Form of Government and City Officials The City of Virginia Beach was chartered as a municipal corporation by the General Assembly of Virginia on January 1, 1963. The City operates under Council-Manager form of government. Page ContentThe eleven member City Council is the City's legislative body. The City Manager is appointed by Council and acts as Chief Executive Officer. Through his staff, he implements policies established by Council. Three Council members and the Mayor serve "at large" with no District residency requirement. All others are required to live in the District they represent: Bayside, Centerville, Kempsville, Lynnhaven, Princess Anne, Rose Hall and Beach Districts.City Council elections are held every two years during the November General Elections, which is the 1st Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even numbered years. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term through "direct" election. The Mayor presides over Council meetings, serves as the ceremonial head and spokesperson for the City, and assumes other duties as necessary.The Vice-Mayor is elected by the City Council at the first meeting in January following a Council election. The Vice-Mayor is charged with carrying out the duties of the Mayor in his or her absence. City CouncilRobert M. "Bobby" DyerMayor Websitemayorsoffice@vbgov.com(757) 385-4581Mayor Bobby Dyer was sworn in on November 20, 2018, and is the first Veteran to be directly elected as mayor in Virginia Beach history. Before being sworn in as Mayor, Dyer represented the Centerville District for 14 years. Linwood BranchLynnhaven District #5libranch@vbgov.com(757) 777-8331Council Member Branch was appointed by the City Council on October 5, 2021, to fill the unexpired term for the Lynnhaven district seat vacated by James Wood. He had previously served as the Beach district representative to the Council from 1992-2002. Branch has also served on numerous boards and commissions spanning over three decades, including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Virginia Beach Development Authority, Hampton Roads Transportation District Commission, City Landscaping Committee and Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission.Michael BerlucchiRose Hall District #3mberlucc@vbgov.com(757) 407-5105Council Member Michael Berlucchi was elected on November 5, 2019 and re-elected on November 3, 2020 to serve as the Rose Hall District representative. He was born and raised in Virginia Beach and is a graduate of First Colonial High School and George Mason University, the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, and the CIVIC Leadership Institute at Old Dominion University. Barbara HenleyPrincess Anne District #7bhenley@vbgov.com(757) 426-7501Council Member Henley is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in urban studies. She taught in the city's public schools' system and is serving her ninth term on the City Council.N.D. "Rocky" HolcombKempsvillle District #2rholcomb@vbgov.com(757) 416-2343 Council Member Holcomb is a chief deputy in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office, a former Marine, and a former representative of the 85th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He was appointed to fill the Kempsville District vacancy in August 2021 and will serve until a special election in November 2022.Louis JonesBayside District #4lrjones@vbgov.com(757) 583-0177Council Member Jones has served on the City Council for more than 35 years, representing the Bayside District. He served as Mayor from May 1, 2018 to November 20, 2018 and July 1, 1982 to June 30, 1984, and as Vice Mayor from November 1, 2001 to April 30, 2018. He is a member and former chairman of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. He is also a former chairman of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization. John MossAt Largejdmoss@vbgov.com757-264-9162Council Member Moss was re-elected to the City Council in November 2018. He served three prior terms on the City Council, as the Kempsville Borough representative (1986-1990) and as an at large member (1992-1995 and 2015-2018). Moss serves as deputy director of the Submarine Program Requirements and Warfare Development for the Commander Submarine Forces.Aaron R. RouseAt Largearouse@vbgov.com(757) 319-1398Council Member Rouse was born and raised in Virginia Beach. He attended First Colonial High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Guy King TowerBeach District #6gtower@vbgov.com(804) 398-0070Council Member Tower was appointed to City Council in April 2019 and subsequently elected in November of that year. He is a retired lawyer, mediator, educator and association executive. Rosemary WilsonVice Mayor, At Largercwilson@vbgov.com(757) 422-0733 Council Member Wilson has held elected office since 1996 — first with the School Board (1996 to 2000, including being vice chairman), then with the City Council (2000 to present). A graduate of Bayside High School and Old Dominion University, Wilson is a Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate. Sabrina D. WootenCenterville District #1swooten@vbgov.com(757) 797-5625Council Member Wooten was sworn into office on November 20, 2018 to fill the unexpired term of the seat Mayor Dyer vacated as the Centerville district representative in Virginia Beach. On November 3, 2020, she was re-elected as the first African American to serve a second term ever on Virginia Beach City Council.State Appointed OfficersThomas R. CahillChief Magistrate Websitetcahill@courts.state.va.us(757) 385-4724The Virginia Beach Office of the Magistrate is committed to delivering professional and informed judicial services to all citizens, law enforcement and government agencies twenty-four hours a day 