Henrico chief of staff, deputy county manager chosen to lead Economic Development Authority
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico County officials announced on Thursday that the county's chief of staff had been chosen to lead the Economic Development Authority (EDA) following the retirement of Anthony Romanello.
According to a Nov. 13 release, the county selected Cari Tretina, who had served as Henrico's chief of staff since 2019 and in an expanded capacity, including deputy county manager, since 2022. She will be appointed as the EDA executive director, effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Romanello, who served as deputy county manager for initially Administration and later Community Service, is retiring in January after leading EDA since 2019.
“Cari is an incredible talent whose energy is contagious,” County Manager John A. Vithoulkas said. “She has worked on nearly every major redevelopment project and every major initiative our county has completed over the past six years. She has been a trusted copilot for me, and Cari is going to flourish in this role. I relish the thought of watching her run laps around localities we compete against nationally. Cari has an incredible heart, but she also has a steel-trap mind that is going to benefit our county for years to come.”
Cari Tretina Headshot (Photo Courtesy of Henrico County Government)
Per the county, Tretina collaborated with EDA to attract jobs and county investments, and currently leads the Best Products Reimagined project along Interstate 95 at Parham Road.
“Cari brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership and innovation,” said Edward S. Whitlock III, chair of the EDA Board of Directors. “Her dedication to Henrico County is unrivaled, having consistently demonstrated her commitment to the community’s growth and well-being throughout her career. We are confident that her vision, relentless drive and passion for fostering strong community relationships make her the ideal leader to guide our efforts in this new chapter. We look forward to collaborating with Cari and are excited about the future that lies ahead for Henrico County under her capable leadership.”
EDA primarily attracts business growth and investment in Henrico, which has more than 353,000 residents, 25,000 businesses and 200,000 jobs, per a release from the county.
Some of Tretina's purchase/incentive agreements for projects include Virginia Center Commons, Regency, Henrico Plaza, Striker Park, Scott Farm, Glenwood Farms, Prep Baseball Report/Glover Park, Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Rocketts Landing.
