Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
During their regular Monday meeting on Oct. 23, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors shared a video presentation expressing their gratitude and support, along with stories both humorous and emotional, for County Administrator Craig Meadows as he retires from Montgomery County.
Angela Hill has been named as the new County Administrator and served as Deputy County Administrator and County Financial Officer prior to her new appointment.
Hill said that from the first time she first met and spoke with Meadows, she knew he “had a great amount of integrity and was a really nice guy.”
Supervisors shared well wishes and support for Meadows as he begins a new chapter of his life in retirement after over 14 years of service to Montgomery County.
“Craig, you’ve been a blessing to our county. Montgomery County is so much better just because of you, your leadership, your personal touch,” Supervisor Sara Bohn said.
Supervisor Darrell Sheppard recalls Meadows was the first one to call and congratulate him upon his election to the board.
“You got my attention the day after the first election when I got elected to the board, you were the first one to call me and congratulate me and lead me through the process,” Sheppard said. “And I greatly appreciated that.”
Supervisor April DeMotts thanked Meadows for not only his leadership but his mentorship to her over the past eight years, especially in handling difficult situations that come up in their roles as county supervisors.
“I feel like in our time together I’ve learned so very much about the art of diplomacy and how to answer a question, without not really answering the question in the most politically friendly way possible,” DeMotts said. “But truly it’s been a pleasure.”
Although Meadows will not be an employee of the county, many of the Supervisors expressed the hope that he will continue to be part of the work they do.
Supervisor Mary Biggs has served with Meadows the entire tenure of his service, she said.
“Thank you, Craig. For the guidance and preparing us as we move on, for your leadership through hard times, such as the collapse of the Blacksburg High School roof and the pandemic, and for your accessibility and care that you have given to the staff, our citizens and to us as individual board members,” Biggs said.
Biggs urged Meadows to remember he is welcomed at public address, and the continued need for volunteers at the Animal Care and Adoption Center.
Supervisor Sherri Blevins called Meadows “a true champion for Montgomery County and the New River Valley.”
Supervisors Todd King and Steve Fijalkowski also expressed best wishes and stories of humor and support to Meadows.
At the end of the video presentation, a tearful Meadows addressed the Supervisors and Board audience.
“One of my sayings, you know, I’ve told folks I guess it means I’m getting old because I’m just full of sayings now,” Meadows said. “One of my sayings is to always try to leave things better than you found it. I think my mom and dad taught me that from an early age.”
Meadows also expressed confidence in Angela Hill taking the position as County Administrator and thanked the Board for their words of support and recognition.
In other business conducted during the meeting, Jennifer Harris with the Public Information Office, shared the fiscal report of 2022-2023, beginning with a welcome video message from Meadows.
“Fiscal year 2023 marked another remarkable year with the county receiving numerous national, regional, and local recognition for the many services we offer and the projects that we have completed,” Meadows said.
Facts and Figures is a section of the report that highlights the work various programs and volunteer organizations have done in support of Montgomery County. According to the report, fire departments in the County have responded to nearly 3,000 calls for service and rescue squads responded to more than 11,600 calls for service. The sheriff’s office responded to more than 31,000 calls for service among other work they completed for county citizens.
The full annual report can be accessed at www.montva.com and is titled FY2022-2023 Annual Report.