365 days a year.Olymphia A. PerkinsDirector, Second District Court Service Unit Websiteoperkins@vbgov.com(757) 385-4361The Juvenile Probation Department, Court Services Unit, provides short term, intensive family and marriage counseling, as well as counseling for runaways, truants and victims of spousal abuse. The Department also processes petitions against juveniles including support, custody, visitation and certain adoption petitions. The Department also screens for placement of juveniles who are arrested and taken into custody.Christine LewisActing Director of Elections/General Registrar Websitevoter@vbgov.com(757) 385-8683The Voter Registration and Elections office maintains the current registration and elections process for Virginia Beach voters and meets mandatory state and federal standards for access to voter registration, such as the regulations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Constitutional OfficersTina E. SinnenCircuit Court Clerk Websitetsinnen@vacourts.gov(757) 385-8817The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a Constitutional Official and is elected by the voters of the locality and every Circuit Court in the Commonwealth of Virginia is a court of record. The Clerk of court is charged with the custody, safekeeping and proper indexing of legal and quasi-legal papers deposited in her office. V. Leigh HendersonCity Treasurer Websitelwhenderson@vbgov.com(757) 385-4445It is the mission of the Office of the Treasurer to ensure economic vitality by the collection of revenue for the City of Virginia Beach and to support the mission of all other City Departments.Philip J. KellamCommissioner of the Revenue Websitecoradmin@vbgov.com(757) 385-4251Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue, Philip J. Kellam, is a publicly elected representative of the people responsible for the just administration of local taxes levied by the government as indicated in the Code of Virginia and Virginia Beach local tax ordinances.Colin StolleCommonwealth's Attorney Websiteocaadmin@vbgov.com(757) 385-4401The Commonwealth’s Attorney is a constitutional officer elected by the voters of Virginia Beach. His office is responsible for prosecuting those charged with violating the criminal laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in Virginia Beach.Kenneth StolleSheriff Websitekstolle@vbso.net757-385-4555Our mission is to provide for the public safety of the citizens of Virginia Beach, through the efficient and professional operations of the Sheriff's Office as provided for in the Constitution and the Code of Virginia. Appointed OfficersMark D. StilesCity AttorneyLyndon S. RemiasCity Auditor Websitelremias@vbgov.com(757) 385-5870Lyndon S. Remias was selected by the Virginia Beach City Council in May 2008 to become the City's first appointed City Auditor. Remias is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and has a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). Remias has more than 29 years of public, private, and governmental auditing experience.Amanda BarnesCity Clerk Websiteabarnes@vbgov.com(757) 385-4303The City Clerk provides a historical record of the governing body (some records date as early as the 1860's); prepares and distributes the City Council Agenda, Minutes and Summary of Action; provides administrative services to City Council and the citizens; attests to all official documents insuring compliance with legislative law and City Council Action; provides and monitors legal advertising; and maintains the highest standards of customer service. All members of the staff have continued their education with Old Dominion University and are certified through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in procedures, ethics and conduct.Ronald D. AgnorReal Estate Assessor Websiteassessor@vbgov.com(757) 385-4601The mission of the Real Estate Assessor's Office is to annually inventory and appraise all taxable and tax exempt real estate in the City, fairly and equitably, in accordance with Virginia State Law and Virginia Beach City Code, and provide information and assistance to the City Council, City Staff, State Department of Taxation and the public, regarding the land book and individual assessments.Management Leadership TeamPatrick A. DuhaneyCity Manager Websitecmoffice@vbgov.com (757) 385-4242Patrick Duhaney joined the City of Virginia Beach as city manager in July, 2020. Prior to taking on his new role, he served as city manager of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had been employed since 2009. While there, Duhaney served in a variety of roles, including contract compliance specialist, chief procurement officer and assistant city manager. Before his work in local government, Duhaney served in the U.S. Army on active duty and in reserve capacity from 1999 to 2015 under combat engineer and ordnance commands. He also worked for a community development financial institution in Cincinnati, where he was a program officer responsible for issuing community development loans, overseeing the local LISC office’s loan portfolio, and bringing resources to aid in the redevelopment of Cincinnati neighborhoods. Duhaney served on numerous boards in Cincinnati pertaining to neighborhood economic development and redevelopment and chaired the City of Cincinnati's Minority/Small/Women Business Enterprise Advisory Board. Duhaney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Urban Studies from the Cleveland State University and master’s in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the Urban League’s African-American Leadership Development Program. He is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a Certified Public Procurement Buyer issued by the National Institute for Government Procurement (NIGP).Kenneth