Dare

Outten Assumes Role as Dare Co. Manager

“With the variety and magnitude of services that Dare County provides its citizens, we could not afford to skip a beat,’’ commented Warren Judge, Chairman of the Dare County Commissioners. “That is why we were so fortunate to have a person of Bobby’s talents and background on staff and ready to go when Terry retired at the end of June.’’

Judge was referring to Bobby Outten assuming the duties of County Manager on July 1 after Terry Wheeler retired following 18 years in that position.

County Commissioners looked ahead a few years ago anticipating the change in leadership, hiring Outten in December 2007 as the fulltime County Attorney and Assistant County Manager. One year later, the Commissioners announced he would assume the duties of County Manager upon Wheeler’s retirement.

Outten earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina in 1979 and his law degree from Wake Forest in 1982.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Outten has lived in Dare County for 27 years with his wife Connie, a math teacher at First Flight Middle School. They have four children, ages 20 through 26.

Over the years in private law practice, Outten’s work gravitated toward representing local governments and people or businesses dealing with local government on a variety of issues. He made the decision to leave private practice and devote all of his time to government when the opportunity arose to work fulltime for the county.

“I felt the chemistry was right; I enjoy working with the Commissioners and County staff,’’ said Outten. “Also, the logic was clear. With complex issues facing our County such as the Beach Plan insurance issue and the beach closures at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, it seems ideal to have a person making decisions as a County Manager who is fully aware of all legal implications.’’

Outten has been an active volunteer and has served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for Parks and Recreation, assisted with the Babe Ruth World Series and CAA tournaments hosted by Dare County, chaired the local Babe Ruth League and coached for many years in the recreation program. He received the North Carolina Citizen Volunteer of the year for his work with Parks and Recreation. In addition, he was honored as recipient of the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s 2007 Champion Award.

Looking ahead, Outten says, “The plan is to maintain County services until the economy improves and continue to manage in a way that keeps us one of the top local governments in the state. We have a great staff and, if we allow staff to do their jobs, we will be able to meet the challenges and continue to provide excellent services for our residents and visitors.’’

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© 2009 NE NC News.