The Person County Manager’s Office is responsible for carrying out the goals and directives of the Board of Commissioners, implementing the policies of the Board of Commissioners, collaboratively managing the various County departments, providing oversight of the day-to-day operations of County Government, and developing and monitoring an annual operating budget.
 
Under State law, the County Commissioners appoint a County Manager as the chief administrator or chief executive for all departments under the Commissioner’s authority. The County Manager supervises County officials and department heads, except those elected by the people, and assists in the supervision of the County’s employees. The County Manager submits a recommended annual budget as well as a capital improvement plan to the Board of County Commissioners, develops policies for the operation of the government, and works with other community partners. 
 
The County Commissioners appointed Katherine Cathey as the County Manager effective October 4, 2022. She had served as Assistant County Manager since 2020. Cathey earned an undergraduate degree in public policy studies from Duke University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from North Carolina State University. She previously served as the Human Resources Director and Town Clerk for the Town of Hillsborough and worked in the departments of human resources and budget for Orange County.


Brian Hart began his service to Person County as Assistant County Manager in January 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from South Carolina State University, a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Middle Georgia College and State University. Hart previously served as the Library Director for Forsyth County and has also served in leadership roles in the City of Greensboro and Mecklenburg County. 

Michele Solomon was appointed as Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and Executive Assistant to the County Manager effective September 1, 2023. A graduate of Person High School, Solomon worked in the healthcare industry prior to joining Person County Government in 2012. Since joining the County, she has served in numerous roles at the Department of Social Services and as a Planning Technician for the County’s Planning & Zoning Department. The position of Clerk to the Board is required by NC General Statutes. 

Kim Strickland joined the staff in May 2023 as Person County's first Public Information Officer. With a background in communications, media & public relations, and government administration, she previously served as Public Information Officer for two North Carolina municipalities, the Town of Mooresville and the Town of Huntersville. Strickland earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Campbell University and a Certificate in Municipal Administration from UNC Chapel Hill's School of Government.