Donohoe named Chesterfield planning director
TL;DR: Steve Donohoe, assistant planning director since 2021, has been named planning director of Chesterfield County, effective July 4, replacing retiring director Andrew Gillies.
Quick facts
- Who: Steve Donohoe, Andrew Gillies
- What: Planning director appointment and leadership transition
- When: Effective July 4, 2026; Gillies retires in August
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia
The story
Steve Donohoe has been named planning director of Chesterfield County, effective July 4, stepping into the role as Andrew Gillies retires in August after nine years leading the department. Donohoe, who has served as assistant planning director since February 2021, brings more than 20 years of planning experience to the leadership position, including 16 years in various roles at Prince William County, where he most recently served as deputy planning director.
The Planning Department oversees zoning requests, site plan reviews, subdivisions, building permits, and development recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals. Donohoe takes the helm as the county navigates significant changes to its development regulations and long-range planning framework.
One of Donohoe's stated priorities is ensuring that the county's recently overhauled zoning ordinance (which became effective January 1, 2026) operates in practice as it was envisioned during development. A major initiative expected under his leadership is completion of an update to the county's comprehensive plan, the long-range planning document that guides future development and addresses issues such as land use, transportation, and community character. The updated comprehensive plan is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.
Donohoe will earn $195,000 annually in the director position, according to county officials.
Key players
- Steve Donohoe: Newly appointed Planning Director of Chesterfield County
- Andrew Gillies: Retiring Planning Director of Chesterfield County
- Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors: Authorized the appointment
Key dates
- 2026-07-04: Steve Donohoe becomes Planning Director
- 2026-08-31: Andrew Gillies' retirement effective (August)
- 2026-12-31: Updated comprehensive plan expected to be adopted
The case for
A promotion from within the department provides continuity and institutional knowledge, as Donohoe has five years of experience in the assistant role and understands the county's recent zoning overhaul and ongoing policy initiatives. His 20+ years in planning, including deputy director experience in Prince William County, positions him to lead effectively during a critical transition period as major planning documents are updated.
The case against
External candidates with broader exposure to planning strategies at larger or more diverse jurisdictions might bring fresh approaches to growth management. An outside hiring process could have surfaced different perspectives on how to implement the new zoning ordinance and shape the comprehensive plan.
Why it matters: Leadership changes in the planning department directly affect how the county manages growth, reviews development projects, and shapes its long-term character through the comprehensive plan. Continuity in planning guidance helps developers, residents, and county staff navigate the new zoning ordinance and ensures consistent application of the county's development policies.
Places
Development timeline
- 2021-02-01Donohoe becomes Assistant Planning Director: Steve Donohoe assumes the assistant planning director role at Chesterfield County [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/01/donohoe-tapped-to-lead-chesterfield-planning-department/)
- 2026-01-01New Zoning Ordinance takes effect: Chesterfield County's revised zoning ordinance becomes effective after multi-year overhaul [[source]](https://www.chesterfield.gov/858/Planning)
- 2026-07-04Donohoe named Planning Director: Steve Donohoe officially becomes Planning Director of Chesterfield County, effective this date [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/01/donohoe-tapped-to-lead-chesterfield-planning-department/)
- 2026-08-31Gillies retires: Andrew Gillies concludes his tenure as Planning Director after nine years in the role [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/01/donohoe-tapped-to-lead-chesterfield-planning-department/)
Related links
- Chesterfield County Planning Department
- Comprehensive Plan
- Active Development and Zoning Cases
- Zoning Process
Read the original at Richmond BizSense →
Sources
- Donohoe tapped to lead Chesterfield planning department
- Chesterfield County Planning Department
- Comprehensive Plan
- With planning director and EDA head set to retire, Chesterfield now has 3 big roles to fill