The hiring of Lee Smith, of Goldsboro, N.C., was approved by the Chatham County Commission today. after a nine-month search involving over 40 candidates. Smith, 49, will replace retiring County Manager Russ Abolt on May 12.

For the past 13 years Smith has been county manager of Wayne County, N.C.

Prior to his resignation from Wayne County, Smith was recently placed on paid administrative leave for "undisclosed reasons."