Georgetown, Del., Sept. 12, 2006: Sussex County will not only have a new Administrator come Nov. 1. The county government also will have a new Finance Director and fiscal management team.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Sept. 12 meeting, voted 5-0 to appoint Susan M. Webb as Finance Director, replacing David Baker, who has held the position since 1992. Mr. Baker will become Sussex County Council’s fifth County Administrator on Nov. 1, 2006, replacing the retiring -- and longest-serving administrator – Robert L. Stickels.

By Delaware law, Sussex County Council is responsible for appointing the County Administrator and Finance Director.

Council’s appointment of Ms. Webb was one of several personnel changes made or announced at the County Council meeting. Mr. Baker also announced two promotions and the hiring of a new employee, all key steps in building a strong fiscal management team to assist him as he makes the transition to County Administrator.

“Ms. Webb has done an outstanding job as Sussex County’s Accounting Director during her tenure. She is a strong manager, and someone who understands the complexities of finances,” Mr. Baker said. “With her experience, both in the public and private sectors, I am confident that she will continue to do an outstanding job as the County Finance Director.”

A 1983 graduate of what was then Salisbury State College, Ms. Webb has worked in the accounting field for 23 years. She first began her career at Vernon Kerr CPA in Milford, then at Faw, Casson and Company CPA, also in Milford, and finally at Jefferson, Urian, Doane and Sterner PA in Georgetown. In 1993, she moved to the public sector when she was hired by Sussex County government as Director of Accounting.

Ms. Webb, a certified public accountant who will earn $75,000 a year in her new post, said she was honored that the Council and the incoming Administrator have put their faith in her ability to fill Mr. Baker’s shoes.

“I’m excited to be given this new opportunity and challenge, and even more privileged to be succeeding Dave Baker, who has done a remarkable job the last 15 years ensuring the County’s financial success,” Ms. Webb said. “I’ve learned a lot from Dave, and I will use his knowledge and guidance as the new Finance Director. He’s a man I greatly respect, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Ms. Webb’s ascension to the County’s top financial post creates a void in her current position as Director of Accounting, a division under the Finance Department that is responsible for, among other things, paying bills, collecting receipts and managing payroll.

Because of Ms. Webb’s appointment, Mr. Baker announced other personnel changes that include:

• Gina Jennings, who began March 1 as an accountant within the Accounting Division, will be promoted to Director of Accounting effective Nov. 1. Ms. Jennings, who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Delaware, most recently managed accounts receivable for the Accounting Division. She formerly worked as finance director for the Town of Milton.
• Kathy Roth, who will begin work in early October as the County’s new budget and cost manager. Ms. Roth, a certified public accountant, has worked more than four years as the Town Manager and chief financial officer for the Town of Ocean View, managing day-to-day operations, as well as preparing annual budgets. Ms. Roth will be responsible for managing, directing and implementing the County’s annual budget in her new position.
• Christopher L. Parker, who has worked as a full-time accountant in the County’s Accounting Division since 2001, has new responsibilities and a new title. As Financial Reporting Manager, Mr. Parker will be charged with overseeing the completion of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. That report is a comprehensive fiscal statement that investors, banks and the public can use to gauge the financial health and stability of the government. Mr. Parker’s title change took effect Sept. 1.

“The County Finance Department changes will enable the County to further improve and progress, from a financial reporting and budgeting standpoint,” Mr. Baker said. “We look forward to continued financial success in the future as the County grows.”