Prineville, Ore. – The Crook County Board of Commissioners formally selected Will Van Vactor as the new Crook County Manager on Wednesday. Van Vactor had been serving as the interim manager, but previously served as the Community Development Director for the county.
The decision came after countless meetings held by the commissioners during executive sessions. On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to finalize Van Vactor’s appointment during a public portion of its work session meeting.
According to a press release from the county, Van Vactor played key part in promoting cooperation and driving results for Crook County — making significant progress in developing partnerships and enhancing operational efficiencies.
“His efforts have garnered widespread respect both within the county organization and across the community,” read the statement.
Commissioner Susan Hermreck expressed confidence in Van Vactor’s leadership, explaining, “Will’s established record of fostering collaboration and building consensus in Community Development will be crucial as we address the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” stated Hermreck.
“I’m excited for Will; he is deeply committed to the community and has a robust understanding of how Crook County operates, having been with us for several years,” noted Commissioner Brian Barney.
Van Vactor will soon be tasked with finding a replacement for his previous position as Community Development Director. Current Assistant County Counsel John Eisler was revealed to have potential interest in the position, which came about after Eisler declared a conflict of interest as required by Oregon’s Ethics Laws, requesting the commissioners to recuse him from the hiring process.
“I’m thrilled about Will taking on this new position. He has excelled as Interim Manager, and I think he will do a great job,” explained Commissioner Seth Crawford.
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Van Vactor also made a statement expressing his excitement: “I appreciate the opportunity to serve Crook County in this capacity. I look forward to working with the Commissioners, County staff, and community stakeholders to ensure we continue moving forward effectively as a community.”
In a brief Friday afternoon interview with the Prineville Review, Van Vactor expanded on his feelings.
“I’m honored to be selected for this position and I’m really excited to get to continue to work with and for the community here in Crook County. Being the first permanent county manager carries a lot of responsibility,” Van Vactor said.
“The county manager role will ultimately free up the commissioners to focus on policy and funding questions — some of the bigger picture issues that are facing our community and I’m hoping I can take off some of that day-to-day work that historically rested with the County Commissioners and Judge.”
Van Vactor was appointed into the interim position back in May at the end of a contract with Andy Parks’ who was serving as a contracted county manager. The County decided earlier this year to transition from having one of three commissioners who was a county “judge” in charge of administrative operations. The move puts Crook County’s government inline with a vast majority of other Oregon counties.
Van Vactor explained that among the bigger picture and longer term goals, one of the short terms tasks he and other staff have involves repurposing the areas of the old courthouse for county offices to ensure an efficient working space and openness for citizens.
Crook County Circuit Court staff with the Oregon Judicial Department have completed a move to the new Crook County Justice Center which combined County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, and Circuit Court.
