Tuesday, October 12, 2021
(PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA) – County Executive Chris Martino announced today that he will be retiring effective December 31, 2021. Martino has been a County Executive since 2016. Previously, he was the assistant county executive for the general government and prior to that he was the county finance director. He has served in the Prince William County government for 26 years.
“Prince William County is a very special community, one in which I lived and raised my family. It was a special privilege to serve in this role and I am very proud of what we have achieved during my tenure.” said Martin. “It’s not an easy decision. I love this organization and the people who work here. But after nearly 40 years in the public service, 26 years in Prince William County, it is time to have the opportunity to join this organization. I thank the staff and the Board of County Supervisors, then and now, for their guidance and support as we have all worked together to realize our vision and make Prince William County the community of choice. “
When asked what Martino is most proud of, he mentioned changing the corporate culture to empower employees and focus on the goals of the Board of County Supervisors; Alignment of county personnel policies, procedures and practices; Completion and conduct of classification and compensation studies to help recruit and retain county employees; Supervision of the creation of Chapter 9.2 and a single combined fire and rescue system; and upholding the Board’s principles of sound financial management and a triple AAA bond rating, to name a few. “What makes me most proud, however, is the work of our employees,” he said.
“The board is grateful to Mr. Martino for his service,” said Ann Wheeler, Chair of the Board of County Supervisors. “He has led this organization through many challenges – a global pandemic, social unrest, changes in the structure of the organization and much more – and he has done so with passion, determination and always in the best interests of the community and organization the organization is, we definitely wish him all the best and good luck. ”
Martino will continue to serve as the County Executive through the end of the calendar year. The district board will start a nationwide search for a successor as soon as possible.