Coraggio Consulting
Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Monday, June 22, 2026

Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Place: Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 21m (video)
Official meeting video (CivicClerk): https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3144/media
Official agenda (CivicClerk): https://chesterfieldcova.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=4127,plainText=false)
Official minutes (CivicClerk): https://chesterfieldcova.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=4138,plainText=false)

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-10-23. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:03] Hello, folks. Welcome. Thank you all for being here. If I could get everybody, I know shade is at a premium today, but if you want to step a little bit closer, please feel free to come forward and take a seat if you'd like. Anyway, my name is Dave Goode. I'm the Director of Constituent Media Services for Chesterfield County, and I have the honor of getting us started today. This is designed to be a relatively brief ceremony pending the heat, but it's also a very important one is we name the county's next administrator before I

[00:00:40] continue I want to thank the departments that helped plan this event they include the general services department information systems technology of course our public safety professionals including fire sheriff and the police department I also like to thank our human resources department of course my colleagues and in county administration and the constituent media services Department. Today we celebrate the opening of a new chapter for Chesterfield, but there's no denying that today is bittersweet. As we bid farewell to someone who has been an exemplary and transformative

[00:01:16] leader for Chesterfield County, I guarantee you that there are five board members seated behind me right now, all of which would tell you they knew filling Dr. Joe Casey's shoes would not be easy. On behalf of the county workforce, I want to thank our entire board of supervisors for their tireless work in recruiting the next county administrator.

[00:01:39] They include, of course, Dr. Mark Miller, our chair and Midlothian District Supervisor. Our vice chair and Matoka District Supervisor, Kevin Carroll. Bermuda District Supervisor, Jim Engle. Clover Hill District Supervisor, Jessica Schneider.

[00:01:56] And Dr. Laquan Hilton, who represents the Dale District. Though we are announcing a new county administrator, someone whom Dr. Miller will have the honors of introducing in just a few moments. Dr. Casey is still our county administrator, if only for a few days.

[00:02:13] And I now have the honor of introducing him to come to the mic, possibly for the last time. Dr. Casey, as you step forward, I want to extend on behalf of all county employees our collective thanks for your decade of outstanding service and wish you the very best in retirement.

[00:02:30] We are happy and incredibly proud you have chosen to continue making your home in Chesterfield. Dr. Casey. I wasn't expecting that, but, and thanks for putting a mic here that I can't physically drop, by the way.

[00:02:52] Well, again, welcome, welcome, welcome to the next chapter of a great book that's been written over the past 277 years. My favorite chapter of this book, you know, has been the last 10 years, I would say, but I'm really excited to turn to the next page.

[00:03:08] My comments are brief today, so let me just get right at it. When I announced in mid-December of my impending retirement, I mentioned more family time as one of the criteria for how I want to spend my next chapter. And I am so grateful that my wife, Suzanne Casey, is here today, as she was 10 years ago on these very steps.

[00:03:26] And she's the love of my life. And thank you. I'm also excited that my three sons and their plus ones are all coming into town Wednesday to spend this last week with me just to be a support network that family can only be.

[00:03:45] I also mentioned back then that I picked mid-December in this time period because I trust these five people more than you will ever know in picking the right person and the responsibility that requires professionalism and a judicious process.

[00:04:03] I can attest that they adhere to this responsibility, so I personally want to thank you. Now, for my new best friend, and it would always have been my best friend no matter who they picked, but it is my new best friend to be announced.

[00:04:23] That will be Dr. Miller's announcement. I have known this person only for one week, but I can tell you that he is ready, willing, and able to lead a passionate and committed workforce that serves our community as if they were family.

[00:04:39] I'll do my best to help you in transition ahead and thereafter just be a friendly resource, living and volunteering here as I move up the org chart pinnacle, joining 400,000 other people and being in charge of Chesterfield County.

[00:04:55] Greatly looking forward to that org chart maneuver. And all of us together will help you succeed, helping our neighbors further weave the fabric of a community. And then finally, in bringing closure to the number one question I've been asked over and over, and even Dave Good referred to it, I have confirmed, and this is for public information, We do wear the same shoe size.

[00:05:21] It's not big shoes. Thank you very much. Now, Dr. Miller. Well, good afternoon. Thank you, Dr. Casey, and thank you all for being here on a rather warm afternoon for this really important occasion.

[00:05:44] Before I continue, I want to recognize a number of special guests joining us today. And when I mention your name, if you could just raise your hand and be recognized. Let's start with not in any particular order. I just say that up front. Sheriff Carl Leonard, where are you? Thank you for being here.

[00:06:05] Treasurer Rebecca Longnaker, where are you hanging out? Commonwealth Attorney Aaron Barr. Judge Matthew Nelson. Dominique Chatters represents the Dale District on the school board.

