Phillip Smith-Hanes, Ellis County administrator since 2016, has provided notice that he will resign from county employment effective at the end of November. He is leaving to pursue an opportunity as county administrator in Saline County.

“I want to thank both current and past commissioners, as well as all Ellis County staff, for the opportunity to be a part of this organization and this community,” Smith-Hanes said. “While I am excited about my new opportunity, I will truly miss being a part of the Ellis County family. I look forward to visiting as often as I can.”

On Monday, Ellis County commissioners appointed Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers as interim county administrator. While the appointment will be effective Thursday, Nov. 28, the commission is making the announcement at this time in order to provide opportunity for Myers to work with the departing administrator to assure a smooth transition, the commissioners said in a news release.

“We will miss Phil, but as he pointed out in his letter to us, we have excellent department heads,” County Commission Chair Dean Haselhorst said. “I know Darin will do a great job for us during this transition and getting him to work with Phil on knowledge transfer is a huge benefit.”

Myers, who has been with the county since 2015 after serving with the Hays Fire Department for 14 years, said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

“We have some big projects going on in Ellis County right now, so I know I’ve got my work cut out for me,” Myers said. “I had hoped I’d get the chance to work with Phil a little bit longer, but I’m excited. I want to thank the commissioners for their faith in me and all our department head team.”

— Ellis County