Goochland names John Budesky as County Administrator

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John Budesky


Following a lengthy, careful, and deliberative nationwide search Goochland has a new county administrator. Board of Supervisors’ Chair Bob Minnick, District 4, introduced John A. Budesky as the county’s new chief executive officer at a special called meeting this afternoon, June 16.

Minnick told a packed room that Budesky emerged as the best of the best from a field of highly qualified applicants for the post. He thanked everyone who participated in the selection process and county staff and citizens for their patience.
The search firm of Springstead and Company was retrained for the process, which resulted in a field of more than 40 candidates. The supervisors invested many hours reviewing qualifications and interviewing applicants until they determined that Budesky was the best fit for Goochland, said Minnick. He thanked his fellow supervisors, who sported grins of happy satisfaction with the result of the search process, for their hard work.

Minnick thanked County Attorney Norman Sales for acting as interim county attorney and praised the dedication and professionalism of the county staff for focusing on their commitment to serve the citizens during the transition.

Budesky came across as an approachable, down-to earth-kind of guy. “My most important title is Evan and Emily’s dad,” he said before turning serious.

“They wouldn’t need us if the world were a perfect place. We’re here to provide a high level of ethical professional services.”
He paid homage to his predecessor who retired at the end of March after a distinguished career with the county. “Becky Dickson is a dear friend. Her retirement is a great loss to the profession. To follow her is an honor. She has a lot of faith in the talent of the staff. It’s very clear that the Board of Supervisors cares about Goochland County and took care to find the right person for now and the future.”

Budesky pledged to listen to all sides of issues. “We value all opinions and perspectives and need to have them when we make decisions, even if we may not like them.”

LtR Ned Creasey; Bob Minnick; Manuel Alvarez, Jr.; John Budesky; Susan Lascolette; Ken Peterson.


Budesky said he values transparency in government “but Goochland is already a shining example.” He is anxious to meet Goochlanders and promised to be very accessible. Well-run local government “takes a lot of people working together.”

Budesky brings to Goochland more than 20 years of experience in local government settings including cities and counties in Maryland and Virginia. He has been deputy county administrator in Hanover County since 2013 where he oversees a wide range of financial functions, making him well-equipped to help Goochland retain its AAA bond rating.

Budesky was county administrator for New Kent from 2005 to 2009 before becoming Executive Director of the Virginia Worker’s Compensation Commission.

Budesky holds a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from Edinboro State University and a master’s Degree in Public Administration from Virginia Tech. He is an International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager and a member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA). He has also is a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, the LEAD program at the University of Virginia and serves as a member of several community organizations in Hanover County.

Budesky will be sworn in on July 5 and begin his duties on August 1.