L. ChandlerDeputy City Manager Websitekchandle@vbgov.com(757) 385-4242Ken Chandler oversees the Virginia Aquarium, Libraries, Parks & Recreation, Human Services, Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, Public Utilities, and Public Health (liaison). Ken has 30+ years of public service experience in executive management, operations, human development, including two prior CEO appointments with local governments in Virginia, Texas, and the District of Columbia. He holds a Doctor of Strategic Leadership (Regent University), MPA (Old Dominion University), and BA (Morehouse College). Ken is a Credentialed Manager (ICMA), certified Leadership Coach (LCOP), USCG Auxiliary member.Taylor V. AdamsDeputy City Manager tadams@vbgov.com(757) 385-4242Taylor oversees Agriculture, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Economic Development and Planning, and Community Development. Taylor has 20+ years of experience in the public and private sectors in business development, lending, sales, procurement, finance administration, and serving as a chief administrative officer of a local government. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration from Hult International Business School. Monica Croskey ChaparroAssistant City Managermchaparro@vbgov.com(757) 385-4242In addition to overseeing a portfolio of strategic initiatives, Monica provides executive oversight to the Cultural Affairs Department, the Office of Performance and Accountability, and the Inclusion and Diversity Council. She serves as the City Manager’s Office liaison to the Virginia Beach Courts, Voter Registration and Elections, and the City Council-appointed Process Improvement Steering Committee. Monica has 15 years of local government experience having served in leadership roles in the areas of strategic planning, performance management, and budgeting for the city of Raleigh, the city of Durham, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina. She began her local government career working for the City of Charlotte, NC. Chaparro earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Winthrop University.Melissa C. ZibutisAssistant to the City Managermzibutis@vbgov.com(757) 385-4242As the Assistant to the City Manager, Melissa serves as a liaison for the City with nonprofit, private, and public agencies to advance initiatives identified by the Office of the City Manager. Melissa oversees the City’s Office of Volunteer Resources as well as the Recovery and Resiliency Program for people impacted by the events that took place at the Municipal Center on May 31, 2019. In addition, she supports the City Manager with the development and implementation of projects, programs, and partnerships in support of City Council priorities and organizational strategic initiatives. Melissa has 15+ years of experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and a master’s degree from Regent University.Department LeadershipDavid TrimmerAgriculture Websitebsalmons@vbgov.com(757) 385-5775David Trimmer has held the position of the City of Virginia Beach Director of Agriculture since October 2008. David leads staff and works with the industry and communities to promote, preserve, and the sustainability of agriculture in the City of Virginia Beach as well as Virginia. David is an advocate of the local agriculture community making sure agriculture has a voice when it comes to issues going on in the City both today and tomorrow.Kevin ChatellierBudget and Management Services Websitekchatell@vbgov.com(757) 385-8234Chatellier began his career as a management and budget analyst with the City of Virginia Beach in 2008 and was promoted to a senior analyst in 2014. He was promoted to Budget and Management Services administrator in 2017 and named acting co-director of Budget and Management Services in September 2019.Tiffany RussellCommunications Websitenews@vbgov.com(757) 385-4679The Communications Office provides the full range of strategic and tactical communications services that facilitate service delivery, relationship-building and the exchange of ideas to achieve established objectives.Nancy HelmanConvention and Visitors Bureau Website(757) 385-4700A 25-year veteran of the tourism industry, Nancy Helman leads one of the nation's top sports marketing programs that has put Virginia Beach on the map as one of the best managed destinations for sports clients and participants. Emily S. LabowsCultural Affairs Websiteartsinfo@vbgov.com(757) 385-2526The City of Virginia Beach Department of Cultural Affairs fosters an environment that encourages innovation and excellence within the Virginia Beach arts community. Cultural Affairs, along with the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, funds programs and services that build community and transform lives by enhancing enjoyment, understanding and participation in the arts.Taylor Adams Economic Development Websiteecdev@vbgov.com(757) 385-6464The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is charged with expanding and diversifying the tax base and employment opportunities for the city through business development. The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development can be your one-stop resource for business and site evaluation information.Jada M. LeeEmergency Communications & Citizen Services Websiteeccsadmin@vbgov.com(757) 385-4232Jada M. Lee is acting director of Emergency Communications and Citizen Services (ECCS), which operates Virginia Beach's 911 emergency system, as well as its 311 non-emergency system. Danielle ProgenEmergency Management Websitevboem@vbgov.com(757) 385-8585Danielle Progen was appointed Emergency Management Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management in December 2020 and is responsible for promoting a comprehensive