Chesterfield Swears In New County Administrator
TL;DR: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin was sworn in on August 24, 2026, as Chesterfield County's new county administrator, becoming the county's first Black county administrator.
Quick facts
- Who: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin
- What: Sworn in as Chesterfield County Administrator
- When: August 24, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County Courthouse
The story
Dr. Kevin A. Catlin was sworn in as Chesterfield County Administrator on August 24, 2026, at the historic 1917 Chesterfield County Courthouse, making him the county's first Black county administrator. The ceremony, which was rescheduled from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., drew enough attendees that overflow seating was needed in the County Administration Building.
Catlin, 35, brings over a decade of public sector leadership experience. He previously served as county administrator and controller of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, where he oversaw a budget of approximately $325 million and supervised roughly 1,000 employees. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in public administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield and carries credentialed manager status from the International City/County Management Association.
During the ceremony, Catlin stated, "Today, I take this oath with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility." He also acknowledged his recent relocation, saying, "While I haven't been here long, the community has welcomed us with open arms and I am truly appreciative of that." Catlin relocated from Michigan with his spouse, Nate, and their newly adopted 3-week-old baby, Beckett.
Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. Mark Miller welcomed Catlin to the position, emphasizing that the role of county administrator "is one of the most important positions in our local government." Miller told Catlin, "You are stepping into an organization with a talented and dedicated workforce, an engaged community, and a Board that is committed."
Catlin succeeds Dr. Joe Casey, who retired in July 2026 after approximately a decade serving as county administrator. Casey oversaw significant county initiatives during his tenure, and Catlin acknowledged his predecessor's impact during the ceremony.
Key players
- Dr. Kevin A. Catlin: County Administrator
- Dr. Joe Casey: Previous County Administrator
- Dr. Mark Miller: Board of Supervisors Chair
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Governing body that appointed and swore in the administrator
Key dates
- 2026-08-24: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin sworn in as Chesterfield County Administrator
Why it matters: The county administrator is responsible for day-to-day operations of county government and implementation of policies set by the Board of Supervisors, making this leadership transition significant for how the county functions. Catlin's appointment and his background managing a larger Michigan county bring experience that shapes county operations and services residents depend on.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-07Dr. Joe Casey Retires: Previous county administrator Dr. Joe Casey retired after approximately a decade in the role [source]
- 2026-08-24Dr. Kevin A. Catlin Sworn In: Dr. Kevin A. Catlin sworn in as Chesterfield County Administrator, becoming the county's first Black county administrator [source]
Related links
Read the original at Richmond BizSense →
Sources
- The Agenda: Local government briefs for 8.31.26
- Kevin Catlin to make history as Chesterfield swears in new county administrator
- Chesterfield County makes history. Meet your new county administrator Kevin Catlin.
- A New Chapter for Chesterfield: Welcoming County Administrator Dr. Kevin A. Catlin