Commission removes ‘interim’ tag after 18 months

After more than a year and a half, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners has decided to remove the “interim” label from its top official.

Jack Krakeel was approved as the county administrator at the board’s Nov. 5 meeting.

Commission Chairman Jack Smith said he had the utmost confidence in Krakeel.

“Jack Krakeel has more than 30 years experience in local government,” Smith said. “He understands the nuances of personnel issues, he works well with the Board of Commissioners, he has solid relationships within our community, and he has indeed served the taxpayers of Fayette County effectively, not only in the past 18 months, but during the many years he led our public safety division.”

Krakeel joined Fayette County’s employment in 1984 when he was hired as Assistant to the Director of Fire and Emergency Services. Since 1994, he has been at the helm of the department, which includes Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Management. In 2003, his position became known as the Director of Public Safety, with added management responsibilities for E-911 Communications, Animal Control and the Marshals’ Department. In April 2007, County Commissioners asked Krakeel to serve as Interim County Administrator, upon the departure of Chris Venice, then serving as county administrator.

Krakeel said he is honored to be able to serve the community.

“Fayette County has been an extraordinary place to live, work and to raise my family. It is a great honor for me to know that I can continue to serve its people. I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and all our departments as we continue to strive to provide effective and efficient services to the county’s taxpayers.”