Veteran leader of Virginia education, former VDOE superintendent, Billy Cannaday dies

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Longtime Virginia education leader, Dr. Billy Cannaday, has died after decades of service to communities throughout the commonwealth.

"A remarkable educator and leader, his life and career had a profound impact on Chesterfield County Public Schools and beyond," an announcement made on social media Tuesday reads. "We are thankful for all of his contributions to education and particularly to our school division. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who were touched by his work and spirit."

Cannaday began his career in education in the Tidewater area in 1984, serving as the principal of Huntington Middle School. He later became the superintendent for Hampton Public Schools from 1994 to 2000.

From 2000 to 2006, Cannaday served as the superintendent for Chesterfield County Public Schools. In that time, he managed to get every school in the district fully accredited -- fewer than half of the county's schools were accredited when he began.

(Courtesy of Virginia Tech)

(Courtesy of the University of Virginia)

(Courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Schools)

(Courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Schools)

From 2006 to 2008, Cannaday served as the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Virginia Department of Education. In October 2008, he assumed the role of dean of the University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, a position he held until 2015 upon his retirement.

"Dr. Cannaday was known for his humble and approachable manner, always making time to connect with students, teachers, staff and families," the social post from Chesterfield County Public Schools reads. "Many hold fond memories of his visits to our schools and his genuine commitment to education."