Guilford County promotes Budget Director Toy Beeninga to Deputy County Manager

Guilford County Budget Director Toy Beeninga has been promoted to deputy county manager, a position that places him at the center of cross-departmental planning and countywide operations. The county says Beeninga will provide strategic oversight of economic development, capital and infrastructure planning, district court collaboration, non-profit engagement, legislative affairs and the county’s strategic plan, while managing Information Technology, Facilities and Fleet Management.

In his new role Beeninga will direct two Special Project Managers within the County Manager’s Office and serve as a liaison to the Register of Deeds, the Tax Department and the Board of Elections. He also will support staff and oversee agenda setting for county committees, advisory boards and task forces, responsibilities that tie administrative day-to-day operations to larger policy priorities and capital spending decisions.

Guilford County Manager Victor Isler praised Beeninga’s record and experience in the county’s announcement. “Toy has been an invaluable member of the county leadership team since his tenure began four years ago,” said Isler. “I’ve been impressed with his expertise in preparing and leading county staff through the annual budget development process, working closely with Guilford County Schools on the $2 billion bond package, and his dedication to moving Guilford County forward. I’m honored that he has accepted the Deputy County Manager position and look forward to his leadership and innovation in this role.”

Beeninga’s promotion builds on his work as the county’s Budget Director in Budget and Management Services. A county agenda record for a fiscal item lists the sponsor string “Sponsor Michael Halford, County Manager Toy Beeninga, Budget and Management Services” on an item titled FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 YEAR-END BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS. That Legistar background text explains routine manager transfers to account for lapsed salaries and describes consolidated year-end adjustments, including funding a mid-year law enforcement pay increase approved at a September 5, 2024 work session and addressing additional operating needs within the Sheriff’s Office budget for jail medical services. The agenda background also notes the Board approved moving Deputy Sheriff and Detention Officer pay to the 60th percentile of market rates.

The announcement drew public reaction on the county’s LinkedIn page, which displayed congratulations and personal endorsements from local followers. Carol Campbell wrote, “I've always been very impressed with Toy.” Lee Feldman wrote, “Toy way to go. I am so happy for you and very excited for the County. They made a great choice.” Other commenters celebrated the promotion and noted community ties.

For residents, Beeninga’s new portfolio matters because it connects budgeting authority to practical services and major projects. Oversight of capital and infrastructure planning affects project schedules and tax-dollar allocations; liaison duties with the Board of Elections, Register of Deeds and Tax Department touch election administration, property records and revenue collection; and responsibility for IT, facilities and fleet can influence service delivery and operational resilience.

The county announcement did not include an effective date in the public excerpt. Records also show the Legistar sponsor string names Michael Halford as County Manager on a separate budget agenda item while the county statement quotes Victor Isler as County Manager. Those differences appear in official materials and may merit clarification from county communications. In the meantime, Beeninga’s promotion signals a consolidation of budget expertise into the county’s senior management team that will shape upcoming capital decisions and departmental priorities.