The Dukes County commission voted Wednesday to name their executive administrative assistant as the new county manager.

Martina Thornton, who has held the number two staff position at the county for the past four years, will now negotiate a contract with the seven-member elected commission to take over as county manager.

The vote to offer the job to Ms. Thornton was unanimous. Two weeks ago the county commission voted to offer the job to New Hampshire attorney Katherine Rogers, but last week Ms. Rogers declined, citing personal health reasons.

“I’m very happy . . . Martina knows the county very well and I’m certain it will be a smooth transition,” county commission chairman Melinda Loberg said after the vote Wednesday night.

Ms. Thornton, who was present at the meeting, said she, too, was pleased at the outcome. “I know what needs to happen for the county to go in the right direction,” she said. “I want to serve the Island in the best way possible.”

Former county manager Russell Smith resigned his post in May.