County to consider hiring Developmental Associates for manager search; firm says 9‑ to 10‑week timeline, $25k–$27k estimated cost

Steve Strauss of Developmental Associates described his firm’s executive recruitment approach to the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners at the Jan. 5 work session, explaining the process they use for county manager and other executive searches.

Strauss said their approach begins with an organizational analysis (job analysis), stakeholder input (board, staff, optionally public focus groups or surveys), drafting an electronic brochure and a 30‑day recruitment period. The firm conducts a first screening meeting with the board, phone interviews and structured candidate ratings, then a second screening meeting to narrow finalists to about five and proceed to screening interviews. Unique to their method, Strauss described a two‑day skills assessment including written assignments, coaching exercises and meeting facilitation conducted by trained assessors, followed by emotional‑intelligence inventories. He estimated a nine‑week timeframe from kickoff to appointment.

When commissioners asked about cost, Strauss said the expense would be around "$27.06" and later clarified a $25.05 fixed cost plus variable costs up to $2,100 for emotional‑intelligence inventories and a $350 coaching session; commissioners discussed whether those figures were fixed or variable and how internal candidates would be accommodated. Commissioner Patrick recommended the firm based on prior work in Harrisburg and noted a one‑year placement guarantee clause in the proposal packet.

After Q&A the board discussed timing for formal approval and public input; commissioners ultimately directed staff to put the recruitment contract on the Jan. 20 action agenda to allow public notice and comment rather than voting today.