In a letter to the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, County Manager Bonnie Hammersley announced she would retire effective July 17, 2024. Hammersley has led Orange County Government for the past 10 years.
“I am proud to have played a part in the work that has been accomplished over the past ten years, such as the construction of the Northern Campus, the Southern Branch Library, recent progress on the Greene Tract and collaboration with the Towns and the School Districts on many important projects,” she said. “But the achievement I am most proud of is the opportunity to work together with the employees as we experienced an unprecedented event, the pandemic. The dedication and commitment was evident every day as we served Orange County residents at a time when the need was greatest. These efforts could not have been realized without the vigorous dedication and commitment from the Board and county employees.”
Hammersley was appointed Orange County Manager on June 25, 2014. She came to Orange County after serving in similar roles in Muskegon County, Mich., and Dane County, Wis. She will leave behind a legacy that includes 36 years of progressive leadership in providing customer-friendly and cost-effective services.
“I've learned so much from Manager Hammersley during my time on the Board,” said Jamezetta Bedford, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. “Bonnie has helped the county grow in the areas of equity and service to our community. She's steered Orange County well these past 10 years and especially through the pandemic. As the BOCC has just adopted our first Climate Action Plan, an updated Lands Legacy Plan, A School Facilities Plan and our first county-wide Strategic Plan, while fully underway on the comprehensive plan Land Use 2050 update, she will leave us in a very good state. We are going to miss her leadership and integrity and truly wish her all the best in retirement.”
Bonnie graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Business Administration from Edgewood College in Madison, Wis. She completed the School of Government Municipal and County Administration program at the University of North Carolina and has completed numerous executive and leadership programs throughout her professional career.