Stafford Plucks New Parks Director from VDOT

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County has a new leader for its Parks and Recreation Department.

Jamie Porter was announced as the county’s new leader following a department move from former Director Chris Hoppe who left the parks department last year to become Stafford County’s Capital Improvement Program Manager.

Officials said a nationwide search was conducted to find Porter, who comes to Stafford from the Virginia Department of Transportation where she served as Chief Purchasing Officer.

More in a press release:

“Jamie has more than 25 years of government experience at both the local and state levels including roles in project management, budget analysis, facilities oversight, and management,” Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello said. “She has developed a reputation as a determined and compassionate leader with a record of building efficient operations and creating operational improvements. She knows our community, our region and the Commonwealth, and we are looking forward to welcoming her to our Stafford family.”

The Director manages a staff of more than 50 full-time employees, and oversees more than 1,000 acres and 56 public buildings in Stafford. The Department also serves a wide variety of dedicated user groups, leveraging resources to serve Stafford residents.

“I am excited about joining Stafford’s leadership team and I am energized by the opportunity to make a difference in Stafford County,” Ms. Porter said. “I’ve spent much time working with the County’s Board of Supervisors and staff during my years at VDOT, and I know they are committed to continuously enhancing the high quality of life for Stafford citizens. This role will allow me to use the many skills I gained in local and state government to have a positive impact on Stafford employees and citizens as we all work together to make Stafford a premiere community in Virginia.”

Ms. Porter began her public service career in public safety in North Carolina. She filled various roles within local government including Crime Scene Investigation, Diversity Facilitator, Budget and Management Analyst, and Policy and Planning Administrator for the Department of General Services. She joined the Virginia Department of Transportation in 2006 as Assistant Director of the Programming Division and then Assistant District Administrator for Business, Planning and Investment Management. Her most recent position was as Chief Purchasing Officer and Administrative Services Director, overseeing 120 employees statewide.

She has a B.A. in Public Administration from Shaw University and an MBA with a Concentration in Management.

Porter will begin work in Stafford on February 4.