Interim Lexington County Administrator Lynn Sturkie is among 3 finalists for the permanent job.

The County Council is closer to naming the new administrator in narrowing the list.

The council is also considering:

• David Cotton, Herford County, NC, county manager.

• Christine Durant, deputy county administrator of Charleston County, SC.

Lynn Sturkie had served as Technology Services Director before serving as interim county administrator since Jan. 1.

Sturkie already has inside knowledge of county goverment operations which the other 2 would have to acquire. He is said to be well liked by county employees.

The county has a history of promoting from within. The last county adminis

The last county administrator, Joe Mergo, III, served as interim administrator before he was made permanent administrator.

He left Dec. 31 after 9 years to become Chief Operating Officer of Nephron Pharmaceuticals in eastern Lexington County.

The county retained the firm Finding Great People to assist in the executive search.

41 candidates originally applied for the position.

No time has been given for a council decision.

Photos of the 3 finalists were not available.