The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on Thursday unanimously selected Donald Krupp as their county administrator.

Krupp had served as manager and chief administrative officer for Thurston County, Wash., since May 2001.

Krupp’s selection marks Clackamas County’s completion of a nationwide search for a new county administrator to manage county employees and activities by implementing policies and goals of the Board of County Commissioners.

“Donald brings a long history of public service to Clackamas County. He is the absolute best of the 70 candidates for this position,” County Chairman John Ludlow said.

Krupp replaces Steve Wheeler who left July 3 and started as Metro’s interim director of planning and development on July 17. Commissioner Jim Bernard has accused Ludlow and fellow newly elected Commissioner Tootie Smith of encouraging Wheeler to plan his departure, despite having support from the three other more veteran commissioners. Ludlow vehemently denied the insinuation.

“Mr. Wheeler was not booted out the door. He chose to depart after he learned three commissioners were ready for a new county administrator,” Ludlow said.

Krupp will begin his new duties Monday, Sept. 16.