GATESVILLE – An interim county manager has been appointed for Gates County.

The Gates County Board of Commissioners has appointed Tim Russell to serve as their interim county manager.

Russell’s services will continue while the county conducts a search for its permanent replacement for outgoing County Manager Mark E. Biberdorf.

The interim manager comes to Gates County with 33 years of experience in financial and county operations.

Russell has served as a county manager in North Carolina for more than 19 years.

He most recently served as the manager of Rowan County, where he retired in August 2005.

Russell’s permanent residence is in Salisbury, NC where he and his wife have three daughters.

Biberdorf announced he is leaving his position as Gates County Manager during the December meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

He added that Gates County has seen a lot of progress and growth since he began as manager nearly four years ago, and that the technology has improved in the county.

Biberdorf also said the county has seen industry expansion.

&uot;I was proud to help Gates County become part of the Albemarle Regional Health District,&uot; he said when he announced his resignation. &uot;This saved the county $50,000.&uot;

Biberdorf leaves Gates County after accepting a position as town manager in Fletcher, located in western North Carolina in Henderson County with a population of 4,770.

&uot;I wish Gates County nothing but the best,&uot; Biberdorf added.

After he announced his resignation, Gates County Board of Commissioners Chairman J.S. Pierce said he hated to see Biberdorf leave.

Gates County Commissioner David Brown echoed the sentiment, stating that he has learned a lot from the county manager.

Russell will be working with Biberdorf until his last day of service to the county, January 13.

The five-member Gates County Board of Commissioners worked with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in Raleigh to secure an interim manager.