Warren County appoints Planning Director Joe Petty to direct its EDA from in house

In a surprise move at its regular meeting of Tuesday, February 1^st, Warren County Administrator Ed Daley announced the appointment of Joe Petty as the new Director of Economic Development for Warren County, effective February 1, 2022. Petty is currently Warren County’s Planning Director. The appointment is a newly established position for the County government. Petty will be coordinating with the Board of Supervisors, County staff, the Front Royal-Warren County EDA (currently operating without Town input and generally referenced as WC EDA), State agencies, the Town of Front Royal, and Discover Front Royal to promote tourism and Economic Development throughout Warren County.

Petty has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from George Mason University and 10+ years of experience in community development. Mr. Petty began working for the Warren County Department of Planning and Zoning in January 2018 when he was hired as Zoning Officer. In July 2019, he was promoted to the position of Zoning Administrator. In April 2021, Petty was promoted to Planning Director. Prior to becoming a full-time County employee in 2018, he worked with the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department from 2000 to 2005 before leaving to attend college. Following graduation, Petty worked for a Business Improvement District that was integral in revitalizing a commercial and residential community. Petty will continue to support the Planning and Zoning Department until a new Director has been hired.

Joe Petty at Tuesday morning’s WC Board of Supervisors meeting after board went into closed session. He will initially pull double duty as the County seeks a replacement to head its planning department. Royal Examiner Photo by Roger Bianchini

Regarding his appointment as Director of Economic Development, Petty said, “It has been an honor to be the Planning Director for Warren. I am excited for this new opportunity which still allows me to remain engaged in the community and assist in making Warren County a location of choice to live and work in Virginia.”

Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Cheryl Cullers said, “I am pleased that Joe Petty has accepted the position of Director of Economic Development. Warren County has been home to Joe for the majority of his life. Joe will not only bring his knowledge, dedication and experience in Zoning and Planning, but his love of Warren County, which I believe will make him an exceptional Director. I look forward to seeing Joe in this position and working with him.”

Supervisor Delores Oates added, “Joe Petty’s appointment to the position of Director of Economic Development is great news for our community. His enthusiasm and commitment to building a vibrant business environment where our families can flourish is exactly the right prescription for our future. I have no doubt he will be successful!”

The Warren County Department of Economic Development is located in the Warren County Government Center, located at 220 N Commerce Avenue, telephone (540) 636- 3354. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

(From a Warren County Administration Press Release.)