County Executive Julie Giordano’s first round of department head appointments last week won approval from the Wicomico County Council.

Without any public discussion, the council unanimously approved seven executive branch leaders for service in six separate departments.

At the top of the list is Bunky Luffman, who was approved as Administrative Director. The job is the most-important unelected post in county government, with the office holder acting as chief administrator of all county departments and agencies, while also overseeing county budgeting and spending.

Pamela B. Oland was approved to continue her service as Finance Director. The post is another top position, overseeing the accounting operations for an entity with a $174 million annual budget. Oland has won praise for instilling continuity in the department, which has seen significant turnover in the last eight years.

The often-lauded Steve Miller was retained as the county’s Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director. The position oversees the Civic Center, county parks, rec programs and tourism efforts, while also engaging in marketing. 

Donna Pierce O’Hara, most recently director at the Village of Hope, was approved as the county’s new Human Resources Director. Giordano terminated the previous director, citing a need for the county to improve its hiring operations while filling open positions across several departments.

Lorenzo R. Cropper was reappointed Director of Emergency Services. The council also approved a deputy to serve under Cropper, department veteran Christopher D. Hopkins.

Tony Rudy will continue in his previous job but with a new title – Director of the Department of Aviation. His responsibility is to expand, manage and market the Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport.

Still to come are announcements on who will lead Public Works, Corrections, Information Technology, Planning and Zoning and Purchasing.