JACKSON – Kenneth Creque is no stranger to changing addresses….after all he is the son of a US Air Force veteran and himself a former member of the United States armed forces.

On Monday, Creque officially changed addresses again, this time to one in Northampton County as he was introduced as the new County Manager.

Creque follows Wayne Jenkins in that position. Jenkins retired last week after spending 31 years in Northampton County government, the last 12 as County Manager.

“I’m from all over,” Creque said with a smile, referencing his military ties, following the regularly scheduled meeting of the Northampton Board of Commissioners.

His last stop was Town Manager in Plymouth, a job he accepted in April 2010. Prior to that he worked in Lee County as an administrative officer with the Department of Social Services.

This latest stop in his career marks the first time Creque will tackle the role as a county manager.

“I’m excited about this job,” he said. “Replacing a man like Wayne Jenkins is exciting. There will be some changes coming as I bring a different style. I think the department heads will like the way I do business.”

Creque is a native of Racine, Wisconsin. His father was a career non-commissioned officer in the US Air Force, meaning he and his family frequently moved. He grew up in Ohio, the United Kingdom, Germany, Oklahoma, Florida and Georgia. He graduated from high school in Warner Robbins, GA.

He briefly attended Mercer University in Macon, GA before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Over the course of his military career, Creque served in the 25h Infantry Division in Hawaii; the 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault); as an Airborne School instructor; and in the 82^nd Airborne Division.

While serving, Creque pulled tours of duty in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Panama, Canada and numerous stops within the continental United States.

Upon leaving the Army, Creque settled with his family in Fayetteville, working as a supervisor with the US Department of Homeland Security. While working, he continued with his education, earning a BA degree in Public Administration and a Masters degree in Public Management from UNC-Pembroke. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina School of Government’s Economic Development Course, Economic Development Finance Course, and County and Municipal Management Course.

“Mr. Creque brings significant experience in municipal and county government management,” said Robert Carter, chairman of the Northampton Commissioners. “He has held positions as a County Management Analyst, a County Administrative Officer and a Town Manager.”

Creque is the father of three daughters, Tiffany, 17, Kimberly, 16, and Brittany, 14, who reside in Fayetteville. The family is currently searching for a residence in Northampton County.

A copy of his employment contract with the county, which was approved Monday by the commissioners, has been requested by the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald.