Warren County has a new assistant county administrator and a new economic development director, but the county's top administrative job remains open.

The Warren County Board of Commissioners voted 2-0 on Oct. 27 to appoint Ray Dratt as assistant county administrator and Matthew Fields as director of economic development, according to county resolutions adopted that day. Commissioner David Young was absent. Both appointments take effect Nov. 9.

Dratt's position pays $5,192.31 bi-weekly. Fields will earn $4,038.47 bi-weekly. Both are full-time, permanent roles.

Dratt promoted from building and zoning

Dratt has served as Warren County's director of building and zoning since January 2025, overseeing 17 employees, according to the Warren County Post. He joined county government in 2022 after more than two decades in federal law enforcement, retiring as a special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice.

He also served 23 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, reaching the rank of command sergeant major. He led a 500-soldier battalion as its senior enlisted leader.

Under the resolution, Dratt will continue running the building and zoning department until a replacement is hired.

Commissioners Tom Grossmann and Shannon Jones, who cast the two votes, said in a statement that Dratt "is a strong manager with sound judgment and a clear sense of mission."

Fields replaces departed development director

Fields replaces Matt Schnipke, who left the economic development director post in April for a private-sector position, the Journal-News reported.

Fields previously served as economic development director for Buchanan County, Virginia, and executive director of the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority. His work there included recruiting businesses, securing grants and managing commercial and industrial properties.

Most recently, he operated Appalachian Capital Partners, a consulting firm advising public authorities on grants, land use and commercial development. He holds a Master of Business Administration from King University.

The commissioners said in a statement that Fields "knows the work it takes to bring investment into a community and help businesses succeed."

County administrator search continues

The bigger vacancy remains unfilled. Warren County is still searching for a county administrator to replace Martin Russell, who left in August to become assistant city manager of Middletown, the Journal-News reported.

Russell had served as county administrator since 2024 after holding the deputy administrator role from 2016 to 2024.

Commissioner Grossmann said the county has received more than 80 applications and commissioners have been actively interviewing candidates, the Journal-News reported.

The commissioners also voted Oct. 27 to cancel their Nov. 3 meeting.