CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (January 14, 2025) – During the Carteret County Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, the Board voted to appoint Sharon Griffin as the interim County Manager, effective immediately. The commissioners met in closed session and approved the action unanimously in open session. Griffin succeeds Tommy Burns, who is stepping down following more than eight years of service.

Griffin, who has served as Carteret County Attorney since March 2024, will continue in that capacity while assuming her new interim role. As interim County Manager, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of county government, working closely with the Board of Commissioners to manage and implement board policies and directives. Additionally, as interim County Manager, Griffin will take on the statutory responsibilities of budget officer, overseeing a budget that supports over 20 departments and agencies.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Griffin as the interim county manager. Her extensive experience in local government will provide steady leadership during this transition,” said Chairman Chris Chadwick.

Griffin brings a wealth of experience from her diverse career in public and private service. She previously served as Onslow County Manager for four years, and Deputy County Manager for more than two years, and was a law partner at Mewborn & DeSelms in Jacksonville, N.C. While County Manager in Onslow County, Griffin created and managed a budget of more than $324 million and a staff of 1300 employees, and successfully guided the county through hurricane response and recovery, while building the fund balance. Griffin previously worked for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and with the National Association of Counties. Her leadership experience extends to national, state, and local government entities. 

Griffin’s educational background includes earning her Juris Doctorate magna cum laude from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Radford University and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with honors from North Carolina State University. Additionally, Griffin is a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s program in Municipal & County Administration and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and is a certified North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Superior Court Mediator.

“I’m honored to step into the role of interim County Manager and continue to serve the citizens of Carteret County,” Griffin said. “During this transitional period, I hope to work closely with the Board of Commissioners to understand their goals and vision, and to lead our outstanding staff to implement those goals with integrity and enthusiasm.”

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