Beaufort County official quietly named himself acting CFO before new boss’ first day
Editor’s note: This story was updated to correct that while John Robinson’s role with the finance department was not discussed in a meeting of the county council, it was discussed at a committee meeting that was open to the public, and also to include more comments from county spokesperson Hannah Nichols.
Beaufort County’s finances, under siege and investigation for past abuses, is currently being led by an administrator apparently with little financial background.
How John Robinson, an assistant county administrator who served in the county’s top position after the firing of former county administrator Eric Greenway, got in the position is emblematic of the issues that have long dogged the county.
Robinson, in his final days being in charge, named himself to the position even though new county administrator Michael Moore was set to soon start. No announcement of Robinson’s move was made during council meetings, although county spokesperson Hannah Nichols says Robinson did say at the June 17 Economic Development Committee Meeting that “he will handle approvals and support the finance staff until a permanent CFO is found.”
By naming himself acting CFO instead of interim CFO, Robinson did not need anyone’s approval to make the change.
Robinson, who did not return phone calls for comment, does not benefit financially from the added responsibilities, but the move raises questions as to why someone experienced within the county’s finance department was not tapped for the duties after the resignation of former CFO Denise Christmas, and why Robinson did not wait for Moore to structure the department the way he saw fit.
Moore, for his part, said he supported the move, calling Robinson a “good temporary” replacement, explaining that in his assessment, there was not a succession plan or obvious replacement when Christmas departed.
Moore pointed to Robinson’s past in public administration and working through the budget process as interim administrator earlier this year as qualifications to fill the temporary role. “I’m comfortable with him in the position at this point, but obviously I want to get a long-term CFO hired,” he said.
Nichols noted that at the June committee meeting, Council Member Mark Lawson thanked Robinson for taking on the extra duties.
According to the county’s job listing, the requirements for the CFO position are a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, 10 years of local government accounting and finance management work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A short bio of Robinson posted on the county’s website when he was hired as an assistant administrator does not detail any financial experience he may have.
Along with the duties of CFO, Robinson will continue to serve in the role of Assistant Administrator of Public Safety. When asked why Robinson chose himself for the job, county spokesperson Hannah Nichols said it was “mainly because someone had to do it.”
Moore confirmed that hiring a CFO is still a top priority, saying he wished he had one hired sooner. Currently, Moore is interviewing candidates for the position. “I’m trying to get the right folks in position so (Robinson) can get back to his normal duties of public safety,” he said.
His change in duties only came to light after Robinson was listed as Interim CFO on the agenda for a specially called meeting of the county finance committee.
Nichols told the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette that acting CFO was the more accurate title. This distinction is important because an interim position would require a contract be signed. When asked about the discrepancy, the clerk to council’s staff said they were asked to use interim CFO in the agenda.
In her resignation letter, former CFO Christmas stressed the importance of the position and the qualifications needed to succeed.
“This position is a specialty position and requires more than just a body who knows accounting. This person must know governmental accounting and how county government works - they should be required to have county, municipal, or state government finance experience,” she wrote.
This story was originally published August 14, 2024 at 2:34 PM.
