interviews for county administrator

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Pike County Commissioners interviewed their top seven candidates for the county administrator position Monday night.

A total of 17 people applied for the position vacated by Steve Hicks in February. The minimum salary is about $52,000.

In just over two hours, commissioners questioned the candidates on their experience, strengths and what they think a county administrator should be and do.

The first candidate, Don Corkran, is currently the managing director of World Championship Fishing, B.A.S.S., Inc. in Montgomery. He has been with that company for 11 years.

A native of Dothan, Corkran spent 22 years in the United States Army and has a master’s degree is public administration from Troy State University.

"I have the ability to listen to all people…and pull those people together in a consensus," Corkran said.

Debra Gibson is now employed by the Pike County Commission as chief financial officer.

It is her knowledge of Pike County’s budget, she said, that makes her a good candidate for the position of county administrator.

"I already know what you are doing," Gibson told commissioners, adding she understands the county’s goals and what it will take to achieve them.

John McVay of Ramer was the third individual questioned by commissioners.

The Troy native graduated from Charles Henderson High School in 1966 and Troy State University. He has bachelor’s degrees in business administration and English/history and a master’s in business administration.

He said his three strengths that would make him a good county administrator are: Attention to detail, knowledge of the county and propensity to learn.

"My job would be to get things done," McVay said.

Wilson Mobley of Jack has been the Coffee County administrator for 12 years and has served as president of the Alabama County Administrators Association.

He said his knowledge of county government, ability to work with others and dedication make him the ideal person for the position of Pike County administrator.

Harry Sanders of Brundidge has been employed with Sony Magnetic Products since 1979.

The Goshen native is a Troy State graduate who said his strengths are his management experience, working in industry and knowledge of Pike County.

Mark Tyner is currently the city clerk and treasurer for the city of Hartselle, a position he has held since March 2000.

To him a county administrator would follow up on the decisions made by the commission.

He has a master’s in public administration from the University of Alabama.

Norvelle Ward was the final candidate interviewed Monday night.

Ward, the former administrative assistant of Brundidge, is a computer consultant with his own company, Komplete Komputer, LLC.

The Mobile native is a TSU graduate who believes his three greatest strengths are being a good communicator, already known by many in Pike County and an honest person.

Commission Chairman Willie Thomas said the commission does not want to "rush" a decision in choosing the next county administrator, but is "moving as fast as we can" to fill the vacancy.