Spartanburg County releases names of all finalists in administrator search

The six finalists to be Spartanburg County's next administrator were all county-level executives from across South Carolina.

The top two — Cole Alverson, Spartanburg County's interim deputy administrator, and Laurens County Administrator John Caine — should expect "intensive interviews" Monday during an executive session held by the Spartanburg County Council at 4 p.m., Councilman David Britt said.

The other four finalists were Timothy Callanan, Berkeley County deputy supervisor of administration and chief financial officer; Vic Carpenter, Kershaw County administrator; Ashley Jacobs, Aiken County administrator; and William Shanahan, York County manager.

The county released the names of Alverson and Caine on Thursday. But state law requires public bodies to release no fewer than three finalists.

Citing case law — the Herald-Journal sued Spartanburg School District 7 over the same matter 15 years ago, and the state Supreme Court sided with the newspaper — the Herald-Journal requested the names of all six finalists. The county complied on Friday.

Longtime S.C. Press Association Attorney Jay Bender said the reason state law requires public bodies to release the names of candidates for jobs is to allow the public to comment on those seeking the job. It's unclear if Spartanburg County Council plans to invite any public comment on the hiring process.

Council received more than 100 applications for its county administrator position. The next administrator will succeed interim administrator Jim Hipp, who is filling in after Katherine O'Neill resigned in July.

Britt said Friday night the interview process has been extensive and the county is working to find the best fit.

"A lot of work has gone into where we are at now," Britt said. "We want to select someone who is a good partner with us."

County Council Vice Chairman Bob Walker said the council may decide to vote Monday in open session after the interviews are completed.

"As of right now, we don't know if we will have a vote, but the option is there," Walker said. "If we decided we can vote, we will do it. There is nothing prohibiting us from having a vote. It will be based on the will of the council members on how to proceed."