Indiana Code Title 36. Local Government § 36-2-2-14

Sec. 14. (a) The executive may appoint a county administrator to be the administrative head of the county under the supervision of the executive and to hold office at the pleasure of the executive.  The executive may assign any office, position, or duties under its control to the administrator, and may by resolution withdraw any of the powers and duties assigned.

(b) Under the supervision of the executive and with its express authorization by resolution, the administrator may:

(c) If the administrator is absent from the administrator's office due to illness, death, vacation, resignation, or removal, the president of the executive, if any, or a qualified person appointed by the executive shall act as administrator until the administrator returns to the administrator's duties or the executive appoints a new administrator.