COLUMBUS COUNTY — Planning Director Kelsey Hammond resigned Friday morning (March 6), citing an overwhelming workload and the strain of correcting long‑standing issues within the department.

Hammond said the small staff was facing “an insurmountable amount of work” as it tried to address past mistakes while managing new development pressures. She emphasized that she follows ethical and legal standards and applies rules consistently, even when that means denying requests.

Hammond, hired in August 2025, previously served as Bladenboro’s town manager. She led recent updates to the county’s Planned Development policies.

Her departure comes two days after County Manager Eddie Madden announced he will retire in December, marking the second major leadership change in a week.

County officials have not yet announced interim plans for the Planning Department.

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