SALINA, Kan. — Pending finalization of an employment contract, Matthew (Matt) Stiles will be joining Saline County as its new County Administrator, effective April 13. Stiles is currently City Administrator in Hillsboro, and has past experience as City Administrator in South Hutchinson, Assistant City Manager in Bel Aire, and project manager in Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center. He will take over from current County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes, who is retiring.
Saline County Commission Chair Monte Shadwick said they were fortunate in having an impressive and highly qualified group of applicants, each of whom brought valuable skill and insight. “ Matt, however, stood out for his approachable leadership style, and strong communication skills, along with his past success in advancing economic development efforts, Shadwick said in a statement.
In saying he was honored to be selected for the position, Stiles said, “Saline County has established a strong track record of success through thoughtful leadership, sound governance, and financial stewardship by the Commission and current administrative team.”
The Saline County Administrator search was conducted in-house by the county’s Human Resources Department. 26 candidates applied for the position, 14 from Kansas, with 13 selected for first round interviews, eight for a structured management exercise, and five interviewed by a panel that included two retired local executives, another Kansas county administrator, Human Resources Director Marily Learner, and County Counselor Mike Montoya.
Stiles holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Philosophy from Emporia State University and a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University, where he earned certifications in City and County Management as well as Public Finance. Matt has been an instructor in the MPA program at WSU’s Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs. An ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2016, Matt specializes in community partnership development, public financial management, economic development, and community revitalization. His work reflects a deep commitment to innovative, transparent, and collaborative local governance.
