Joel Smith hired as county administrator

The Miami County commissioners have hired Joel Smith as county administrator following the departure of Michael Clarey.

Smith previously was the county emergency management agency director,

In his resignation, Clarey wrote he was honored to serve the county during the past 4.5 years, three of which were as an administrator. The departure was “driven by the need to focus fully on my family and my personal well-being.”

“The Board is confident in Joel Smith’s appointment. He brings experience, steadiness, and a practical approach that fits what the county needs right now. We feel good about the direction and about his ability to work well with staff, elected officials, and the public,” said Commission President Wade Westfall. Smith served as interim administrator following the resignation.

Smith previously was the county Emergency Services director. He will be paid $120,000 a year and receive four weeks of vacation.