Times, they are changing.

In Davie County’s top management, the times really are changing.

County Manager Beth Dirks is leaving early next month for a deputy county manager’s job in Iredell County.

And on Monday, county staff, friends and former employees honored Davie’s Deputy County Manager Jim Stockert. He is retiring at the end of the month.

Monday evening, county commissioners approved hiring Cecil Wood as the interim county manager. He has agreed to work through June, if needed.

Commissioners also agreed to hire the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments for $6,000 to assist in hiring a new county manager. The agency will receive and review applications and make recommendations to the board members, who will conduct final interviews.

Board members praised Stockert Monday, his final county commission meeting. Dirks will serve through the next meeting.

“We appreciate his hard work, ethics … and ability to pinch a penny,” said Board Chair Robert Wisecarver.

Stockert worked at the Davie County Health Department before becoming the county’s financial director, then deputy county manager.

Wood served most recently as Lewisville’s town manager before retiring. He had previously served as county manager in Yadkin and Wilkes counties.

Board memer Mark Jones said Wood is “humble and well seasoned.” “I think he will very well handle that job.”