Pete Austin, McHenry County’s administrator for more than 20 years, told the county board on Dec. 16 that he will leave the organization in about 2½ weeks and thanked elected officials and staff for their support.

Austin said recent activities, including an emergency‑management tabletop exercise on severe snow response, reminded him why he values county service. He described the organization as "in good hands" and said he looked forward to the success of the next county administrator.

Board members and staff offered sustained remarks praising Austin’s leadership through major events, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, and credited him with cultivating cross‑agency collaboration. “You are one of the best, and one of the best I’ve ever come across,” one colleague said during a roast and tribute segment.

Austin also acknowledged staff and his spouse Jennifer, said he and his wife have plans that require a more flexible schedule, and thanked the board for the opportunity to serve. He closed by thanking members who helped with the employee holiday party and wishing colleagues happy holidays.

What’s next: The meeting did not set a public timeline for the county’s administrator search; board members expressed confidence that the organization was well positioned for a transition.