The Person County Manager’s Office is responsible for carrying out the goals and directives of the Board of Commissioners, implementing the policies of the Board of Commissioners, collaboratively managing the various County departments, providing oversight of the day-to-day operations of County Government, and developing and monitoring an annual operating budget.
 
Under State law, the County Commissioners appoint a County Manager as the chief administrator or chief executive for all departments under the Commissioner’s authority. The County Manager supervises County officials and department heads, except those elected by the people, and assists in the supervision of the County’s employees. The County Manager submits a recommended annual budget as well as a capital improvement plan to the Board of County Commissioners, develops policies for the operation of the government, and works with other community partners. 
 
The County Commissioners appointed Katherine Cathey as the County Manager effective October 4, 2022. She had served as Assistant County Manager since 2020. Cathey earned an undergraduate degree in public policy studies from Duke University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from North Carolina State University. She previously served as the Human Resources Director and Town Clerk for the Town of Hillsborough and worked in the departments of human resources and budget for Orange County.