Posted on March 4, 2026
Barton Grover, who serves as Dare County Grants & Waterways Administrator, has been named Dare County Employee of the Month for February 2026. The prestigious award was presented to Grover by Dare County Planning Director Noah Gillam during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.*
Grover’s service to Dare County began on July 27, 2020, when he was initially hired to fulfill the role of Dare County Soil & Water Conservationist, a position in which he assisted residents with finding solutions for shoreline stabilization, erosion issues and stream debris removal before being promoted to his current position as Dare County Grants & Waterways Administrator on June 28, 2021.
“Barton has excelled greatly in this position, and the work he has completed is nothing short of astounding,” said Gillam. “Barton’s hard work and dedication in his position has resulted in Dare County being awarded numerous significant grants with an estimated value of over $25 million. These grants range from FEMA hazard mitigation grants for house elevations to stormwater mitigation grants and everything in between.”
Dare County Planning Director Noah Gillam (right) presents the Employee of the Month certificate to Grants & Waterways Administrator Barton Grover (left) during the commissioners meeting.
As he continued his Employee of the Month presentation, Gillam noted that in addition to researching and identifying grant funding opportunities for county projects, Grover also serves on two advisory boards: the Oregon Inlet Task Force and the Dare County Waterways Commission.
“Barton works directly with our local officials, state and federal agencies, consultants, EJE Dredging, and our local watermen and women to ensure our inlets and waterways remain open and safe,” said Gillam, who went on to note the complexity of the tasks Grover is responsible for completing for the county in his role as Grants & Waterways Administrator.
“Most all of Barton’s assignments, tasks and responsibilities are challenging and complex, but his dedication and perseverance in overcoming challenges have been paramount to his success,” he said. “Barton is self-motivated and a pleasure to work alongside. We should all be honored to call him a colleague and friend.”
Gillam’s sentiments were also echoed by one of Grover’s colleagues who submitted an Employee of the Month nomination form that highlighted the integral role he plays in coordinating the efforts of the two advisory boards he oversees and maintaining the flow of communication among various agencies—including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as numerous local, state and federal officials.
Barton Grover stands with girlfriend, Elizabeth Dixon, who attended the presentation.
“He plays a significant role in the Miss Katie dredge, which is a very complex project,” the form stated. “Additionally, he manages the Oregon Inlet Task Force and the Dare County Waterways Commission, which involves regular after-hours meetings, taking minutes, planning and collaborating with various board members who often have high expectations.”
The nominator also commended Grover for the wide range of skills and attention to detail he brings to the position—as well as his ability to navigate complex policy matters, coordinate with county leadership and communicate effectively in high-pressure public settings.
“He works closely with the Board of Commissioners and the county manager, which demands a considerable amount of knowledge—and the ability to present in public meetings and answer any and all questions that may come before him,” the nominator wrote. “His role is often overlooked, yet it requires time, patience, knowledge, good communication skills and strong attention to detail to be successful. He is an excellent writer and resource, and he is willing to provide assistance when needed. Barton is a wonderful person to work with, always brings a positive outlook in the workplace, is an invaluable resource for Dare County and deserves recognition.”
For more information, visit DareNC.gov/Grants.
