CAO Hanes to start in Ellis County March 1, Kansas approves his contract

“I’m very grateful to Humboldt County for all the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow here over the past 10 years, and I look forward to this new opportunity," said Humboldt County CAO Phillip Smith Hanes:

" About an hour ago I received a phone call from the County Counselor from Ellis County, KS, informing me that their Board of County Commissioners had approved a contract for me to start work on March 1, 2016, as their new County Administrator. I will be submitting a letter of resignation to the Board of Supervisors here. It will be effective January 29. Tomorrow,we will go into closed session to discuss the process for replacing me. I have spoken with our HR Director and we have a time frame that we will outline for the Board. They will also need to discuss an appointment for Interim CAO (it is not possible to complete interviews by Jan. 29), but I don’t know whether they’ll get to that tomorrow or wait until after the first of the year."

Although, I did know the reason for Mr. Hanes leaving was personal, I did not include it in my original posts as it was his news to share when he was ready.

Supervisor Rex Bohn said,

"I am sorry to see Phil go but the idea that he is putting his family first and taking this job in Kansas where his parents are and to be in a better position to react and care for them as needed; I admire him for that. He will be missed and I appreciate all the help he has given me."

Supervisor Ryan Sundberg, "Phil has been a very good steward of our County budget, and has built an excellent team around him. He has been fiscally responsible and Humboldt County owes him a debt of gratitude. I wish him and his family all the best in the future."

Supervisor Virginia Bass echoed the kudos from Supervisors Sundberg and Bohn. "I know he has been wanting to go home for a while and return to his beloved Wildcats."

December 4 post:

THC was the first to report this news.
http://thclive.net/2015/11/18/county-cao-smith-hanes-bailing-for-the-mid-west/

I followed up and Mr. Hanes had not resigned at that time.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/11/philip-smith-hanes-has-not-resigned-as.html?m=1

Mr. Hanes did get another job in Kansas and will be starting that job on March 1, 2016.


His contract requires him to give a certain amount of notice. Mr. Hanes is expected to hand in a resignation soon and be around until at least February 2016.