New Hanover County employs nearly 2,000 workers, spending almost $140 million on annual salaries.
A public records request by the StarNews obtained salary information for the county's 1,309 employees, showing
pay ranges from $18,805 to $347,747 a year.
Among New Hanover County's workforce, 85 employees make more than $100,000 annually. The county's 10 highest-paid employees make an average salary of $214,859.
In the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the county’s budget totals $569.5 million including $480.8 million in its General Fund. New Hanover has a tax rate of 30.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, maintaining the same rate from the previous budget cycle.
The highest allocations include $111.4 million for New Hanover County Schools and $122.6 million for public safety.
Here are New Hanover’s highest paid employees and what they do.
Chris Coudriet, county manager
As the chief administrator overseeing all county departments, Chris Coudriet has served as New Hanover's county manager since 2012. He earns an annual salary of $347,747.
Jordan Smith, county attorney
As the highest paid member of New Hanover's legal counsel, county attorney Jordan Smith earns an annual salary of $259,164.
Ed McMahon, sheriff
Sheriff Ed McMahon was first elected to his position in 2010 and has worked for the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office since 1991. He earns an annual salary of $234,021.
Lisa Wurtzbacher, assistant county manager
Lisa Wurtzbacher has served as New Hanover's assistant county manager since 2022. She oversees the functions of the county’s Board of Elections, Community Justice Services, Parks and Gardens, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Cape Fear Museum, the NC Cooperative Extension & Arboretum, the Public Library, and the Tax Department and earns an annual salary of $219,566.
Jessica Loeper, assistant county manager
Jessica Loeper has served as assistant county manager since 2023. She oversees the functions of the county’s 911 Center, Fire Rescue, Emergency Management, Planning and Land Use, Building Safety Inspections, Building Safety Permitting, Engineering, and Recycling and Solid Waste and earns an annual salary of $199,154.
Eric Credle, chief financial officer
Eric Credle has served as the county's chief financial officer since 2022. He earns an annual salary of $199,154.
Mark Francolini, chief human resources officer
Mark Francolini has served as the county's director of human resources since 2014. He earns an annual salary of $199,154.
Sunny Hwang, chief information technology officer
Sunny Hwang became New Hanover's chief information technology officer in 2021. He earns an annual salary of $199,154.
Linda Thompson, chief civic engagement officer
Linda Thompson serves as the county's chief civic engagement officer. When she was brought on in 2020, the job title was the chief diversity and equity officer. She earns an annual salary of $199,154.
Jonathan Hart, chief deputy sheriff
After working for the sheriff's office since 1999, Jonathan Hart was promoted to chief deputy sheriff in 2024. He earns an annual salary of $193,306.75.
How much are county commissioners paid?
As Board of Commissioners chair, LeAnn Pierce earns an annual salary of $50,684. The other four commissioners earn $40,547 annually.
To see more salaries, you can go to https://data.starnewsonline.com/salary/.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at dsheehan@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Who are New Hanover County's highest paid employees? | Exclusive
