Warren County Announces Leadership Appointments in Economic Development and Planning

During the 6-hour Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd, Patrick Barker and Kelly Wahl were introduced to the public in their new positions with the County. As noted in the County Press Release announcing the appointment, Wahl has been serving as the Interim Planning Director in the department, where she has served since 2024 as Planner and Deputy Zoning Administrator.

Barker brings over a quarter-century of economic development experience in other locales to the County’s administrative staff. Following his introduction, Barker delivered the meeting’s scheduled work session discussion of an “Economic Development Strategic Plan” for Warren County.

Below is the County Press Release of 4:44 p.m., Tuesday, June 2nd, in its entirety:

June 2026 – Warren County is pleased to announce the appointments of Patrick Barker as Economic Development Director and Kelly Wahl as Planning Director, strengthening the County’s leadership team and advancing its commitment to responsible growth, economic opportunity, and community development.

Patrick Barker jumps into his new Economic Development Director’s position with a detailed outline of his vision for this community’s pursuit of an Economic Development Strategic Plan. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Patrick Barker joined Warren County on June 3, 2026, bringing more than 25 years of economic development experience. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, where he led initiatives resulting in more than $1.8 billion in capital investment and the creation of over 7,900 jobs. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Mr. Barker has been recognized nationally for his leadership in the profession and previously served as President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association. In his new role, he will lead the County’s economic development strategy, business retention and expansion efforts, workforce partnerships, and initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic growth.

“Warren County is poised for transformation, and I am honored to help lead it. This community holds a real competitive advantage with multimodal freight connectivity at the I-66/I-81 interchange, the Virginia Inland Port, and an established industrial base with employers and a strong available workforce. These are assets with significant untapped potential and represent a genuinely exciting opportunity. In many ways, this role is a chance to build Warren County’s economic development program from the ground up, establishing the relationships, the strategy, and the site inventory that will drive meaningful growth for years to come.”

“That kind of foundational work is where I’ve always been most effective, and I am energized by the challenge ahead. Over 25 years working within this region’s economic development ecosystem, I have learned that lasting results are built on three things: trust, integrity, and commitment. I intend to bring all three to Warren County every single day. I look forward to partnering with county leadership, our business community, and regional allies to deliver the growth and investment this community deserves,” said Barker.

Royal Examiner File Photo of Kelly Wahl on the job at supervisor’s meeting with Zoning Administrator Chase Lenz.

Kelly Wahl assumed the role of Planning Director on May 28, 2026, following her service as Interim Planning Director and her continued leadership within the Planning Department. Mrs. Wahl has served Warren County since 2024 as Planner and Deputy Zoning Administrator, managing a wide range of planning and zoning functions, including development review, zoning administration, comprehensive planning initiatives, and stakeholder coordination. Prior to joining Warren County, she built an extensive career in real estate appraisal and property valuation, with expertise in land-use analysis, market evaluation, and regulatory interpretation. As Planning Director, she will oversee the County’s planning and zoning operations, development review process, comprehensive planning efforts, and land use policy initiatives.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve Warren County as the Planning Director and humbled by the trust placed in me. I am committed to providing steady leadership, establishing trust and confidence in our department, and strengthening our connection with the community. Our residents deserve a planning process that is professional, accessible, responsive, and grounded in proactive planning that thoughtfully prepares for the future while honoring the character and values of our community. I look forward to fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and proactive planning with residents, county staff, and our elected officials that supports thoughtful growth, meaningful community engagement, and a strong future for Warren County,” said Wahl.

Warren County looks forward to the contributions both leaders will make as they work alongside residents, businesses, staff, and elected officials to serve the community and support the County’s continued success.

(From a Release by the Warren County Administrative Office.)