Charles City County picks man with 15+ years of local government experience as new county administrator

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Charles City County has appointed a man with over 15 years of experience in local government in Virginia and North Carolina as the new county administrator after the previous one left.

During the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 17, the county appointed Keith C. Rogers, Jr., as its new county administrator, following a national search with help from the Berkley Group of Bridgewater, according to a release from the county.

He will also succeed Michelle Johnson, who left county employment in December 2024 after serving seven years as county administrator.

Rodgers shared his excitement about building relationships with residents in Charles City County.

“I am pleased to have the privilege of returning to my home state to serve the citizens of Charles City County. I have a passion for public service and believe that I can help the Board to achieve its vision for the County, but most importantly to focus first on stabilizing County finances, improving County operations, and strengthening open relationships and trust with County residents. I appreciate the confidence that the Board has shown in me and look forward to working with the governing body, the staff, and citizens of Charles City County address the important issues facing the community.” Keith C. Rogers, Jr.

Keith Rogers Headshot (Photo: Charles City County)

The news comes after what the release calls a "short transition with the Interim County Administrator" for Rogers Meanwhile, Sanford Wanner, with the Berkley Group, served as interim county administrator during the transition.

Rogers is a native of Hampton and was introduced to local government by his mother, who served a 40-year career as a social worker.

"In that role he was exposed to the diverse aspects of municipal government management, providing strategic leadership and oversight, directing high-profile operational units, and implementing strategic solutions to improve the City’s public image and maximize future growth opportunities," the release reads.

Previously, the new county administrator served as the Chief of Staff (Senior Policy Advisor) in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer in the City of Richmond from 2009 to 2019.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Rogers to Charles City County. We know that we have a lot to accomplish, and the Board was impressed with Keith’s experience in addressing financial challenges and in promoting open and transparent government. During our interview with him, Keith presented the Board with a plan of action for his first hundred days so we are confident that he will hit the ground running.” Mr. Adkins also thanked Sandy Wanner for his service as Interim County Administrator, “We appreciate what Mr. Wanner has done for the County during the transition period.”

According to the county, Rogers earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

He is also a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School and of the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the University of North Carolina.