Currituck County Manager Ben Stikeleather, on July 27, 2021, submitted his letter of resignation to the Board of Commissioners. Stikeleather has served as County Manager since July 1, 2019.
In announcing his departure, Stikeleather said he will be pursuing career opportunities in the private sector. He is scheduled to begin his new employment on October 1, 2021.
“Currituck County has been a wonderful place to be the County Manager and is a community with a bright future, solid leadership, and a workforce that is second to none,” said Stikeleather. “After 15 years in local government service, I have accepted an opportunity that will bring new challenges and a different work-life balance.”
The Currituck County Board of Commissioners are scheduled to meet in closed session after the August 2, 2021, meeting to discuss plans for hiring a successor to Stikeleather.
“I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the Board of Commissioners to lead Currituck County, and I appreciate the way the community has embraced me and my family in our short time here,” Stikeleather said.
Stikeleather came to Currituck County in October 2018, when he was hired as the Assistant County Manager. He then ascended to the Manager’s position upon the retirement of former County Manager Dan Scanlon.
During his tenure, Stikeleather led Currituck County through Hurricane Dorian and Hurricane Isaias and guided the county’s response throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Among capital projects, Shingle Landing Park and the Maritime Museum in Historic Corolla Park were constructed and opened to the public. Construction of the Public Safety Center will also be completed prior to his departure. In addition, projects to expand and renovate Moyock Elementary School and Moyock Middle School are in the design phase.
