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Interim Dawson County manager appointed
Vickie Neikirk

While the outgoing county manager was not present at Thursday’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners meetings, a familiar face will now assume the role on a temporary basis.

During the board’s Nov. 3 voting session, Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk was named the interim county manager. 

This appointment follows David Headley’s announcement of his resignation, effective Nov. 4. 

Neikirk will maintain her current head finance role while also serving in the interim position. She will also receive a $125,000 salary that’s prorated over her time as interim county manager. 

The BOC approved Headley’s resignation and retirement agreement 3-0, with District 3 Commissioner Tim Satterfield unable to attend due to another commitment. 

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As part of that vote, the board also amended the general fund budget to cover $140,000 in associated costs with the turnover.

Headley’s departure followed multiple other leadership changes across Dawson County departments over recent months. 

BOC Chairman Billy Thurmond explained that the board authorized him to speak with Neikirk while they search for a new county manager. 

Neikirk mentioned she previously stepped into the role temporarily during her six-plus-year tenure with Dawson County. 

“I will say this. I know Mrs. Vickie will do an excellent job,” Thurmond said. “She’s always done an excellent job for us.”

“Part of my job as the county’s CFO is to keep up with all the [ongoing] projects,” Neikirk added. “I think it’ll be a good experience.”