Randell Woodruff will be Brunswick County’s next county manager, according to an announcement by the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners on Friday.

Woodruff has been Pender County’s manager since January 2015 and will begin his new role Oct. 21. He will succeed Ann Hardy, who currently serves as Brunswick County’s manager and will retire Nov. 1.

“I have been working in Pender County for over four years and have had the opportunity over the years to spend a lot of time in Brunswick,” Woodruff said. “It’s a great place, they have a lot of outstanding staff and great leadership from their board. Their current manager who has been there for years has been a great leader as well and l look forward to build on things she has done.”

Some of the items Woodruff expects to work on in his new role include addressing growth in the region, he said.

“As you know there is tremendous growth in Brunswick, Pender, New Hanover counties and the city of Wilmington,” Woodruff said. “I’m sure we will do a lot on dealing with the needs for additional infrastructure and managing the current facilities and just dealing with growth-related issues.”

As part of moving roles to Brunswick County, Woodruff will be relocating but expects to have a smooth transition overall and looks forward to working with the board and staff, he said.

Before working at Pender County, Woodruff served as Beaufort county manager from 2011 until 2015, according to the release.

“Randell Woodruff is an experienced, proven county manager who understands the unique challenges associated with leading a fast-growing, diverse coastal county,” said Frank Williams, chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, in the news release. “Randell has the background, skills and experience required to build on Ann Hardy’s great work. Our board is excited to welcome him to the Brunswick County team, and we look forward to a smooth transition and a great future with him at the helm.”

Ann Hardy said she has worked 24 years with Brunswick County Schools and Brunswick County Government.

"It has been my honor to serve in the county and work with the many school staff members and county employees over the years," Hardy said. "I am grateful to the commissioners for giving me the opportunity to be the county’s manager and I sincerely appreciate the kindness and support they have shown me over the years."

Woodruff's salary will be $180,000 and Hardy's salary is $198,450, according to Brunswick county officials.

George Brown, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, said the board will discuss finding a new manager at its next meeting, set for Aug. 5.

In the meanwhile, Chad McEwen, Pender County assistant county manager, will serve as interim manager until a permanent manager is found, Brown said.

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to officially appoint Woodruff as the county’s next manager at its Aug. 5 meeting.