SMETHPORT — Two of McKean County’s departments are looking for new leaders.
The director of veterans affairs, Zach Pearson, and the director of the planning department, Jeremy Morey, are leaving the county’s employment.
“In Zach’s case, he took a position within the state for veterans affairs,” explained Commissioner Tom Kreiner on Wednesday. “For Jeremy, he is moving into the private sector.”
Pearson has been with the county about five years, and Morey, about 12. He had worked for the probation department before moving to the planning office.
“As of this morning, there were at least seven (applications) for the veterans director position and two or three for the planning director,” Kreiner said.
Commissioner Carol Duffy added, “We are moving forward as quickly as possible.”
When the time frame for the advertisement for applications ends, “we’ll start with the interviews and get the positions filled as soon as possible.”
She added, “I certainly understand there are a lot of businesses having difficulties pulling in staff. I was pleased to see that many (applicants) for veterans.”
Duffy said she’d like to see more applicants for the planning director’s position, and added, “There’s also the possibility of in-house people applying for a position.”
Regarding Pearson and Morey, she said, “I appreciate what they have done. It’s hard to replace good people. When an opportunity presents itself for them, it’s certainly a good thing to see them better themselves. I wish them the best.”
For the veterans affairs position, a military background is strongly preferred.
Kreiner said the commissioners try to keep hiring local, but also advertise the positions on platforms like Indeed.
The veterans affairs director is responsible for assisting veterans and their families with various veterans programs, services and benefits available including widow’s pension, loans, the G.I. Bill, educational programs and pension. They process veterans discharge papers, verify and process payment for funeral benefits, coordinate activities with national programs like the U.S. Veterans Administration and provide information to the public on matters of concern to veterans.
The planning commission director manages the preparation of the county’s comprehensive plan, writes and administers grant applications, manages updates to plans, administers the county subdivision and land development ordinance and more.
A bachelor’s degree in planning or community development is preferred.
