Durham board accepts county manager's resignation and appoints Claudia Hager as interim manager

Following closed sessions on Oct. 28, the Durham Board of County Commissioners announced several personnel and administrative actions. The board accepted the resignation of County Manager Dr. Kimberly Soell effective immediately and then appointed Claudia Hager as interim county manager to serve until a permanent manager is selected.

Chair read the motion accepting Dr. Soell's resignation and the board voted to approve it. The board then moved to appoint Acting County Manager Claudia Hager as interim county manager effective immediately; both motions passed with members responding "aye." The board also returned from closed session to authorize acquisition of easements related to Slater Road and the Page Park lift station, and approved a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment implemented July 8, 2024, for specific positions including the clerk to the board, sheriff, register of deeds and tax administrator. "I will now entertain a motion to accept the resignation of County Manager Doctor. Kimberly Soell effective immediately," the chair said during the post‑closed‑session announcements.

The board did not provide further public detail about the reasons for the resignation during the open meeting. Staff were authorized to execute purchase agreements and other documents to consummate the easement acquisitions; the interim manager appointment takes immediate effect.