By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Over the last 10 years, Matt Patzner has continuously worked his way up the ladder of importance in Barton County. He began in the treasurer's office in 2014, then took over as finance and human relations officer in 2016. After spending 14 months as county director of operations, he was named county administrator in February 2023. He will keep that role into 2029 after Donna Zimmerman and the rest of the Barton County Commission approved a new contract extension Tuesday morning.
"I was lucky enough to get to interview him when he first came here," Zimmerman said. "I knew we needed to find a good spot for him because I knew he would be a gem for Barton County and he has certainly proven to be that and then some. His financial background is such a plus in his role as county administrator."
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson, who was first elected to the body in 2020, has enjoyed working alongside Patzner through some major county projects.
"Him and I got to learn what a county administrator does together, I feel like," Hutchinson said. "We made a few mistakes along the way, but we just decided as we made those mistakes we're going to own them and never do it again. The few times that's happened, I've seen true character."
Among other accomplishments, Patzner was recognized by the commission in May for going above and beyond his duties during the HVAC Renovation Project at the courthouse.