Richardson highlights professional development of Albemarle staff

If you want to work for Albemarle County, the website for Human Resources states the purpose of county government.

“It is our mission to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds,” reads the website. “ We deliver this in a diverse locality with rural, suburban, and urban characteristics.”

The website goes on to list five “core values” intended to be the foundation of that mission. Four of them are integrity, innovation, stewardship, and community. County Executive Jeffrey Richardson made the fifth the focus of his May 20 report to the Board of Supervisors.

“The core value I’ll focus on tonight is learning,” Richardson said. “It’s the one I talk the most about in new employee orientation.”

Richardson said Albemarle wants its employees to educate themselves through professional training programs and the budget for fiscal year 2027 includes $1.4 million for that purpose.

The county executive then went through a list of recent milestones met through several employees starting with Deputy County Executive Trevor Henry who has recently become recognized as “Credentialed Manager” through the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA).

“It’s one of the most prestigious recognitions in local government leadership awarded to managers who demonstrate a commitment to professional development, ethical leadership, life-long learning,” Richardson said. “To earn this credential. Mr. Henry, when he was promoted, it took him about seven years to earn this credential.

Richardson said Henry must write a paper every year and put in about 40 hours of continuing education.

Emily Kilroy is the fourth person to hold the position of Economic Development Director in Albemarle, a position only created about a dozen years ago. Richardson said when he promoted her from working as his assistant, he insisted she get a certificate from the Economic Development Institute and he reported she has completed the coursework and is set to take the exam.

“It really equips practitioners with the tools, the framework and best practices needed to drive sustainable economic growth in their communities,” Richardson said. “It covers areas such as business retention, expansion, site selection, workforce development, strategic planning, all of this directly applicable to Abemarle County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.”

Other highlights:

• Human Resources Director Jessica Rice has recently completed the Human Resources Executive Leadership Certification.
• Michael Dellinger in the Community Development Department is one of less than a thousand people on the planet to have received an International Code Council Master Code Professional designation.
• David Dollins and Timmy Scarbrough in the Parks and Recreation Department recently got recertified with playground safety through the National Recreation and Park Association.
• Giselle Garbaccio of the Department of Social Services earned a QPR Certificate. That stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer and is a key tool in responding to mental health crises.

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