Henry Co. Appoints New County Administrator

HENRY CO. – The Henry County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Dale Wagoner to be the next County Administrator, effective July 1, 2022, during its Dec. 14 regular meeting.

Wagoner has served as Deputy County Administrator and Assistant General Manager of the Public Service Authority (PSA) since September 2012.

“Mr. Wagoner’s knowledge, work ethic and integrity, along with his experience and leadership capability, make him an ideal fit for the position of County Administrator,” said Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “He will do an outstanding job for the Board and for the people of Henry County.”

Wagoner began his career with Henry County as a Public Safety Intern in 1992. He was subsequently promoted to EMS Training Coordinator in 1992 and EMS Coordinator in 1995. Wagoner would go on to serve as Deputy Director of Public Safety from 1996-2007 with a brief stint as the Interim Human Resources Director in 2003. In 2007, he was named the Public Safety Director and he held that position until becoming Deputy County Administrator in 2012.

In addition to his time with Henry County, Wagoner has also held teaching positions at Patrick & Henry Community College, National Business College, Carilion Clinic, and SOVAH-Martinsville. Wagoner has been an active member of the community during his tenure. Among his numerous positions, he has served as the President and Board Chairman of the United Way of Martinsville-Henry County, President of the Board of Directors for the Martinsville/Henry County 9-1-1 Communications Center, and he is a life member of the Bassett Rescue Squad.

In 2012, Wagoner received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services, the most prestigious EMS award in Virginia.

“This is home. I am humbled for the opportunity to continue to be of service to my community in this new role,” Wagoner said. “There will undoubtedly be some tough hurdles for the County in the coming months but we have assembled a fantastic team here and I look forward to guiding them with the same steady hand of leadership of which they are accustomed.”

Wagoner is a graduate of Bassett High School. He received a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from Ferrum College in 1993 and a Master’s in Public Administration from Virginia Tech in 2002. Wagoner has also completed The Rocky Mount Program at the University of Colorado’s Graduate School of Public Affairs, and the L.E.A.D. program at the University of Virginia. In addition, he is a graduate of the LEAD Virginia Program.

Wagoner is an active member of his church and enjoys attending college football games with family and friends.

Upon Wagoner’s appointment as County Administrator, the Board of Supervisors recommended that Chairman Jim Adams engage in discussions with the PSA Board of Directors about continuing to share the position of General Manager of the PSA.