AUGUSTA — Scott Ferguson, now a finance director for the Maine state government, has been hired as Kennebec County administrator.

The Kennebec County Commissioners announced Ferguson’s hire Tuesday, concluding a three-month search to fill the county’s top administrative position.

Ferguson is to succeed Robert Devlin, who is scheduled to retire later this month. Devlin has been Kennebec County’s first county administrator for almost two decades.

Ferguson, who lives in Belgrade, is expected to start Nov. 1 at an annual salary of $110,000.

He did not return a request Wednesday for an interview.

Patsy Crockett, chairwoman of the commissioners, said Wednesday that Ferguson stood out because of his professional experience, including having worked for New York City, the state of Maine and AT&T.

“We liked the idea that he was well-rounded, particularly his experience with jail issues and the Legislature,” Crockett said.

She said Ferguson understands county issues because he worked with county officials on jail funding and budgets, and he has extensive experience in finance.

Earlier this year, Devlin announced he would retire this year after nearly 20 years as county administrator. His last day with the county is set for Oct. 29.

Terry York, deputy county administrator and head of human resources for the county, has also announced she will retire this year. She said Wednesday her last day will be Nov. 24.

Crockett said the search, conducted by consultant Don Gerrish of Eaton Peabody Consulting Group, drew 21 applicants from Maine or out of state. The commissioners said they interviewed five.

In addition to his work at the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Ferguson has been a part-time professor at Central Maine Community College in Auburn, teaching intermediate accounting I and II.

Ferguson is married to Cynthia Ferguson, the finance director for Kennebec County.

Under the state’s conflict of interest law governing local and county governments, “every municipal and county official shall attempt to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest by disclosure or abstention.”

Crockett said the commissioners made modifications to the reporting structure so the county’s finance director will report to the commissioners and the human resources director.

“We feel very secure with that now,” she said.

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