County Administrator
County Administrator Rachel McEneny
McEneny joined Benton County on October 2, 2023. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effective leadership in various administrative roles. Notably, she served the City of Albany, New York, for seven years. McEneny’s career in public service includes serving as the Budget Director and later as the Commissioner of Administrative Services. Her contributions have been influential in improving efficiency and governance within the city.
Prior to her time in Albany, McEneny served as the Director of Public Affairs for the New York State Department of Labor/Workers Compensation Board and as the Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Experience at the state level equipped her with a broad understanding of complex administrative challenges and solutions.
McEneny’s ability to create positive working relationships is evident throughout her career, including her time as the Director of Communications for the Albany County District Attorney and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Political Science from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Purchase College, SUNY. She is also a distinguished graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Contact the County Administrator McEneny at rachel.mceneny@bentoncountyor.gov or 541-766-6800.
County Administrator role
The County Administrator is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for managing County operations. County Administration is responsible for assuring County functions are carried out efficiently.
County Administrator responsibilities
- Direct and manage department directors, internal business support functions, and assign staff to assure alignment with commissioner priorities.
- Responsible for personnel management (in consultation with the Board of Commissioners), such as hiring, establishing goals, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and dismissals.
- Explore and evaluate strategic opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Establish standards and performance measures for County organizational improvement.
- Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, integration, and communication.
- Oversee the development and administration of policies, procedures, programs, goals, and objectives.
- Oversee labor negotiations.
- Advise on and implement commissioners’ strategic planning, policy and program priorities, and objectives.
- Oversee implementation of countywide strategic planning activities.