BUCKHANNON – Assistant county administrator Tabatha Perry will be taking over county administrator Carrie Wallace’s position in May.

Wallace is stepping down to take another job in town that will let her spend more time with her young children, and the three commissioners all said she will be greatly missed.

“Before I make this motion to approve Carrie’s resignation, I wanted to make a statement,” Upshur County Commissioner Terry Cutright said. “Carrie, you and I started at the same time, so we pretty much learned our positions together. I know I used to tease you and say you were the best administrator I ever worked with — and yes, the only one — but in all honesty, you are.”

He said everyone at the courthouse will miss Wallace.

“The commission is going to miss you, the other elected officials and supervisors and employees in the courthouse are going to miss you,” Cutright said. “I don’t think they’ve ever had an administrator that had their back and their interests at heart. No matter where you go or what you want to do, you’re going to succeed in life. We meet people that make a lasting impression, and Carrie, you’re one of them. You’ve made me a better person. Thank you.”

Upshur County Commissioner Sam Nolte said he learned a lot from Wallace over the years.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you,” Nolte said. “You were in your 20s when I started, and it’s funny, 15 years separate us and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from you over the last several years. It has just definitely been a pleasure.”

Nolte said Wallace’s performance has been recognized across the state.

“I appreciate your efforts — trying to make sure everyone felt comfortable, whether it’s us, the supervisors, elected officials, employees or other relationships throughout the state,” he said. “You really have an incredible reputation. I definitely wish you well, and I know you will do a tremendous job wherever you go.”

Upshur County Commission President Kristie Tenney said she was sad to see Wallace go, but also happy for her.

“You are professional, kind and you go above and beyond,” Tenney said. “We are going to miss you, but we’re excited for you and wish you the best.”

Cutright made the motion to accept Wallace’s resignation and to appoint Perry as her successor.

“I would not have been able to accomplish anything that I’ve done in the last seven years without you, Tabatha, truly,” Wallace told her assistant.

The motion passed unanimously and will go into effect on May 1.

“Since we are having Tabatha fill that position May 1, we could have a special meeting on Monday to be able to post the position for the assistant county administrator,” Tenney added.