St. Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad Resigns

Just a few months after his contract was renewed, St. Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad resigned the post he has held for the past three years.

In a letter to county commissioners Conrad praised county staff, saying he worked with “some of the finest, most servant-hearted people in our community” and recalled some of the major issues faced during his tenure.

“We have experienced the Covid-19 pandemic, devastating storms and the tragic deaths of multiple men in our Fire Rescue Department and Commissioner (Paul) Waldron,” he said in the letter. “Without a doubt this has taken a great toll on this organization and our community.”

County commissioners will review the resignation and discuss a separation agreement with Conrad July 18 at their regular meeting.

“The St. Johns County Board of County Commission thanks Hunter Conrad for his years of leadership and guiding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple hurricanes and other community challenges,” said Board Chair Christian Whitehurst in a county media release. “We want to reassure the community we serve that services will continue, and the exciting projects and programs we have in place will move forward with rejuvenated energy.”

With Conrad’s departure, county staff will continue to report to Deputy County Administrators Joy Andrews and Brad Bradley to maintain a continuity of operations, the release states.

Andrews began her career with the county in 2006 as a budget analyst for the Office of Management and Budget. She also held the position of Director of Health and Human Services before accepting the role as Deputy County Administrator in 2015. She also serves as the county’s Director of Economic Development.

Bradley is a member of the Florida Bar and the Deputy County Administrator of Operations/Chief of Staff, providing administrative oversight for the Public Works, Utilities, Public Safety, Facilities Management, Building Services, Management Information Systems, Veterans Services and Land Management departments of St. Johns County government. Prior to serving as Deputy County Administrator, he was the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for the St. Johns County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.