Goochland County announces senior leadership changes

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Goochland County is reorganizing its senior leadership team, appointing Josh Gillepsie and Sara Worley as Deputy County Administrators in new roles.

The changes are part of County Administrator Jeremy Raley's entry plan, unveiled July 1, which included evaluating staff strengths and setting goals for key leadership positions. Part of the process includes Raley meeting with internal and external stakeholders to better understand Goochland's critical issues, opportunities and challenges.

Following a recruitment process with more than 30 candidates, Worley was appointed Deputy County Administrator for Economic and Community Development. In her new role, Worley will oversee economic and community development efforts, including planning and zoning, utilities, building inspections, transportation, environmental management and customer service.

The county is now recruiting a new Director of Economic Development.

“I am looking forward to continuing my career serving the citizens and customers of Goochland County,” Worley said. “I am extremely honored to work alongside the talented employees of the community and economic development departments.”

Worley has worked in Goochland County since 2005, holding multiple roles within the Community Development department and later managing the Customer Service Center, which she reorganized into a one-stop permitting shop.

Since transitioning to Economic Development in 2018, she has reportedly led initiatives including Goochland’s first business retention and tourism programs and has overseen more than $700 million in commercial investments, including Amazon’s recent project in the county.

Worley also led the implementation of a new online permitting system, earning the county the Tyler Excellence Award for Enterprise Licensing and Permitting. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond and an Economic Development Certificate from Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute.

Josh Gillespie will serve as Deputy County Administrator for Operations, managing departments such as parks and recreation, public affairs, human services, animal protection, information technology and the assessor’s office. He will also act as a liaison to partner agencies and support special projects.

“Goochland County is blessed with a team of dedicated, creative, and passionate people,” Gillespie said. “I am excited to lead excellence in operations in this new role.”

Gillespie joined the county in 2024 as the sole Deputy County Administrator, overseeing operations and supporting community development, parks and recreation, and county-wide projects. He brings over 20 years of public service experience, including leadership roles in Louisa, Orange, and Chesterfield counties. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Furman University and is an AICP Certified Planner.

Raley said the leadership reorganization will leverage the professional skills of Worley and Gillespie to provide high-quality, efficient, and accountable services to residents and businesses.

“These appointments will strengthen the experiences and opportunities we provide to the businesses, visitors, and residents who call Goochland home,” he said. “I am excited to have these two talented professionals serving our community and leading their teams in these new roles.”

Worley and Gillespie will officially assume their new positions on Aug. 18.