fylkesrådmann

Fylkesrådmann is the head of the county administration in a Norwegian fylkeskommune. The position is a non-political, senior civil servant role and serves as the chief executive of the county’s administration, responsible for ensuring that the county council's policies and decisions are implemented in practice.

Key responsibilities include leading the administrative leadership team, coordinating the work of the various departments (such as education, transport, culture and regional development), preparing strategic plans and annual budgets, and ensuring legal compliance, efficiency and quality in public services. The fylkesrådmann provides professional advice to the fylkesting and its committees and chairs the administrative management in accordance with political directions.

Appointment is made by the fylkesting. The fylkesrådmann typically serves with a view to continuity in administration, and can be replaced or have terms renewed by the council. While the role is politically neutral, the office operates within the political framework established by the elected representatives.

Relationship to other authorities: the fylkesrådmann heads the fylkesadministrasjon and collaborates with municipalities within the county, as well as with the county governor (fylkesmannen), who represents the national government at the county level. The office has its roots in 19th-century administrative reforms and remains central to modern county governance.