A former longtime Avon town manager has been named the next Montgomery County administrator.
Tom Klein was appointed Monday by the Board of Commissioners to the position of overseeing day-to-day operations of county government. Klein starts Sept. 21.
“We feel like just the friendliness of the community and how everyone works together to raise up the county is something [we] want to be a part of,” said Klein, who is relocating to the county with his family.
The county had been searching to fill the role since Mark Casteel, who became the first county administrator in 2019, resigned in July.
A native of Illinois who grew up in Bloomington, Klein served as Avon’s first town manager for 22 years until leaving the post in June. Earlier, he was chief financial officer and executive assistant to the Indianapolis public works director.
He began his career in Bloomington’s public works department before becoming executive assistant to the city’s mayor.
Klein has served as president and central regional director of the Indiana Municipal Management Association and received the Circle of Corydon Award from Gov. Eric Holcomb. He is a graduate of Indiana University.
“Tom has an exceptional amount of experience, has a positive attitude and a willingness to be part of our community,” said Board of Commissioners President Jim Fulwider.
“He knows how government works and how to make improvements in efficiencies and vision. This is an exciting time as we fill this position with a very experienced and talented person.”
Commissioner John Frey noted Klein’s “wealth of experience” in securing funding for infrastructure projects and overseeing their completion.
Commissioner Dan Guard said the county was “gaining a valuable manager, and our community is gaining a great family.”
County council president Tom Mellish and councilman Don Mills also served on the interview committee with commissioners.
Klein was a finalist for government management positions in three other states before accepting the job in Montgomery County. He knows people who work in local factories and have attended Wabash College.
As a history buff, Klein said the county’s historical landmarks also drew him to the community. Klein is a Rotarian and the family plans to attend one of the local United Methodist churches. He is also a past director for the Indiana Youth Soccer Association.
Klein and his wife, Lexi, a freelance graphic artist, have a daughter, Grace. Klein also has three adult sons, Mats, Evan and Cameron.
