The county manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dare County government. The county manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Dare County Board of Commissioners. In addition to carrying out the day-to-day administration of county government, the manager is responsible for implementing policies established by the Dare County Board of Commissioners, coordinating the work of all Dare County agencies, and representing Dare County in dealing with other governmental units and agencies.

The county manager provides executive leadership in fulfilling Dare County’s service mission to its residents and visitors. The manager’s duties include preparing a countywide annual budget, recommending new and revised policies and programs to the Dare County Board of Commissioners, and implementing County programs and services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Robert Outten serves as both the county manager and county attorney in a dual role that provides executive direction for the administration of Dare County government and readily available in-house legal counsel. 

Prior to joining the staff of Dare County, Robert Outten was a successful private practice attorney specializing in the representation of governmental agencies, including Dare County. In 2007 he took on the added responsibilities as assistant county manager, and in 2009 he was appointed the county manager and county attorney by the Dare County Board of Commissioners. He earned a B.S.B.A. from the University of North Carolina and completed his Juris Doctorate at Wake Forest University.

The county attorney advises and represents the Dare County Board of Commissioners in legal matters including land use regulation, property taxes, tort claims by and against the county, environmental litigation, and employment matters. The county attorney also coordinates cases when outside counsel is needed.

The county attorney does not represent nor give legal advice to citizens about private disputes or problems. However, the county attorney will endeavor to provide information in response to citizen inquiries concerning county ordinances or matters in which the county is involved.