[00:06:31] And then, of course, Chesterfield School Superintendent Dr. John Murray, where are you hanging out? Hanging out in the shade of my brother, right on. Also here is a former county administrator, Lane Ramsey. I also want to recognize the former Matoika District Supervisor and Fire Chief, Steve Elswick.

[00:06:56] Where are you? And then the former Bermuda District Supervisor, Dorothy Jekyll. And then last but not least, retired Fire Chief, Bob Eanes.

[00:07:17] Thank you all for being here. I want to take this moment as I get started also to thank Ann Lewis of Raftelis and for her invaluable assistance. Ms. Lewis helped gather input from the employees and community as large on the qualities that we wanted to see in the next administrator, and she played a key role in identifying a highly qualified pool of candidates.

[00:07:45] As Dr. Casey mentioned today, does indeed mark a change in leadership. But what will not change, and will continue, is a commitment to the kind of values and vision that brings excellence to Chesterfield County, one of the most respected and well-managed local governments in our country.

[00:08:08] On this stage, we have both the outgoing and incoming county administrator. We have a legend whose impact on the region will be felt for decades, and we also have an incoming leader who will help write our county's next chapter.

[00:08:28] On behalf of the entire board, I want to extend his sincere gratitude to Dr. Casey on your decade of dedicated service and leadership to this county. Thank you. What many of you may not realize is that Dr. Casey's contract only required 90 days of notice.

[00:08:53] However, Dr. Casey provided six months' notice. With this, because of this, we were able to conduct a thorough search and prepare for a seamless transition. I think that speaks volumes about your character. Even when preparing for retirement, you were thinking first about the organization and the community.

[00:09:17] You leave us with a strong foundation, and because of this, an exceptional workforce and an engaged, supported community. We can say with confidence, we've got this. I also want to extend the board's appreciation to the Deputy County Administrator, Matt Harris, who is going to be stepping in to serve as the interim county administrator from July 1st through August 24th, when our new county administrator will then take the helm.

[00:09:48] This is an important period of transition, and it's important to make that transition from Dr. Casey to the new leadership. So, Mr. Harris, where you're hanging out, thank you so, so much. Throughout this process, your board of supervisors worked together to find someone to fill Dr. Casey's, now I'm finding out, not so easy, but maybe, filled his shoes.

[00:10:19] We sought someone who has a proven track record, proven track record for fostering collaboration. The individual that we are introducing today embodies that and understands that Chesterfield's success has always been rooted in strong relationships.

[00:10:36] I need to share, and I want to deeply appreciate the Board of Supervisors. It is truly an honor to be serving as your chair, working together during this challenging process. Thank you. This board is excited to work alongside our new county administrator, and we are confident in his ability to ensure Chesterfield remains a first-choice community to live, learn, work, and play.

[00:11:07] Dr. Kevin Catlin has traveled to Chesterfield from Kalamazoo County, Michigan. where he currently serves as a county administrator and controller. Dr. Catlin holds both a master's and a doctoral degrees in public administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield and has previously served in leadership roles in other localities, including Springfield, Michigan, and Boone County, Illinois, where he supported governing bodies through fiscal stewardship and long-range capital planning,

[00:11:44] economic development partnerships, and employment engagement. Over the next week, Dr. Casey and other county leaders will help orient Dr. Catlin to the organization and community he will soon serve. I need to mention that there is a, where is it, Dave?

[00:12:02] We look forward to officially welcoming you. I wanted to make sure that what was in here was definitely Chesterfield County Sox. So we'd like to officially welcome you to Chesterfield County, Dr. Catlin.

[00:12:29] You were assuming a role as county administrator on August 24th. So, please, join me in welcoming our new county administrator, Dr. Kevin Catlett. I'm just looking at the clouds really quick, just to make sure I know how much time I have.

[00:12:59] All right. Well, thank you so much, everyone. This is an overwhelming experience. I appreciate seeing everyone here this afternoon. My husband and I, Nate, have been welcomed with open arms, and so we're just so appreciative of the hospitality that has been shown to us.

[00:13:18] uh before i get started i just need to catch my breath a little bit this is this is a great experience and i appreciate everyone so everyone i am kevin catlin i am so happy to be here and i'll start by saying thank you to the board of supervisors so chair miller vice chair carroll members of the board of supervisors dr casey employees residents community partners friends and honored guests, good afternoon. It is truly an honor to stand here before you as Chesterfield

[00:13:51] County's new County Administrator, effective August 24th. It is truly an honor to be here again and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Supervisors for the confidence you have placed in me. Throughout this process, I was continually impressed by your thoughtfulness, your commitment to this organization, and your genuine care for the employees and residents of Chesterfield County.

