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Corporation of Shepherdstown welcomes first administrator

By Tabitha Johnston - Chronicle Staff | May 12, 2023

Town Administrator Stephanie Grove, far right, waves in response to cheers at the news of her appointment, in Town Hall on March 29. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Corporation of Shepherdstown is easing into a new phase of leadership, with its first administrator at the helm.

Stephanie Grove was unanimously appointed to the position by Shepherdstown’s Town Council, according to a press release from the Corporation of Shepherdstown on Friday morning.

“The Shepherdstown council is pleased to announce that for the first time in its 261-year history, Shepherdstown has a town administrator,” the press release said. “On March 21, 2023, the Shepherdstown council voted to hire Stephanie Grove as the town’s first administrator. Grove’s first day at Town Hall was on March 29, 2023, and she attended her first council meeting that evening, when the council convened a special meeting to review applications for the Market House.”

According to the press release, this decision has been in the works for some time, since “late summer of last year.” The need for such a position has increased over the years, according to Mayor Jim Auxer.

“We’ve talked about [hiring] a town administrator for at least 15 years. It’s very exciting to finally have done that,” Auxer said during the March 29 meeting. “The town is fortunate to have been able to attract such an experienced and competent candidate.”

Grove, a native of Jefferson County, has over 17 years’ experience in local government service in the county. She began her career as an assistant prosecutor in the Civil Division of the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, representing county boards and elected officials. After that, she served as the Jefferson County administrator for six years and then briefly as the city manager of Ranson.

“I really got to know Stephanie during the pandemic, when she organized meetings between the [Jefferson] County Commission and the county’s five mayors and other stakeholders in the county. During that time, she assisted me and the other mayors with navigating the various state and federal directives related to COVID-19,” Auxer said. “Both the council and I are thrilled to have her join the staff here at Shepherdstown.”

For Grove, being hired into this new position is a wonderful opportunity.

“I am so thrilled to be here!” Grove said, in response to the announcement. “I am really excited to be surrounded by such a supportive community.”