The San Juan County Council voted Tuesday to confirm the hiring of David Kelly of West Jordan, Utah, as the deputy director of administration.

Kelly has a dozen years experience in local government, most recently having served in administration for the City of Chehalis from 1995-2003. His background also includes work in the administration of Moffat County and the town of Craig, Colo. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado.

Kelly left local government in 2003 to become an insurance agent in Utah. Last year, he ranked No. 1 in auto and homeowners insurance sales among State Farm agents in that state.

He will fill a position left vacant five weeks ago by the departure of Adina Cunningham, who has become town attorney for Friday Harbor.

“This position is so integral to the central administration of county programs that even in a difficult budget time we can’t do without it,” County Administrator Pete Rose said in a press release.

The deputy director of administration has primary oversight over human resources, the public defender program, safety committee, workers compensation, employee benefits program, risk management, serves as management liaison with the Board of Equalization and is a member of the department and county management teams.

Rose said Kelly stood out among the applicants for the job. “In our interviews, we were struck by David’s positive energy and good attitude, as well as his broad municipal management skills. In a difficult time for government we hope he has ability to be a game changer.”

Kelly will report for work at the beginning of July, moving to San Juan County with his wife and four school-age children.