Chesterfield begins search for new county administrator
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Ramsey

Chesterfield County will begin the process this week of seeking a replacement for County Administrator Lane Ramsey who is retiring Aug. 15.

"Board members haven't discussed it," said Chairman Kelly Miller. "Replacing Lane will be difficult. No particular candidate has been identified, and I expect Lane to stay neutral. We hope to have his replacement hired before he leaves."

One possibility is using an outside search firm like the Chesterfield School Board has to find a superintendent. "I have mixed feelings about a national search," added Miller, "and I want to avoid spending a lot of taxpayer money."

After almost 20 years as the county's chief executive, Ramsey has been persuaded "a couple of times" to stay on. "He wanted to go earlier, but I pleaded with him not to leave," acknowledged Miller.

Some observers speculated that Ramsey's resignation allows the current board to replace him when, depending on the outcome of this fall's election, a new board of supervisors might select someone else. It would also keep Ramsey from becoming an election issue when some candidates might choose to remind voters that Ramsey spent $18,000 to charter a flight back to Chesterfield in January 2006 after former Supervisor Ed Barber pled guilty to sex charges. Ramsey repaid the county personally with interest. He said neither was a factor in his decision.

"He's done an outstanding job," praised Carl Baker, Chesterfield's chief of police. "He's the best boss I've ever worked for."

The vacancy places the spotlight mostly on the three deputy county administrators, if the decision is to promote from within. "What I'm most proud of over the years is developing a professional, well-trained staff," said Ramsey. In addition to his deputies, "there are other viable candidates within the county government for my position."

Pete Stith oversees community development including planning, transportation, building inspections, economic development, environmental engineering and other departments. He joined the county in 1984 as executive assistant to the county administrator and then became director of parks and recreation before taking on his current position in 1992.

Asked if he is interested in Ramsey's position, Stith said, "I haven't crossed that bridge yet." Stith is currently receiving physical therapy after knee surgery last year, but said his health is not an issue.

Jay Stegmaier oversees the operations of general services including the county airport as well as the departments of purchasing, accounting, information systems and others. His office also serves as liaison for the constitutional officers and courts and the registrar. He joined the county staff in 1979 and was promoted to his current position in 1997.

He replied, "No comment," when asked if he is interested in the position.

Becky Dickson was promoted to oversee human services last year after serving as director of management and budget. She supervises the operations of the county libraries, parks and recreation, mental health/mental retardation/substance abuse, health and other departments. She became a county employee in 1990.

Dickson was unavailable for comment at press deadline regarding any interest she might have in the county administrator position. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Virginia Commonwealth University and is studying for a master's degree in urban and regional planning.

Ramsey has no particular plans after his retirement. "My wife and I are staying here where we live now," he commented. "We have roots in the county with a daughter and three granddaughters here."