emergency management program to mitigate the community’s impacts from manmade, natural, or technological disasters and potential catastrophic incidents through robust mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.Ed BrazleEmergency Medical Services Websiteebrazle@vbgov.comChief Ed Brazle oversees the largest volunteer EMS agency in the country. He joined Virginia Beach EMS as a volunteer with the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1990 while on active duty as a naval officer. He served in a number of positions in the squad, including Captain and President. After leaving the Navy in 1996, he was hired as the Regulation and Enforcement Coordinator, later advancing to the Division Chief level. He has completed tours as Chief the Operations, Support Services and Administration Divisions. Over the years he has had a leading role in numerous major initiatives including, creation of the CQI Program, integration of career and volunteer medics, deployment of AEDs on police cars, ALS capability on fire engines, new station construction and the Air Medical Program. He was name to the City of Virginia Beach Employee Hall of Fame in 2013. Chief Brazle is a Nationally Certified Paramedic and acts as the Chief Flight Medic for the department. He participates on a number of committees at the local, regional and state level. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Public Administration from Troy State University.Letitia SheltonFinance Websitefinanceadmin@vbgov.com(757) 385-4681The Director ensures direction, planning, and coordination of departmental services provided by Debt Administration, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Payroll, Risk Management, Comptroller, Minority Business Council, and the Deferred Compensation Board.David HutchesonFiredhutches@vbgov.com(757) 385-8882Fire Chief David Hutcheson is a 30-year veteran of the Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD). He was chosen as the department’s fifth Fire Chief on June 8, 2017. Chief Hutcheson is an original member of Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search & Rescue Team (VA-TF2) and is currently the sponsoring agency chief for the Team. In addition to completing his Masters of Homeland Security from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Post Graduate School, he is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Hutcheson is a member of multiple professional organizations including the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association where he currently serves on the Executive Board as the president and co-chairs the annual Fire and Rescue Conference. Chief Hutcheson has been a long-term volunteer for the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) and is currently a member of their Executive Board. Ruth HillHousing and Neighborhood Preservation Websitehousenp@vbgov.com(757) 385-5750Ruth Hill was named was named Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation in October 2021, leading the implementation of the City's strategic plan to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. She previously served as the department's Homeless Services administrator and has 21 years of executive management experience in the homelessness field. She joined the City in 2017 to spearhead the programming of the Housing Resource Center, where she managed center staff and multiple contracted providers that operate the services in the facility, including single and family shelters, dining facility, health clinic, day services, and 30 efficiency apartments. Hill has a bachelor's degree in social work from James Madison University and a certificate of nonprofit management from Tidewater Community College. Prior to joining the City, she was executive director of The Healing Place of Hampton Roads, Stop Child Trafficking Now, Samaritan House, and Our House Families. Hill serves on the South Hampton Roads Regional Task Force to End Homelessness and is a founding member of the BEACH Community Partnership.Regina HilliardHuman Resources Websitehrcareers@vbgov.com(757) 385-4157Regina S. Hilliard became the City’s Director of Human Resources in July 2010. Responsibilities of this role include oversight for many actions impacting employees throughout their career including hiring, classification and pay, necessary employment and safety-sensitive physicals, and employee development. The department also focuses on ensuring City employees are informed and can perform their work in a respectful, harassment-free workplace that is professional, open and inclusive.Aileen L. SmithHuman Services Website(757) 385-3200Aileen Smith was hired as the director of the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services in August 2019. She has worked in the Department of Human Services since 2012. Mrs. Smith leads a department of about 1,500 staff and volunteers who provide mental health, behavioral health and social services to citizens in our community. She has 28 years of experience in the field of Human Services and has served in numerous leadership and staff roles throughout her career. Mrs. