New Hanover County has named Sheryl Kelly as an assistant county manager, according to a news release.

Kelly was previously the county's budget officer, a role she has held since 2018, officials said. She was chosen for her new position after an internal search and recruitment effort.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to advance within New Hanover County and support the county in achieving its strategic objectives,” Kelly said in the release. “I have always had a passion for helping others understand processes and formulate strategies, as well as supporting talented and passionate teams. I have the opportunity to do that in this new role, and to also oversee the responsible use of our county’s natural resources in a sustainable way.”

Kelly will manage the county's parks and gardens department, N.C. Cooperative Extension and Arboretum, public library, Cape Fear Museum, the county's soil and water conservation district and the board of elections, stated the release.

She brings two decades of experience in budget and policy work to her new position with the county.

Prior to joining the county’s team, Kelly was a budget adviser for the U.S. Department of the Treasury for 10 years. She has also worked for the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources and RTI International.

Kelly earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree from Duke University.

“Sheryl brings 25 years of skills and knowledge to this new role, with a variety of budget experience, a strategic approach to setting goals and creating innovation, and an environmental and policy background that will serve our departments and the county well,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet, in the release. “She has managed the county’s $399 million budget exceptionally well over the past two years and has brought greater efficiencies and new measures for achievement to our organization. She is a trusted leader and I look forward to working with her in this new position.”

Kelly takes on the new role with the county following the retirement of former assistant county manager Kathy Stoute, who retired on Sept. 1 after 13 years with the county.

"With this change, Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley will be transitioning into Stoute’s role to lead the county’s health and human services departments; and Kelly will be assuming the responsibilities of Bradley’s current departments. Tim Burgess will continue to serve as Deputy County Manager, with Chris Coudriet leading as the County Manager," stated the release.