[00:14:16] I am humbled by your trust and deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve. I would like to thank my spouse, Nate, my family, mentors, colleagues, and all that have supported me throughout my career. Public service is a very demanding profession, and none of us arrive at moments like this alone.

[00:14:37] We'll wait for the big semi-truck. So before I say anything else, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a person whose presence is left and felt throughout this organization and throughout the community, Dr. Joe Casey.

[00:14:56] Throughout this process, I have heard his name countless times. In fact, I think I heard his name as often as I've heard the words Chesterfield County. Early on in the process, someone described him as the man, the myth, and even as of recently, the legend.

[00:15:15] After spending some time here and learning more about his leadership, I have come to realize that only part of that statement is true. He is certainly the man. He is unquestionably the legend. But after seeing firsthand the impact he has had on this organization, the community, and those who serve it, I can confidently say there is nothing mythical about him.

[00:15:37] The culture of trust, engagement, transparency, accountability, and service that exists within Chesterfield County today is real. The commitment to the employees as the organization's graded asset is real. The reputation this county enjoys as one of the premier local governments in America is real.

[00:15:59] The extraordinary team assembled here is real. And those things do not happen by accident. They happen because of leadership. They happen because someone invested in people, empowered employees, built relationships, and understood that local government is ultimately about serving others.

[00:16:16] Dr. Casey leaves behind more than a remarkable list of accomplishments. He leaves behind a culture. He leaves behind a standard. He leaves behind an organization that people are proud to be part of. That is a legacy that any public servant would be honored to follow.

[00:16:33] So, please join me in thanking Dr. Casey for his extraordinary service to Chesterfield County. So, as my spouse and I have spent time in Chesterfield throughout this process, we quickly discovered what makes this community so special.

[00:16:55] Yes, Chesterfield has an exceptional reputation. Yes, Chesterfield is financially strong. Yes, Chesterfield continues to attract investment, talent, and opportunity. But what stood out most to us was something far simpler.

[00:17:10] It was the people. Everywhere we went, we encountered residents who were proud of this community. We met leaders who were focused on the future. And throughout every conversation, we heard the same consistent message about the people who make Chesterfield County exceptional.

[00:17:28] I tell you, Kalamazoo County has been there four years, so it's going to take me a little while to get that out. I apologize. So board members here have spoken proudly about their workforce. Community members spoke appreciatively about the services they receive. And everywhere we turned, there was a genuine respect for employees who served this county every day.

[00:17:49] And that resonated deeply with me. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving wonderful communities and working alongside extraordinary public servants. And those experiences have taught me that successful organizations are rarely defined by any one project, budget, or initiative.

[00:18:07] They are defined by people. One of the things that attracted me most to Chesterfield County is that this organization already understands something I believe in very deeply. Success starts with people. We know that buildings matter.

[00:18:24] Infrastructure matters. Budgets matter. Economic development matters, but what we do know is that people matter most. The employees who serve this community every day. The residents who call Chesterfield home. The elected officials who provide leadership and vision.

[00:18:40] The community partners who help move this county forward. My commitment is to continue fostering that culture that has made Chesterfield so successful while working alongside all of you to build upon that strong foundation. As county administrator, I view my role as one of stewardship.

[00:18:58] The board establishes the vision. The employees bring that vision to life. And my responsibility is to ensure that the organization has the support, resources, and alignment necessary to succeed. So that means listening. That means being present. That means building relationships.

[00:19:18] That means ensuring employees feel valued and supported. That means remaining accessible to residents and community partners. And that means working every day to earn the trust that has been placed in me. I'm not arriving with the belief that I have all of the answers.

[00:19:36] And in fact, one of the reasons I was attracted to this opportunity is because of the strength of the team already in place. The employees of Chesterfield County have built an organization that is admired throughout this profession in America and internationally.

[00:19:52] So I look forward to learning from you. I look forward to working alongside you. And I look forward to supporting you as we continue serving this community together. And to the residents of Chesterfield County, I want you to know that I take this responsibility very seriously.

[00:20:09] You deserve a county administrator who is accessible, engaged, and responsive. You deserve an administrator who listens. You deserve a county administrator who understands that every decision ultimately affects real people, real families, and real lives.

[00:20:26] That is a commitment I make to you today. The future of Chesterfield County is exceptionally bright. The momentum is real. The opportunities are significant. And perhaps most importantly, the people here are extraordinary. I am honored to have the opportunity to join you in helping write the next chapter of this remarkable story.

[00:20:51] So I thank you for your trust. I thank you for your confidence. And I thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to getting to work with all of you. Thank you. Okay, that concludes our ceremony.

[00:21:19] I would encourage everybody to stay for some fellowship and refreshments.

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