The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel R. O’Donnell as Roanoke County’s next administrator. The Board voted unanimously to appoint O’Donnell following a closed session meeting Tuesday afternoon.
“Dan has a wealth of knowledge about Roanoke County government,” said Board Chairwoman Martha Hooker. “I know he will step seamlessly into this role and provide excellent leadership for the benefit of the County and its citizens.”
“It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Roanoke County as their administrator,” said O’Donnell. “I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors and our excellent County staff to continue building on the successes we have achieved.”
O’Donnell has served as Assistant County Administrator for Roanoke County since June 2000 where he has been responsible for direct oversight of departments including Fire & Rescue, Police, Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Social Services, and Libraries. He has also served as a liaison to the Sheriff’s Department, Circuit Court, and Commonwealth’s Attorney. O’Donnell currently represents the County on boards including Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Care, Regional Juvenile Detention Commission, Court Community Corrections Board, Drug Court Advisory Board, Community Policy and Management Team, Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority, Western Virginia Industrial Facilities Authority, and is a member of the Executive Budget Team.
O’Donnell has overseen the County’s first Strategic Plan initiative to guide policy, budget decisions, and service delivery choices for a five year period. He also served as the project manager for the $30 million Green Ridge Recreation Center construction project and the $28 million public safety center construction project.
Prior to coming to Roanoke County, O’Donnell served as County Administrator for Steuben County, New York, from 1996 to 2000. He also served as County Administrator for Berkeley County, West Virginia, from 1991 to 1996. Prior to 1991, O’Donnell worked in two economic development agencies in the Baltimore, Maryland area.
O’Donnell holds a Master of Public Administration degree from West Virginia University, where he was elected to Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for Public Administration education. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University. The International City/County Management Association has recognized O’Donnell as a Certified Local Government Manager annually since 2003. He is also professionally active as a member of the Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association and the Virginia Association of Local Human Service Officials.
O’Donnell will follow current County Administrator, Thomas Gates, who announced his resignation in November. Gates’ last day is January 4, 2019 following four years as the County’s leader.
O’Donnell will assume his new position January 5, 2019.