Kandice Boutté joined Hays County in July as its first county administrator.

What we know

In Texas, a county administrator oversees the daily operations of the government, including:

• Departmental coordination
• Policy implementation
• Budget preparation
• Long-range planning
• Staff supervision

Boutté—who holds a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia—most recently served as the chief of staff to the Tarrant County administrator.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Boutté to Hays County,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said in a statement. “Her extensive background in public service and leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to modernize operations and ensure accountability to the residents we serve.”

Zooming in

Boutté began her role on July 7.

“I’m honored to serve as Hays County’s first county administrator,” she said in a statement. “With the county experiencing rapid growth, it’s clear we’re entering a pivotal moment. I look forward to working alongside the commissioners court, county staff and our residents to build the infrastructure needed for long-term success.”

Boutté called Hays County residents “welcoming and approachable.”

“Everyone has been extremely kind, and it makes me feel like it's a place where everyone, no matter your background or what you believe, has a place here,” she said in a video posted to Hays County social media pages.

The Hays County administrator is developing a long-term plan that she will share with Community Impact at a later date.

“One of the things that I will be working on during my first few months is coming up with a strategic plan based on the priorities of the [commissioners court],” Boutté said. “I'm very much looking forward to that project.”