Gloucester County recently announced the hiring of two department heads, positions which have been vacant for several months. James C. “Chris” Dawson is now Gloucester’s Director of Public Utilities and Stephanie Tinsley was hired as Gloucester’s Director of Financial Services. Both began their duties with the county on Monday.
According to county spokesperson Christi Lewis, Dawson has over 30 years of progressively responsible work in public water and sewer systems. He previously worked for many public utility agencies including the Appomattox River Water Authority, where he was assistant executive director.
Prior to his service for these authorities, Dawson worked in various capacities for the James City Service Authority and the City of Virginia Beach. Lewis said he is a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil/environmental engineering from Old Dominion University.
“Gloucester is very fortunate to benefit from Dawson’s long-established and well-regarded experience,” said Gloucester’s Assistant County Administrator for Community Development Garrey Curry. “I am confident that he will foster a culture of continuous improvement within the public utilities department.”
“I am honored that Gloucester County chose me for this position,” Dawson said. “I look forward to getting to know the public utilities staff and systems to effectively serve the customers as well as all the citizens of Gloucester County.”
Lewis said Dawson will be paid an annual salary of $95,000. He succeeds Marty Schlesinger, who resigned in July.
Financial Services
According to Lewis, Tinsley has more than 15 years’ experience in accounting, having previously worked for the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the City of Norfolk, the University of Toledo and most recently, the Virginia Retirement System. She is a Certified Public Accountant and earned an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
“I am pleased to announce the hiring of an individual of Ms. Tinsley’s caliber as our new Director of Financial Services,” said Gloucester County Administrator Brenda Garton. “Her experience, enthusiasm and eagerness to try new things are a great match for where the county is at the present time. In addition to her experience and educational background, these characteristics will provide progressive leadership in the financial services department, which will serve our county now and in the future.”
“I’m very excited about this great opportunity to serve as the Director of Financial Services and be a part of Gloucester County’s excellent leadership team,” Tinsley said.
Lewis said Tinsley will be paid an annual salary of $93,636. She succeeds Nickie Champion, who retired in September.