By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes was recognized by Commissioners and gave his final remarks on Tuesday, before retirement.
During the Saline County Commission meeting, all five commissioners expressed their appreciation to Smith-Hanes who has served the county for 6 years.
"You will be missed very much, you have taken this county to a different and better level than we were before," said Commissioner, Monte Shadwick.
He then mentioned Matthew Stiles has "big shoes to fill."
Stiles will be replacing Smith-Hanes effective Monday, April 13, 2026
"You have been the best administrator I have had in my 20 years," said Shadwick.
Smith-Hanes' role consisted of overseeing the annual budget preparation process, monitoring budgeted expenditures for all departments, keeping the commission informed of compliance and projections, implemented policies from the commissioners and overall managed day-to-day operations within the county.
Other highlights were helping establish the Choose Saline County app (a local loyalty program designed to encourage, reward, and incentivize shopping at small, independent businesses within Saline County).
"Thank you for everything you have done for this county, every employee and department head, and made this county that not only is respectable but we all feel good about serving in it," said Commissioner, Annie Grevas.
"Phillip Smith-Hanes was the right person at the right time and we are so fortunate as a county to have found you," said Commissioner, James Weese.
Weese praised Smith-Hanes' role in navigating through COVID-19, in which he was just hired 3 months before the pandemic occurred. In the midst of that, Smith-Hanes was instrumental in successfully passing a bond referendum in November 2020 to construct an $89 million project of the current Saline County Sheriff's Office building on 800 E. Pacific Ave.
"I think I can call you more than a county administrator, but as a friend. You have helped this commission and me through the years to be able to navigate and do the right thing," said Commissioner, Joe Hay. "I think you earned the respect of all the department heads and you sure got the respect from me."
"It is very pleasing to know that I can walk into your office and you can understand what I am asking before I even get it done," said Commissioner, Rodger Sparks. "You have really helped me get through some questions and answers I looked for the county. It has been a fun and pleasing working relationship with you."
Smith-Hanes gave his remarks after each of the commissioner's comments.
"I feel very privileged in my life and career. I have had a wonderful run of 30 years serving the residents of five different communities and I am blessed to conclude it in my dream job. Saline County is a great organization and this is an awesome commission. You have let me run with some wild and crazy ideas, and there is no greater reward in this profession, than to have a luxury to try new things. I am also extremely fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible group of department heads and an amazing staff. Thank you all for your warmth to me, and keep providing top-notch services to the people of Saline County."
Before his service to Saline County, Smith-Hanes served in California and Ellis County. He grew up in Marion County and Oklahoma, with a short period of time in Cloud County. He received degrees for his profession out of Kansas State University, Washburn University and the University of Kansas.
Smith-Hanes served on the board of Kansas Association of City/County managers, as President of the Kansas County Administration Association and as a Practitioner in Residence for the Edwin O. Stene City/County Leadership Program.
In California, he served on the Governing Council for the California State Association of Counties Institute for Excellence and the Preparing for the Next Generation Task Force. Smith-Hanes has served on the Board for the National Association of County Administrators and is active in the National Association of Counties. He is also a Credential Manager with ICMA and served as the Chair of the ICMA task force to update the Handbook for first time administrators.
Smith-Hanes will be retiring at the age of 55.