After two decades serving local students and families through Buchanan County Public Schools, Jeremy Ward will now focus on creating jobs and economic opportunities in the county he has always called home.
The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors hired Ward as the county’s new economic development director following a closed session during its Sept. 14 meeting at the Buchanan County Government Center on Slate Creek.
“Being named the new director of economic development is an unbelievable opportunity to help serve Buchanan County in a different role than I have as an employee of Buchanan County Public Schools,” Ward said. “I am truly humbled and honored to take on this role and excited to get started.”
North Grundy District Supervisor Lee Dotson made the motion to hire Ward, with Knox District Supervisor Trey Adkins providing the second.
Under the approved motion, Ward will report directly to the county administrator Criag Horn and receive an annual salary of $96,000.
The motion passed 5-1, with South Grundy District Supervisor Roger Rife casting the opposing vote.
Prater District Supervisor David Rose, Garden District Supervisor and board Vice Chairman Jeff Cooper, Dotson, Adkins and Rock Lick District Supervisor Craig Stiltner voted in favor of Ward’s hiring.
Vice Chairman Cooper presided over the meeting in the absence of board Chairman and Hurricane District Supervisor Tim Hess.
Ward previously served as acting transportation supervisor for Buchanan County Public Schools. He resigned from that position during the Buchanan County School Board’s Sept. 15 meeting, one day after the supervisors approved his hiring.
A lifelong Buchanan County resident, Ward graduated from Grundy High School in 2001 and Virginia Military Institute in 2005. He has served Buchanan County Public Schools for 20 years as a teacher, coach and transportation supervisor.
Ward is married and has three children.
As he begins the new position, Ward said he wants to learn more about the economic development projects and potential opportunities already being pursued in the county.
“Looking forward, I want to learn of current projects and possible developments already being worked on,” Ward said.
Supporting the businesses already operating in Buchanan County will also be among his priorities. Ward said he wants to hear directly from business owners about their needs and identify ways the county can help them remain successful and grow.
“I want to meet with existing businesses and learn about them and how I can help them retain and expand,” Ward said. “As well, I want to reach out to regional partners and form relationships that can be mutually beneficial.”
Ward said his ultimate vision is to bring more investment and quality employment opportunities to Buchanan County.
“Attracting new businesses that can bring in well-paying jobs and increase growth in our economy is the ultimate vision,” Ward said.
Ward succeeds interim Industrial Development Authority Director and County Administrator Craig Horn, who had been serving in the role following the resignation of former IDA Director Matt Fields.
No public discussion about Ward’s appointment took place before the vote. Board members also did not announce when he would begin his new position.
As economic development director, Ward will help guide Buchanan County’s efforts to attract investment, assist existing businesses and pursue opportunities to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
The board adjourned shortly after approving the appointment.
