Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

WINTON – After less than one year on the job, Hertford County Manager Oryan Lowry has resigned.

The Hertford County Board of Commissioners conducted a special called meeting on Monday morning at which time they accepted Lowry’s letter of resignation.

That letter, a copy of which was provided to this newspaper, stated the resignation was effective at 9 a.m. on June 30 “with the understanding that the Board of Commissioners waives any ninety day notice requirement by me, and that I receive one month’s severance pay and benefits for the month of July, 2025 as well as any accumulated vacation leave, gap, and comp time.”

By accepting the letter, the commissioners agreed to those terms.

“Thank you for the support and opportunities that you have provided me with during my time with the county,” Lowry stated in the letter. “I will be able to assist during this, the seamless passing of my responsibilities to my successor.”

Lowry’s resignation letter did not reveal a reason for his sudden departure. County officials did not offer an explanation. The News-Herald left a message on Lowry’s personal mobile phone, but did not receive a response by 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Lowry’s employment contract with Hertford County listed an annual salary of $137,500 plus benefits, to include paying his health insurance premiums and the use of a county-owned vehicle.

His first day on the job in Hertford County was Aug. 1, 2024. Prior to that he was the Town Manager in Grifton, located south of Greenville.

“Sincere thanks and appreciation are expressed to Mr. Lowry for service to Hertford County,” said Andre` M. Lassiter, Sr., chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners. “During his tenure, Mr. Lowry provided a variety of administrative and managerial services to the county, working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders including elected officials, community leaders and members of the public. The county is grateful for his dedication and hard work. The very best is wished for Manager Lowry in his future endeavors.”

Also at Monday’s meeting, the commissioners named William P. Shanahan, Jr. as the Interim County Manager. Shanahan will also serve as the county’s Interim Finance Director until the new Finance Director commences employment on July 7.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. William P. Shanahan, Jr. to Hertford County,” said Lassiter. “He brings the leadership and experiences we need to guide Hertford County through its next chapter. We are confident in his ability to work with our staff and the community to ensure a smooth transition while addressing challenges and opportunities facing Hertford County.”

As approved by the commissioners on Monday, Shanahan’s terms of employment with Hertford County local government calls for him to serve from June 30 until Sept. 30, with a possible extension to Dec. 31 if agreeable by both parties.

He agreed to work 30 hours per week at rate of $70 per hour. Hertford County will reimburse Shanahan up to a maximum of $300 per week to cover lodging expenses. He will also receive the prevailing IRS rate (70 cents per mile) for mileage for any duties and responsibilities required for the position, but not for commuting expenses to and from Winton.

Shanahan previously served as Town Manager in Newport, NC where he successfully implementing a process to address and rectify three years’ worth of missed audits.

He holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from City University, Bellevue, Washington State, and a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Shanahan has 20+ years in both county and municipal government with experience working with finance, planning, public works, and emergency services.

“We welcome Interim County Manager Shanahan to his new roles and look forward to his contributions to our county. He will serve in this role until a full-time County Manager is appointed,” noted Lassiter.