Orange County Supervisors have chosen Glenda Paul as the county’s next administrator.
Paul has been serving as the interim county administrator since Ted Voorhees resigned in June to become the new Chapel Hill Town Manager. Prior to her new role, she has served as the county’s deputy administrator since 2021 and was initially hired as finance director in 2011.
According to a county press release issued Wednesday, Paul’s career has been marked by “a strong work ethic, noteworthy budgetary expertise and a desire to continually improve processes” including leading the effort to transition to program-based budgeting.
“Her extensive experience as deputy county administrator, deep knowledge of Orange County finances and operations, strong relationships with county staff and positive performance while serving in the transitional role all contributed to the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous decision to offer her the permanent position,” county officials stated via the release.
District 1 supervisor and board chair Mark Johnson announced the hire to senior leadership Wednesday prior to the issuance of the press release.
“The board is very pleased that Glenda has agreed to remain in the role and continue to serve our residents,” he said in his remarks. “She is a hard worker, a great listener and someone who can get things done. We look forward to working with her and continuing to move Orange County forward.”
Via the release, Paul said she was honored to accept the position and felt led to take the path of being county administrator.
“I’m excited to continue the journey and keep making Orange County a place we’re all proud to serve,” she said.
Paul will assume her new role Sept. 1. Prior to being named the interim county administrator, Paul had announced her impending retirement, noting this past budget cycle was to be her last.
It’s unknown when the supervisors voted to approve Paul. The action was not mentioned during Tuesday’s board meeting, despite the group going into a more than hour long closed session for the purpose of discussion or consideration of prospective candidates for the county administrator position. According to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), all votes of a public body must be taken and recorded in an open session.