CAMBRIDGE — With a newly-hired county manager set to begin Monday, May 20, the Dorchester County Council and county employees acknowledged and thanked Jeff Powell at a council meeting May 14 for serving in the role of interim county manager.
Powell, who was previously on the County Council from 1994 to 1998, took on the role of interim county manager in January 2023.
Before leading a standing ovation for Powell, County Council President Lenny Pfeffer talked about Powell’s leadership. Pfeffer said Powell joined the county at a challenging time and led the way toward stability.
“I don’t know how we can repay him for all the stuff that he’s done,” Pfeffer said. “Not too many people want to jump onto a sinking ship.”
Council member Ricky Travers said that when the current council took office, “it was a mess.”
“But that young man over there had vision and still has vision,” Travers said about Powell. “Every time I talk to him, I’m just awed at how he can connect the dots.”
Council member William Nichols, who served on the County Council when Powell did, said it’s been a pleasure working with Powell for the second time.
“If you could stay, I’d like to see you stay,” Nichols said. “But I understand.”
County employees also expressed their thanks to Powell during the meeting. The county’s Economic Development Director Susan Banks said she has been with the county for 10 years, and when Powell came in, he quickly made changes “that everyone felt.”
“You will be missed big time,” she said.
Airport Director Steve Nuwer thanked Powell for the respect and opportunities he has given him. Nuwer said he’s witnessed Powell make tough decisions that aren’t always popular.
“But you get down to the reason for the decision that you made, and it’s the right thing to do,” Nuwer said.
Finance Director Karen Tolley thanked Powell for not being afraid to “take the hard punches” when it comes to making those unpopular decisions. She talked about Powell’s ability to listen to any employee, no matter the time.
“You don’t always get that higher up,” she said, later adding, “The reason is you want us to do the best job possible.”
At the meeting, Powell expressed his appreciation.
“I can’t leave here and not call out the people that work for this county,” he said. “Especially the department heads. And Sandra Tripp-Jones, who’s been an incredible help to me as we move this rock a little bit up the hill. But sincerely, thank you.”
Powell said the county is in better shape, but there is still a lot of work to do. He said he thinks Jerry Jones, who has been named the next county manager, is the right person to take the job.
“I’ve talked to Jerry a couple times,” Powell said. “I’ve told him that I’ll be readily available where ever he needs, transition-wise.”
Jones, who was appointed to the role by the county council, previously served as secretary and as superintendent of the Maryland State Police under former Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration.
At the meeting, Council Vice President Mike Detmer read a quote from a 1998 newspaper article. The quote, a statement made by a county official, talked about the progress the county has made with its new comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. It said the county needs to expand its efforts to “protect productive farmland” and keep growth near population centers that have central water and sewer services.
“So that’s something, Mr. Powell, that you said in 1998 that is just as apt today as it’s ever been,” Detmer said before expressing his appreciation for Powell’s efforts in the county manager role.
“Thank you for stepping up to the plate,” Detmer said.
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