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling from Old Dominion University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the LEAD Leadership program at the University of Virginia and became a Fellow of Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform in 2016. Mrs. Smith has previously served on Governor McAuliffe’s Behavioral Health and Justice Center Advisory Committee (CAG), the Hampton Roads Heroin Task Force, the Virginia Jail Mental Health Standards Workgroup and served as the chair of the Region V CSB Executive Director’s leadership team. Pedro WallaceInformation Technology Websitecomitbc@vbgov.com(757) 385-4121Pedro Wallace was appointed Chief Information Officer for the City of Virginia Beach in March 2017. In this role, Wallace is responsible for the management and oversight of the department of Information Technology which provides and supports communications, information, and technology solutions to enable city businesses, inform the community, and improve and promote quality of life and public safety.Michael KirschmanParks & Recreation Websitefun@vbgov.com(757) 385-1100Michael Kirschman was appointed Parks and Recreation Department Director in March 2018. The department manages over 290 parks, 7,000+ acres, seven large recreation centers, provides before after school childcare at all 56 elementary schools, and maintains all city properties and public school grounds and athletic fields. Prior to Virginia Beach, he served as Deputy Director for the Mecklenburg County NC Parks and Recreation Department, serving one million residents and the City of Charlotte and six towns. He has also worked for park districts in Illinois and Ohio, the American Samoa EPA, and started his career over 25 years ago as a Soil and Water Conservation District educator. He has a bachelor's and master’s degree in environmental studies, is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and in 2019 was accepted into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Michael is also an instructor at the National Park and Recreation Association Directors School, an exclusive two year professional development program for aspiring park and recreation directors. Bobby TajanPlanning & Community Development Websiteplan@vbgov.com(757) 385-4621The mission of the Department of Planning & Community Development is to support the planning and development process of land use and reuse in the City of Virginia Beach, to ensure orderly development and land use so that the economic and aesthetic viability of the City is maintained and enhanced as it relates to the physical function of the City. This process is supported by plan review, special planning studies, support for the Planning Commission and other planning related boards and commissions, development review, zoning enforcement, permit issuance, and building inspection.Paul NeudigatePolice Websitevbpd@vbgov.com(757) 385-4141Paul Neudigate was sworn in as chief of the Virginia Beach Police Department on October 13, 2020. He is a 30-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department where he held positions in all levels and areas of the department. He retired at the rank of assistant chief of the patrol bureau. Chief Neudigate is committed to applying intelligence-led data-driven strategies, using technology to enhance policing, and collaborating with other City departments and community groups to reduce crime and increase safety throughout the community. In addition to graduating from a variety of advanced executive leadership schools, he earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor's degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville.Kimberly B. KnightPublic Libraries Websitelibrary@vbgov.com(757) 385-0150Virginia Beach Public Library provides citizens with information and skills needed for success, now and in the future.Bob MontaguePublic Utilities Websitepuengineer@vbgov.com(757) 385-4171 The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide potable public water, including fire protection and public sanitary sewer service, to the citizens of Virginia Beach. L.J. Hansen, P.E.Public Works Website(757) 385-4167The mission of the Department of Public Works is to proactively enhance the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Virginia Beach by overseeing the design and construction of new City structures and transportation facililties to ensure maximum use and benefit; maintain a large portion of the City's infrastructure; provide for the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste to ensure a healthy environment.Tam NguyenOffice of Performance and Accountability Websiteopa@vbgov.com(757) 385-7847The Office of Performance and Accountability’s mission is to be a trusted resource for driving progress and results. The Office is responsible for leading enterprise-level strategic planning, performance management, and process improvements to bring about optimized service delivery, increased accountability supported by data, and greater transparency about goals and corresponding efforts.Cynthia Whitbred-SpanoulisVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Website(757) 385-7777Cynthia Spanoulis, is the Director of the Virginia Aquarium. Additionally, she is the Executive Director for the Virginia Aquarium Foundation. Cynthia graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in Political Science and Urban Affairs/ Planning, and also holds a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Tech. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Real Estate and Retail Development School from the University of Pennsylvania, and holds a Certificate in Negations from Harvard University. She is also an accredited member of the public relations profession. In 2004 Cynthia was the recipient of the City of Virginia Beach Employee of the Year, and in 2007, Cynthia was recognized by Inside Business as a “Top 40 Under 40” recipient. In 2012, the Virginia Beach Rotary recognized Cynthia as the City of Virginia Beach Outstanding City Employee of the Year. In 2019 She was recognized by Inside Business as Hampton Roads top Women in Business. Prior work experience includes working in the United States House of Representatives for Representative Amory Houghton of the 29th District in New York State as a legislative aide Contact InformationCity Manager's Office(757) 385-4242CMOffice@vbgov.com Related Information City Organization Chart