Guilford County government is facing a lot of challenges – mostly financial – ones that will only worsen in the coming years, so it’s good to know that the county has made an excellent hiring decision by promoting one of its wisest and most likeable employees to the level of deputy county manager.

Guilford County has named current Budget Director Toy Beeninga as its new deputy county manager – elevating a longtime member of the county’s leadership team into a role which requires broad oversight across departments and regional initiatives.

Beeninga’s first day as deputy county manager will be Monday, Feb. 9.

Being a budget director at a time when massive budgetary challenges are facing the county should help him with his new duties.

In the new position, Beeninga – who is an excellent public speaker in addition to his other fine qualities – will provide strategic oversight for cross-departmental, inter-local and regional projects involving economic development, capital and infrastructure planning, district court collaboration, nonprofit engagement, legislative affairs and the county’s strategic plan, according to a county announcement.

A Guilford County native, Beeninga will manage several internal support departments, including Information Technology and Facilities and Fleet Management, and he’ll also oversee two special project managers within the manager’s office.

He’ll also serve as a liaison to the Register of Deeds, the Tax Department and the Board of Elections – all while supporting staff and overseeing agenda setting for county committees, advisory boards and various task forces.

Right now, Beeninga oversees the county’s more than $840 million annual budget.

 County leaders say that he’s played a central role in developing structurally balanced budgets and in working with county departments, the Board of Commissioners, Guilford County Schools, rural fire districts and other partners.

“Toy has been an invaluable member of the county leadership team since his tenure began four years ago,” stated Guilford County Manager Victor Isler in a Wednesday, Jan. 28 press release announcing the promotion. “I’ve been impressed with his expertise in preparing and leading county staff through the annual budget development process, working closely with Guilford County Schools on the $2 billion bond package, and his dedication to moving Guilford County forward. I’m honored that he has accepted the deputy county manager position and look forward to his leadership and innovation in this role.”

Beeninga, who, by the way, had the insight to buy Nvidia stock very early on, said the appointment carries both professional and personal significance.

“Serving Guilford County is both personally meaningful and professionally motivating as a county native,” Beeninga said. “This is the community that shaped me, and returning home has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. I am excited for the opportunity to partner with our community to make Guilford County the best place to live, learn, work, and play.”

Before joining Guilford County, Beeninga served as assistant director of budget and management services with the city of Raleigh and as a senior budget and management analyst with the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. He’s a former International City/County Management Association Management Fellow and an Eagle Scout.

He is a huge UNC basketball fan who was tremendously pleased years ago when the Tar Heels ruined Coach K’s exit from college basketball.

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