Randy R. Keaton has been named the next county administrator for Isle of Wight County. The board of supervisors made the announcement at the end of its meeting last week. Keaton takes office effective Thursday, Sept. 1.

“Mr. Keaton is a strong professional with significant experience in budget and finance, debt financing, development and management of inter-local agreements, regional collaboration, economic development, water and sewer system development and operation and solid waste management planning,” the board stated.

Keaton’s professional experience includes 33 years of public service in county government and regional planning.

Since 2013, Keaton has been the deputy executive director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. He served as the county manager of Pasquotank County, N.C., for 26 years, and has worked as county manager and finance officer of Perquimans County, N.C., as well as register of deeds, budget officer, and clerk to the board of Camden County, N.C.

Keaton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Old Dominion University and has completed coursework in county administration at the University of North Carolina School of Government.

During the meeting, board chairman Rex Alphin read a statement from Keaton, who was unable to attend: “Please convey to the rest of the board how honored I am to be chosen tonight as Isle of Wight’s next county administrator.”

Serving as the assistant county administrator is Donald T. “Don” Robertson, who began his duties starting on July 1.

Robertson’s professional experience includes more than 26 years of public service in Isle of Wight County, including service as assistant to the county administrator, assistant county administrator/director of human resources, assistant county administrator/operations and director of information resources and legislative affairs.

His educational background includes a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies from Virginia Tech. He is also a graduate of the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School and Smithfield High School.

The departments of Information Technology, Inspections, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Zoning and Tourism will report to him. Robertson will continue to serve as the county’s public information officer.