After a span of over six weeks on paid leave, Kimberly Sowell, the Durham County manager, has tendered her resignation. The Board of Commissioners, in a unanimous decision, accepted Sowell's resignation yesterday, as reported by WRAL News. In her place, Claudia Hager has been appointed as the acting county manager. This leadership shift unfolded at the commissioners' closed session, where Chair Nida Allam said, "The board has met in closed session, and I will now entertain a motion to accept the immediate resignation of County Manager Dr. Kimberly Sowell."
The reasons behind Sowell's departure, having joined the county last year with an initial salary reported by ABC11 to be more than $250,000, remain unclear. On Sept. 9, Sowell was placed on leave, but county leaders have not disclosed the cause or the nature of the leave. While sources previously suggested to WRAL News the leave may have involved retaliation related to staff concerns about a potential conflict of interest, no confirmation has been provided. Attempts to contact Sowell resulted in no comment as her calls went directly to voicemail.
Hager, stepping into the role of acting county manager, is not new to operating in interim capacities, having served in the same role when the former county manager was ousted in 2021. She will continue at the helm until a permanent county manager is appointed, an outcome that the board also unanimously backed during their session as documented by WRAL News.
County officials and representatives have maintained a tight-lipped stance throughout the proceedings. Chair Nida Allam, in conjunction with County Attorney Larissa Williamson, refused to answer any inquiries pertaining to Sowell's resignation last night, The News & Observer reported.
