McDowell leadership changes follow special meeting

Commissioners approved Wooten’s resignation, appointed Kehler and Frye, and accepted unspecified adjustments after closed session.

McDowell County commissioners approved two leadership appointments during an Oct. 1 special meeting, naming Will Kehler interim county manager and Maggie Effler Frye register of deeds.

The board also accepted former County Manager Ashley Wooten’s resignation and separation agreement. Later, commissioners approved unspecified “adjustments” following a closed session, without explaining their substance in the recorded motion.

The county’s meeting recording shows commissioners approving Wooten’s resignation and separation agreement together at the beginning of the meeting. The motion carried by voice vote, with no opposition audible.

Commissioners did not describe the agreement’s financial terms during that portion of the public meeting.

The board then approved Kehler’s appointment, also by voice vote with no audible opposition. He subsequently took the oath of office as interim county manager.

Kehler, previously the county’s emergency services director, agreed to postpone his planned retirement at the end of October and continue serving for an additional 120 days while commissioners search for a permanent manager.

The county manager oversees daily administration, supervises departments and implements commissioners’ policies. The manager also works with the finance officer to develop and present the annual county budget, according to the county’s description of the position.

Commissioners approved Frye’s bond before appointing her register of deeds and proceeding with her swearing-in.

The bond approval followed a procedural correction. As the board began discussing the swearing-in, a commissioner raised a point of order that the bond needed approval first. Commissioners approved the bond, then approved Frye’s appointment.

Frye took two oaths, pledging to uphold the federal and state constitutions and faithfully carry out the duties of the office. She later administered oaths to an assistant register of deeds and deputy registers.

The register of deeds maintains real estate and vital records, records and indexes documents, issues marriage licenses, and provides certified copies of birth and death records. The office also assists veterans with recording military discharge documents, according to the county website.

In a separate Oct. 1 statement, the county said,

"The McDowell County Board of Commissioners has appointed Emergency Services Director Will Kehler to serve as Interim County Manager. Kehler has agreed to postpone his planned retirement at the end of October and continue serving McDowell County for an additional 120 days while the Board conducts its search for a permanent County Manager. Effective immediately, Emergency Services Deputy Director Adrienne Jones will assume the role of Emergency Services Director previously held by Kehler.

Kehler has served McDowell County for 28 years in multiple capacities and has been a department head for the past 19 years. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong understanding of local government operations and has emphasized servant leadership, accountability, and exceptional customer service to the residents of McDowell County.

As Emergency Services Director, he has led the county through numerous emergencies and disasters, including the historic response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

“My love for this community and the employees of this organization led me to make the decision to postpone my planned retirement and continue serving during this transition,” Kehler said. “I am committed to supporting our employees, ensuring they have the resources they need to serve our residents, and providing stability and continuity while the Board conducts its search for a permanent County Manager."

McDowell County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tony Brown expressed the Board’s confidence in Kehler’s appointment.

“The Board has full confidence in Will Kehler to lead the organization through this period of transition,” Brown said. “His steady leadership through the years, and especially since Hurricane Helene, is a testament to his commitment to McDowell County.”

Kehler will serve as Interim County Manager while the Board of Commissioners moves forward with the process of selecting a permanent County Manager.

Former Manager Ashley Wooten submitted his resignation on Monday, September 28, 2026. Wooten joined McDowell County in 2003 and became County Manager in 2015.

"The Commissioners appreciate Mr. Wooten's service to McDowell County over the last 23 years," said Tony Brown, Chairman of the McDowell County Board of

Commissioners. "His commitment to this county and its residents has been evident throughout his career. On behalf of the Board, we wish him well on his next chapter."

"I am thankful to have worked alongside so many dedicated public servants throughout my career with McDowell County," said Wooten. "This community and the people who serve it have meant a great deal to me. I'm appreciative of all the opportunities I've been given, and I wish everyone the best."