Alachua County commissioners officially named Rick Drummond the new acting county manager Tuesday.
Drummond is replacing former county manager Randall Reid, who had the job for 12 years. Reid is leaving to be the new county administrator of Sarasota County.
"[Drummond] was the best-qualified candidate that could jump right in with no learning curve," said Mark Sexton, county spokesman.
The assistant county manager since 2007, Drummond will be the acting manager until either a permanent replacement is found or until his contract expires at the end of July 2013.
Drummond moved to Gainesville in August 2000 to become the county growth management director and was later appointed assistant county manager. He'll receive a $160,000 annual salary, according to the terms of the agreement.
The county manager supervises more than 800 employees working under the Board of County Commissioners, according to the county's website. The job responsibilities include working with staff to develop recommendations on issues that come before the commission.
Drummond said he plans to retire in a year and a half.
"I feel like it's the capping of my career," he said.
One of the stipulations for candidates applying for the job was that they wouldn't apply for the permanent position.
The County Commission will begin the search for a permanent manager after fall elections.
Drummond said he is excited to take on the new position.
"It's a challenging time," Drummond said, "but I'm really looking forward to what this chance will bring."
