Becky Garland steps down, a capable hand will remain at the helm for the time being.
After a lengthy closed session at its Tuesday night regular meeting, the county Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Graham County Project Manager Jason Marino as interim county manager.
Marino will serve in the role until a permanent county manager is appointed, while Garland will now serve solely as the county’s chief financial officer.
Tuesday night’s meeting was Garland’s last as county manager, with her returning to her prior position as Chief Financial Officer on Wednesday.
Marino will take on his new duties, while continuing to serve as project manager.
“I’m certainly honored by the board’s confidence in me, and I will try to do my best for this Board of Commissioners and the people of Graham County,” Marino said.
Marino also lauded Garland and Board Clerk Kim Crisp for their service.
“(Our) outgoing county manager and Kim set all of us up for success,” Marino said. “They’re a huge asset to this county.”
In addition to his employment with Graham County, Marino also serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve, holding the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Garland also lauded Marino for his work as project manager and said that she looked forward to working with him in his new position.
“I’m excited to start moving the county forward on those projects we’ve got on the table and I’m really excited to work with Jason as interim county manager,” Garland said. “He’s proven to be a tremendous asset to our county and a tremendous leader with our staff.”
She also reflected on her service as county manager, calling her move to Chief Financial Officer bittersweet, but saying that it was “more sweet than bitter.”
“I love serving this county,” Garland said. “I love being a public servant, but this chapter is over.”
Garland announced her resignation to the board in the closed-session portion of its Jan. 19 meeting and publicly announced her intention in an article in the Feb. 4 edition of The Graham Star. She has served as county manager since 2017, but has served in various capacities with Graham County since 2002. Garland was officially appointed finance director in 2009.
She also spoke to her hopes as she returns to the Chief Financial Officer position, putting an emphasis on ensuring ongoing construction projects remained fiscally sound.
“I’ve got 7 ½ years left before retirement,” Garland said. “I want to keep building on our successes over the past 12 years, and I want to see the county through the financing of the courthouse and other capital projects.
“I want (the courthouse) project done by the time I leave.”
Garland also spoke to plans to leave the county’s finances in good hands when she finally retires.
“I want to prepare the county by recruiting a new Financial Officer and teaching them,” she said.