Georgetown, Del., Jan. 1, 2012: The New Year is bringing with it new leadership for Sussex County government.

At the stroke of midnight New Year’s Eve, Todd F. Lawson became the next County Administrator for Sussex County, taking the reins from retiring County Administrator David B. Baker. Mr. Lawson, who has been working closely with Mr. Baker as County Administrator appointee since late summer, now leads a workforce of nearly 500 employees and will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the County government.

“New Year’s is about great expectations and new beginnings, and I can’t think of a more appropriate time for me to begin this journey with the Council, staff and the people of Sussex County,” Mr. Lawson said. “I am excited about the future, and I’m eager to get to work with our talented staff to continue to lead the County along its current path of exceptional service and low taxes.”

County Council appointed Mr. Lawson as County Administrator-appointee in July, with the final appointment to become effective Jan. 1, 2012, upon Mr. Baker’s retirement. Mr. Lawson now becomes the sixth County Administrator since the Delaware General Assembly converted the old Levy Court into the current County Council in the early 1970s.

As County Administrator, Mr. Lawson will manage a staff of nearly 500 County employees and direct day-to-day operations of a local government that has an annual budget of approximately $141 million. The County Administrator is appointed by County Council and is responsible for, among other duties, making recommendations to the Council, preparing and submitting the annual budget, and carrying out the policies and laws set forth by the Council.

A former government relations professional and one-time deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Lawson has spent the past five months learning the ins and outs of Sussex County government. Since his appointment, he has met with the County’s employees and citizens, familiarized himself with the various issues before the County, and reviewed ongoing projects and initiatives.

Mr. Lawson, a native of Harbeson who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a law degree from George Mason University, said the transition period has allowed him to get a good grasp on what is working within County government and what areas could be improved.

“Sussex County has many positive attributes, including low taxes, small government, and healthy finances. A lot of that can be credited to leaders like Dave Baker, whom I can’t praise and thank enough for his guidance and leadership during this transition” Mr. Lawson said. “But there is always an opportunity for improving ourselves, and it will be my goal as the new administrator to improve our efficiency so that we are a nimble, modern operation.”

“I believe we do a good job now in meeting the needs of the people we serve,” Mr. Lawson said. “I intend to keep it that way.”

County Council President Michael H. Vincent said he and the rest of the Council are looking forward to seeing Mr. Lawson carry on the many good works of the retiring Mr. Baker, while putting his own stamp on County government.

“Todd has shown in the last several months what caliber person he is,” Mr. Vincent said. “He is energetic, creative, easy to approach and well-liked by the staff and the people of this fine county. He’s a natural leader, and the staff and Council will be looking to him for guidance as we move forward together in building an even better County government.”

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