Talbot County, Maryland

11/12/2020

Category: County Manager’s Office County Council

The Talbot County Council has been notified of the December 31, 2020 retirement of Andrew Hollis and is pleased to announce the appointment of Clay Stamp as County Manager effective January 1, 2021. Mr. Stamp previously had served in the position in an interim basis, and now serves in the position of Director of County Emergency Services and Assistant County Manager. It is the consensus of all five Council members that the experience he brings to the position is extensive and will be of great value as the County Council moves forward with its initiatives. In addition to his previous time as County Manager, Mr. Stamp spent 27 years as the Emergency Management Director in Ocean City, Maryland. He has also served in several senior level State positions in emergency management and homeland security.

County Council President Corey Pack commented that he has spent many years working with Mr. Stamp, both as the County Manager and Emergency Services Director, and appreciates the knowledge and experience that Mr. Stamp will provide. “Clay’s demeanor, attitude, and approach to day-to-day operations will serve the Council, the County, and its employees well. He will assist the Council as it deals with a variety of challenges in the years to come, in both the budgetary and legislative arenas.” President Pack notes that, “The budgetary responsibility of the County Council is one of its most important functions. Clay has been a part of a number of previous budget processes, and that historical knowledge will be invaluable. In general, Clay’s past service, as both County Manager and Director of Emergency Services/Assistant County Manager, will allow this Council to continue moving forward with the job of doing the people’s business.”

Regarding his appointment as County Manager, Mr. Stamp is eager to begin the work of assisting the Council and the citizens of the county. Mr. Stamp states “I am most appreciative of this opportunity given me by the County Council. It is both a privilege and an honor to step back into the position of County Manager to serve the citizens of Talbot County. This Council is a group of dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic individuals who work for the betterment of the county. I again appreciate the opportunity to be a part of it.” Mr. Stamp also notes that the quality of County department heads is second to none, and that it is a privilege to again work with them in providing public service of the highest level.

“Andy Hollis has done a terrific job as County Manager, and has set the bar high with his team’s many accomplishments. I look forward to working with Andy and the department heads in what I anticipate will be a very smooth transition as the new County Manager.”

The Council would be remiss if it did not acknowledge the contributions of Andy Hollis, during his 17 years as County Manager. Council President Pack observes that “Andy’s efforts have made our job all the easier, and his counsel has been greatly appreciated. He has gone above and beyond in fulfillment of his duties. The Council wishes him all the best as he closes this chapter in county government and enters the nonprofit sector.”

Per the Talbot County Charter, the County Manager is appointed on the basis of education and professional experience in executive and administrative affairs, and is the chief administrative officer of the County. Under the direction of the Council, the County Manager directs and supervises the administration of all agencies of the County government, except as otherwise provided by Charter or by law. Mr. Stamp will begin his duties in this capacity on January 1, 2021.