Chesterfield Planning Commission member steps down to return to school
TL;DR: Tommy Owens, chairman of the Chesterfield Planning Commission for six and a half years, has resigned to pursue a remote PhD in business administration starting in August 2026.
Quick facts
- Who: Tommy Owens, Chesterfield Planning Commission chairman
- What: Resignation from Planning Commission to return to graduate school
- When: June 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia (Matoaca district)
The story
Tommy Owens, who has served as chairman of the Chesterfield Planning Commission, announced his resignation this month after six and a half years on the board. He will begin a remote PhD program in business administration in August 2026 as part of an inaugural cohort, though he declined to identify the university.
Owens joined the commission in early 2020 and represented the Matoaca district throughout his tenure. During his time on the board, he oversaw the Planning Commission's work on the comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) project, a multi-year effort to rewrite county zoning regulations that had remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The Board of Supervisors approved the final zoning overhaul in September 2025, and the new ordinance took effect on January 1, 2026. Owens cited the completion of this major initiative as part of his decision to step away from the commission.
In an interview, Owens said he had accomplished meaningful work for the community during his tenure, though he acknowledged that not all decisions made during his time on the commission were universally supported. His background includes over 20 years in human resources and information technology; he currently works for a major educational hospital. Owens has also served on several nonprofit boards and has volunteered extensively with local youth organizations, Little League Baseball and Softball for 35 years, and the county EMS system.
The vacancy will be filled by the Board of Supervisors from candidates being reviewed by Kevin Carroll, the supervisor for the Matoaca district. Carroll is conducting interviews and aims to bring a recommended candidate to the full board for a vote by July 2026. The Planning Commission will continue its work on the next major initiative, a Comprehensive Plan Modernization (PlanMod) project, with a public hearing and vote expected in October 2026.
Key players
- Tommy Owens: Planning Commission chairman and Matoaca district representative; 6.5-year veteran
- Kevin Carroll: Matoaca district supervisor overseeing candidate search for replacement
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Will vote on new Planning Commission appointee
Key dates
- 2026-08: Tommy Owens begins remote PhD program in business administration
- 2026-07: Target date for Board of Supervisors vote on replacement commissioner
- 2026-10: Planning Commission expected to hold public hearing and vote on Comprehensive Plan Modernization (PlanMod)
The case for
Pursuing advanced education strengthens professional expertise and career prospects, allowing Owens to return enhanced knowledge to future civic engagement. His decision demonstrates that stepping back at a natural milestone (after a major project concludes) allows new voices and perspectives to join the commission, supporting board renewal and fresh approaches to planning challenges.
The case against
Loss of institutional continuity and experience is a real cost: Owens spent six and a half years learning county planning processes, building relationships with staff and residents, and developing expertise in complex zoning matters. Replacing deep experience with a new commissioner may slow decision-making during the critical Comprehensive Plan Modernization phase, and recruiting quality appointees is time-consuming for supervisors when other county business demands their attention.
Why it matters: The Planning Commission shapes decisions on zoning, development, and long-range growth that affect Chesterfield residents' neighborhoods, housing options, and quality of life. A smooth transition in leadership during the Comprehensive Plan Modernization ensures continuity in steering the county's next phase of growth and development.
Places
Development timeline
- 2020-01Tommy Owens joins Planning Commission: Owens appointed to represent Matoaca district [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/22/chesterfield-planning-commission-member-quietly-steps-down-to-go-back-to-school/)
- 2025-09Board of Supervisors approves ZOMod overhaul: Final approval of Zoning Ordinance Modernization project after years of development [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-rezoning-meeting-sept-18-2025)
- 2026-01-01New zoning ordinance takes effect: Modernized Zoning Ordinance becomes effective countywide [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5102/Zoning-Ordinance-Modernization-Project)
- 2026-06Tommy Owens resigns from Planning Commission: Owens announces departure after 6.5 years to pursue PhD in business administration [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/22/chesterfield-planning-commission-member-quietly-steps-down-to-go-back-to-school/)
Related links
- Chesterfield Planning Commission
- Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project
- Board of Supervisors
Read the original at Richmond BizSense →
Sources
- Chesterfield Planning Commission member quietly steps down – to go back to school
- Chesterfield Planning Commission
- Zoning Ordinance Modernization (ZOMod) Project
- Chesterfield County approves major zoning overhaul after 6-year community process