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Matthew Motyka, CPA, has been selected to serve as the county’s new chief financial officer. His first official day with Dare County was Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Motyka most recently served as associate vice president of finance for Williams College in Massachusetts. He brings to the role a strong background in financial leadership, strategic fiscal planning and public sector accounting, noted a news release from Dare County.

In his role at Williams College, Motyka was part of the leadership team within the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer. He played a critical role in overseeing the institution’s comprehensive financial operations, including budget development and management, accounting, procurement and financial reporting. He worked closely with academic and administrative departments across campus and in direct partnership with the Office of the Provost to ensure alignment between financial resources and the college’s mission, operations and long-term goals.

Motyka holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in economics from Salem State University. He earned his Certified Public Accounting license with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston.

Although his most recent professional experience has been in New England, Motyka has strong personal ties to Dare County and the Outer Banks community. He and his family have been regular visitors to the area for many years, and the opportunity to make the Outer Banks their permanent home was an important factor in his decision to join Dare County government.

Motyka’s spouse, Jenna, has joined him in Kitty Hawk. She previously worked in education. The couple has two sons. Thomas will soon graduate from the Webb Institute, Glen Cove, N.Y., with a degree in naval architecture and engineering. Tucker is studying music at the University of Miami.

“Joining Dare County is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a community with a strong tradition of public service and sound financial stewardship,” said Motyka. “I’m looking forward to building on the foundation that has been set, supporting the continued delivery of essential services, and working collaboratively to prepare for future challenges and opportunities. Becoming a permanent part of this community is something my family and I are thrilled about—we’re grateful to call Dare County home.”

Motyka succeeds longtime Dare County finance director and deputy county manager David Clawson, who retired at the end of June 2025 after more than 35 years of dedicated service. As chief financial officer, Motyka will lead the county’s Finance Department and oversee the Tax Collections, Tax Appraisal, and Information Technology departments.

Motyka’s title of chief financial officer modernizes the position and expands the responsibilities. It also brought more applicants to the table. Motyka’s salary is $225,000 plus the county’s standard benefit package.

County manager and attorney Robert L. Outten introduced Motyka during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.

“We are very excited to welcome Matt Motyka to the Dare County team as our new Chief Financial Officer, as he brings with him the skills, leadership experience, and unique perspective necessary to ensure the county’s financial stability and continued success in providing essential services for the people of Dare County,” said Outten.

“The extensive experience he has gained from managing the complex financial structure of a nationally recognized higher education institution has equipped him with a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility, resource planning, and collaborative budgeting. These skills will serve him—and the county—well in this critical leadership role, and I look forward to working with him.”

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