08/10/2026
Town of Sunset Beach Appoints Dane Rideout as Town Administrator
The Town of Sunset Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Dane Rideout as its new Town Administrator, effective August 11. Rideout was selected by the Sunset Beach Town Council following a comprehensive nationwide search and will oversee the Town’s day-to-day operations, implementation of Council policies, and management of municipal services. Will work closely with elected officials, Town staff, residents, businesses, and community partners to ensure the continued delivery of responsive, efficient, and high-quality municipal services.
Rideout brings more than four decades of leadership and public service experience to Sunset Beach. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, he has served in executive leadership positions at the local government and federal levels, building a reputation for strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, organizational excellence, and collaborative leadership. He is also an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a professional designation awarded by the International City/County Management Association that recognizes local government executives who demonstrate a commitment to integrity, lifelong learning, and excellence in professional local government management.
Rideout holds a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as well as a Bachelor of Science from Ball State University. Most recently, Rideout served as Town Manager for the Town of Benson, North Carolina. Previously, he served as Town Manager for Elizabethtown, North Carolina, and as City Manager for Bluefield, West Virginia. Earlier in his career, he served as City Manager and Garrison Commander at West Point, home to the United States Military Academy, where he oversaw municipal operations for one of the nation’s premier military installations. His military career also included senior human resources leadership positions with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the 82nd Airborne Division, and Special Operations Command Europe.
The Mayor and Town Council expressed their confidence in Rideout’s appointment, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Dane Rideout to Sunset Beach. His extensive experience in local government, distinguished military service, and proven leadership make him exceptionally qualified to lead our organization. We are confident he will serve our community with integrity and professionalism as we continue to enhance municipal services while preserving the character and quality of life that make Sunset Beach such a special place."
The Town also extends its sincere appreciation to Police Chief Ken Klamar for serving as Interim Town Administrator during the transition. Chief Klamar provided valuable leadership and continuity for the Town during this period, and the Town is grateful for his willingness to step into the role and help ensure that municipal operations continued without interruption. Chief Klamar and Rideout will work together to facilitate a smooth transition as Rideout assumes his responsibilities as Town Administrator.
The Town of Sunset Beach welcomes Dane Rideout and looks forward to his leadership as the community continues to invest in its future while preserving the coastal character, quality of life, and exceptional service that residents and visitors have come to expect.
