Finance Director Helton Resigns In Favor Of Chamber Director Position

Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri and Resigning Finance Director Darrell Helton

Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri and Resigning Finance Director Darrell Helton
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton announced on Thursday that he would be leaving his current position to assume the helm at that Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this fall information was released that Helton was on the short list of candidates. Though the fiscal year is only half over, the finance office is in the process of preparing tax information for employees and Helton is confident that his move will not impact the process. The new Director of the Chamber of Commerce also sees the move as having little or no impact on legal issues that are pending with the finance office and with the Chamber of Commerce.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri and County Commission Chairman Carmichael both wished Helton well in his new endeavor.

Mayor Palmieri stated “I wish Darrell well and hate to see him go, as he changes career paths and heads to the Chamber of Commerce. We have had differing opinions on some issues but he has done an outstanding job for Jefferson County.”

Chairman Carmichael also wished Helton the best in his new position stating “Director Helton dedicated himself to the service of Jefferson County and I appreciate his efforts. This is a major turning point for Jefferson County and it is important that we choose the most qualified candidate to lead the County’s finance office. If we exercise patience in our search then we will be prepared to move forward for the betterment of Jefferson County.”

According to Mayor Palmieri, the Finance Committee will place the next Finance Director and advertisement for that position will be coming shortly. Helton’s first day with as CEO of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for January 2, 2015, nearly four years to the date that he took the lead position at the Jefferson County Finance Office. Helton stated “The most difficult part of leaving the finance office is leaving my current staff. They are hardworking, well trained and the County is fortunate to have such a high quality staff working with the daily finances of Jefferson County. It is high volume, intense work and they manage it well.”

Should a new Finance Director not be in place before Helton’s exit, the Deputy Director, Sherry Bledsoe, will be able to step in as interim.

Source: K. Depew, News Director