Chesterfield Swears In New County Administrator Dr. Catlin
TL;DR: Chesterfield County will swear in Dr. Kevin A. Catlin as its new county administrator on August 24, 2026, at the historic 1917 Courthouse, with the ceremony open to the public and livestreamed.
Quick facts
- Who: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin
- What: Swearing-in ceremony for new county administrator
- When: Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
- Where: The historic 1917 Courthouse in Chesterfield County
The story
Dr. Kevin A. Catlin will be sworn in as Chesterfield County's new county administrator on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the historic 1917 Courthouse. The 35-year-old will become the first Black person to hold the position in the county.
Catlin brings more than a decade of public-sector executive leadership experience to the role. Since May 2022, he has served as county administrator in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, overseeing a $325 million annual budget and approximately 1,000 employees. The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors selected him from a nationwide pool of about 40 candidates based on his demonstrated expertise in consensus-driven leadership, fiscal stewardship, long-range capital planning, and economic development.
He replaces Joe Casey, who announced his retirement in December 2025. Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris served as interim county administrator during the transition period. Catlin will earn an annual salary of $390,000.
The ceremony is open to residents, though seating inside the 1917 Courthouse is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Public Meeting Room inside the County Administration Building, where attendees can watch a live broadcast of the ceremony. Those unable to attend in person can view the swearing-in through multiple livestream options, including Chesterfield County's YouTube channel and Facebook page, the county's CivicClerk meeting portal, Comcast Channel 98, and Verizon Channel 28.
The 1917 Courthouse, a red brick Colonial Revival-style structure that opened in 1918, is a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse continues to serve as the home of Chesterfield County courts today.
Key players
- Dr. Kevin A. Catlin: Incoming County Administrator
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Governing body overseeing the county
Key dates
- 2026-08-24: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin swearing-in ceremony, 10:30 a.m.
Why it matters: Catlin's appointment marks a significant milestone for Chesterfield County as he becomes the first Black county administrator in the county's history. His leadership will shape county policy, budgets, and operations affecting all residents during his tenure.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-12-01Joe Casey announces retirement: Former County Administrator Joe Casey announces his intention to retire, triggering the search for a new administrator [source]
- 2026-06-22Dr. Catlin named new County Administrator: Chesterfield Board of Supervisors announces selection of Dr. Kevin A. Catlin from 40 nationwide candidates; he is the first Black person selected for the position [source]
- 2026-08-24Catlin sworn in as County Administrator: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin is formally sworn in at the historic 1917 Courthouse; ceremony open to public and livestreamed [source]
Related links
- Chesterfield County Civic Alerts - Dr. Catlin Swearing-In
- Meet Chesterfield's Next County Administrator: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin
- Chesterfield County 1917 Courthouse Facilities
Read the original at Chesterfield County News →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Civic Alerts - Dr. Catlin Swearing-In
- Meet Chesterfield's Next County Administrator: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin
- Chesterfield County 1917 Courthouse Facilities
- Chesterfield County Courthouse and Courthouse Square