Ashe Mountain Times

Tuesday morning, Ashe County Manager Pat Mitchell announced the hiring of new County Planner Adam Stumb, effective Dec. 17. 

"Adam has experience with ordinance and code administration, code enforcement, grant management and plat and subdivision review documents," Mitchell said. "He holds a BA degree in Geography and Planning from UNC Greensboro, and has attended multiple courses in planning and management at the UNC School of Government." 

Since 2003, Stumb has served as the Planning Director for Trinity, NC in Randolph County. 

Stumb replaces former Ashe County Director of Planning Zach Edwardson who resigned on Sept. 17, and will earn $41,019 according to Mitchell. 

The interview team consisting of Mitchell, Ashe County Flood Plain Administrator Patty Gambill, Building Inspections Administrative Assistant Lisa Absher, and Ashe County Human Resources Officer Angie Eggers received 32 applications and ultimately interviewed six candidates. 

"We were all looking at various aspects because all of us will work closely with the planning office," said Mitchell. "(Adam) was our top choice because of his experience, personality, the questions that he asked and the fact that he was very excited to come to Ashe County.”

Mitchell said Stumb and his wife grew up in Watauga County and both graduated from Watauga County High School. 

"It's almost coming home for them, and they're excited," said Mitchell. "In department heads, I want somebody that has a vested interest in the community, that really cares about what happens - that is not just a position to them. We're looking forward to Adam starting.”