SUSSEX, Va. — The Sussex County Board of Supervisors has announced the appointment of Richard Douglas as County Administrator. Mr. Douglas was previously the Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Colonial Beach for one year and also served as the City Manager for the City of Covington for three years. Prior to his position with Covington, Mr. Douglas had 15 years of experience working in public administration for multiple municipalities in North Carolina and Georgia.
Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration and political science from James Madison University and a Masters of Planning with a concentration in community and regional planning from the University of Virginia. He is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Board of Supervisors Chair Susan Seward stated that “I am very excited to add Richard to our team in county government. He has years of experience working with municipal governments in Virginia and his skill set and background in planning and economic development matches our needs extremely well. I think his demeanor is a perfect fit to be working in Sussex County and that the public will enjoy working with him.”
Richard stated that “There’s so much opportunity in Sussex County with it being rural but in such close proximity to urban amenities, and I’m really excited to work on economic development, as I know that’s a high priority of the Board of Supervisors and I know that’s an area we need to focus on moving forward. I think my background will aid me in improving those efforts. I’ve appreciated the welcome I’ve received from the Board of Supervisors, County staff, our Constitutional Officers and the public — I’ve really felt welcomed and am very excited to serve our citizens. Someone told me that folks in Sussex are good genuine people, and I’ve witnessed that already.”
Mr. Douglas will succeed Larry Hughes, who was appointed as Interim County Administrator in March 2020. Richard began his employment with the County on September 1, and he, his wife and son will be relocating to Sussex following their daughter’s high school graduation in June.