CHESTERTOWN — Pat Merritt, Kent County’s longtime chief financial officer, served the final day of her more than 30-year tenure with the county on June 30.
Her date of hire was July 17, 1995, when she came on board as director of budget and accounting, a position she held for more than a decade.
Merritt’s leadership, deep financial knowledge and commitment to professionalism led to her appointment in 2006 as the county’s CFO.
“Throughout her tenure, Merritt has been a trusted advisor to the Board of County Commissioners and a valued member of the senior leadership team,” a news release states.
Merritt led the county’s annual budget process for 20 years, and is credited with helping the commissioners navigate lean financial times, manage multi-year capital initiatives and prioritize complex capital projects.
“Her steady guidance and analytical skills have been instrumental in maintaining the county’s fiscal stability and supporting responsible long-term planning,” the news release states.
Merritt built and mentored a first-class team of budget and finance professionals, and “her leadership fostered a culture of accuracy, accountability and excellence that will continue to benefit the county well in the future,” according to the news release.
Seven-term County Commissioner Ron Fithian, who was first elected just eight months before Merritt was hired, said he always looked up to her.
“She gives straight answers; she is a pillar of our operation, and she has been someone whose guidance I deeply value,” said Fithian, the current commission president. “No matter what the question or the hour, she is always available and always prepared. Her leadership has strengthened this county in ways that will be felt for years to come.”
Commissioner John Price noted that Merritt served with honesty and integrity throughout her tenure, while Commissioner Albert Nickerson thanked Merritt for her steadfast commitment to the county.
First-term Commissioners Price and Nickerson were elected in November 2022.
Nickerson said Merritt’s “dedication to being fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ dollars has guided every budget discussion we have had. Her work ethic reflects a deep respect for the community we serve, and I am grateful for her steady and thoughtful leadership.”
Price added that Merritt “has always performed her duties in a commendable manner. … I am proud to call her a friend.”
Robert W. “Bob” Gast Jr. succeeds Merritt.
He brings more than 35 years of financial leadership experience across major nonprofit, corporate, government‑related and international organizations, according to the May 12 news release that announced his hiring.
