Sunflower County has a new county administrator.
And she is no stranger to the community nor the office.
Mary Hart, who has served in Chancery Clerk Dr. Gloria McIntosh’s office since 2016, was hired by the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors this past Monday to take over the position previously held by McIntosh.
“I cannot step into Gloria McIntosh’s shoes. They are too big, but I have her as my mentor, ‘forever,’ she says,” Hart, a Humphreys County native told The Enterprise-Tocsin this week.
McIntosh offered her resignation as administrator late in 2023. That does not affect her elected position.
Hart comes to the job with a wealth of knowledge about county administration.
Her most recent position was as McIntosh’s administrative assistant, a role that became official in January 2023.
She got her start in county and chancery work in 2004 when she was hired in Humphreys County.
That lasted about four years until she decided to enter politics.
“I decided to get into the political field,” she said. “I ran for northern district justice court judge (in Humphreys County).”
She won the seat and served two terms on the bench.
During the second term, she decided to run for chancery clerk there.
Although that race was unsuccessful, it would eventually lead her back into a chancery clerk’s office, this time working for McIntosh after she won her first term in 2016.
“I’ve been with her ever since,” she said.
Her first role in Sunflower County was as office manager, looking over McIntosh’s staff.
“She’s a great boss. She’s never hidden anything from me. She’s always exposed me to things and has given me chances to do new things and to elevate myself,” Hart said.
Hart said the eight years she’s spent here have prepared her for this next chapter.
“I’m excited to put my footprint in the sand in Sunflower County,” Hart said. “I’m from Humphreys County, of course, but I love Sunflower County. I’ve been here since 2016, and I’m just excited to bring my ideas (to the table).”
Hart said that she hopes to help improve communication between the courthouse and county employees. She also wants to bridge any communication gaps between the county and its citizens.
Aside from educating the public on how the different county departments work, Hart said she would like to spearhead a rehabilitation of the courthouse, along with other county buildings.
She said she would also be looking into the county’s website for areas to improve upon.
“If there’s anything where we can improve, I’ll get permission from the board to move on with that project,” she said.
