Hilton Head town manager withdraws as candidate for this Beaufort County job

Hilton Head town manager Steve Riley withdrew his name from the search for a new Beaufort County administrator, according to multiple sources.

Rick Caporale, a Beaufort County Council member, said Friday he was informed of Riley’s decision to withdraw from the search.

“I wasn’t told it was confidential. I assume it’s not, and why should it be?” he said. “It’s gotten to be a bit of a soap opera with the Hilton Head Town Council.”

Caporale said he did not know why Riley withdrew from the search. Riley on Friday declined to comment.

Also Friday, Beaufort County released the names of the final three candidates for county administrator Friday afternoon. Riley was not among them. The three named finalists include acting county administrator Josh Gruber.

Gruber, along with candidates Daniel Alfonso and Anthony McDonald, will be interviewed Oct. 4 behind closed doors, according to the agenda for a work session of council.

Beaufort County leaders have been tight-lipped about the search to replace Gary Kubic, whose last day as the county administrator was Friday. Several council members said previously they would be in favor of involving the public in the hiring process in some way.

Multiple sources previously said Riley was a candidate for the job. His employment situation with Hilton Head is expected to be discussed publicly for the first time at Tuesday’s regular Town Council meeting.

This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 12:31 PM with the headline "Hilton Head town manager withdraws as candidate for this Beaufort County job."