New county administrator outlines entry plan, recognizes Fire Rescue and Treasurer’s offices; introduces new hires

Dr. Jeremy Raley, five weeks into his tenure as Goochland County Administrator, presented an entry plan to the Board of Supervisors at the July 1 meeting that lays out outreach, document review and organizational-analysis steps he will use to guide his transition and early priorities.

Raley said the entry plan is structured around three core objectives: building relationships with county stakeholders, reviewing organizational documents and systems, and translating what staff and residents say into short- and mid-term action plans. He said listening sessions and meetings with faith-based organizations, business leaders, neighboring county administrators and constitutional officers are planned and that the plan will be shared publicly.

Raley used the opportunity to publicly recognize two county teams. He said the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services had received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award for its performance in caring for heart-attack and stroke patients. He also said the Treasurer’s Office received the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia quality seal for the tenth consecutive year.

Cliff Heller, Director of Human Resources, introduced four recently hired employees: firefighter Jeffrey Lewis; Planner III Adam Barber; Transportation Manager Patrick Longerbeam (a veteran and former VDOT staffer); and Rachel Tripp, an engineering technician in Utilities.

Board members praised Raley’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement and customer service. Several members thanked outgoing interim leaders and long-serving staff for assistance during the transition.

No action was required; Raley said the materials are available in the meeting packet and staff will proceed with the outreach and organizational review described in the entry plan.