Robert S. Herbert (Steve) became the Deputy City Manager in June 2007. He previously served as City Manager of Suffolk, Virginia. He was Interim City Manager of Hopewell, Virginia, Chief Plans and Policy Officer in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Assistant Director of Economic Development in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Herbert is a Vietnam Veteran, and retired from the Navy Reserve with the rank of Captain. He holds a Bachelors Degree in City Planning from the University of Virginia and a Master's Degree in Administration from George Washington University.
As Deputy City Manager, Steve is a member of the City's Management Leadership Team and reports to the City Manager. He is responsible for the overall direction and management of Agriculture, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Economic Development, Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, Museums and Historic Preservation, Office of Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development and the Strategic Growth Area Office; all of which affect development, health and growth of the local economy.