After more than three decades working in emergency communications and county government, Henry County Deputy County Administrator Virgil “JR” Powell Jr. will retire Sept. 30.
The Henry County Board of Supervisors recognized Powell during its Sept. 22 meeting, honoring his 31 years of local public service.
Powell’s career in public service began in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 1989 to 1995. During his military career, Powell served during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, supervised a 25-member Marine communications center and received three Navy Achievement Medals.
Following his military service, Powell joined the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center in 1995. He became operations supervisor in 1999, serving as second in command and overseeing the center’s technical and operational functions until 2012.
Powell became director of the 911 center in May 2012.
During his decade as director, Powell managed a staff of 25 dispatchers and oversaw approximately 180,000 calls annually. He also ensured compliance with state requirements and led preparations for the transition to Next Generation 911 services.
Powell became Henry County’s deputy county administrator July 1, 2022,
In that role, he has helped oversee county operations and projects including improvements to the County Administration Building for accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, demolition of the former Henry County Jail and initiation of a feasibility study for a new Animal Services Building.
Looking back on his career, Powell said the opportunity to serve others has been the most meaningful part of his work.
“When I look back over the past 31 years, I am most proud of the people I have had the opportunity to work with and serve alongside,” Powell said. “From my time in the Marine Corps, to the 911 Center, and ultimately to County Administration, I have been fortunate to work with people who care deeply about their community. I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me throughout my career, and I am proud to have played a small part in making Henry County a better place. I will certainly miss the people, but I leave knowing that I have given this community everything I could.”
County Administrator Dale Wagoner said Powell’s career exemplifies a commitment to public service that extends beyond any one position.
“JR’s career is a remarkable example of what it means to be a public servant,” Wagoner said. “He has spent his entire professional life serving others, from defending our country as a Marine, to protecting our community through emergency communications, and ultimately helping lead the operations of Henry County. JR has brought tremendous knowledge, experience, dependability and dedication to every position he has held. More importantly, he has always understood that public service is ultimately about people. His contributions to this organization and this community will be felt for many years to come, and we are grateful for the 31 years he has given to Henry County.”
Powell has also served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Community Policy and Management Team, Piedmont Adult Drug Court, Virginia E911 Services Board, Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy Board, Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program Board and Henry County Employee Activities Committee.
He also has served as worship leader at CrossPoint Church.
