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Daniel Witt was hired as Charlotte County Administrator back in September 2018. He’ll be leaving the job as of September 2025. Witt handed in his resignation on Tuesday, Feb. 18, saying he’s enjoyed his time working in the county and detailing what his schedule will look like over the next seven months. 

“I want to thank the Board for allowing me the privilege of serving each of you and the citizens of Charlotte County since September 2018,” Witt wrote. “I have been truly blessed to finish my career in public administration here in Charlotte County.” 

Witt said this is a retirement, rather than a resignation, effective as of Aug. 31, 2025. His plans are to work full-time until June 30, then switch to only two to three days a week in July and August, using up vacation time he’s accrued over the years. Witt was just Charlotte County’s second administrator in the last 40 years. He plans to help with the search for his successor and then, once supervisors choose someone, to get that person up to speed before leaving at the end of August. 

Daniel Witt expects a quick turnaround 

The application and information has already gone up on the county website and channels. According to the information offered there, those interested can submit their information to Witt. He in turn will present the different candidates to supervisors, with a goal of starting an initial review on April 1. As part of the process, finalists will go through a background check, including a criminal, DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and credit history search. 

As part of the application link, it provides some information, both about the county and what officials are looking for in their next administrator. 

“Charlotte County citizens are caring and compassionate, involved in the community, and proud of the small-town atmosphere that defines the area,” the document said. “At the same time County residents seek new opportunities for growth in employment, tourism, and telecommunications. They are proud of their excellent school system and passionate about sports and outdoor activities.” 

Projects for successor to take on 

The document also lists a number of projects the next administrator will be asked to focus on over a three to five year period. That includes improving infrastructure, especially public utilities like water and sewer, to accommodate economic growth. Also, the board wants a study done of ways to promote further development of the Heartland Business Park, as well as a focus on making sure all residents and businesses have access to broadband internet. A third project will be finding ways to bring in more jobs to the area, by developing a trained workforce and recruiting new businesses. 

The document also claims that concerns about aging school facilities have been addressed, with recent renovations to three elementary schools and ongoing renovations to Randolph-Henry High. Now, it says, the board wants to focus on “bringing teacher salaries up to a competitive level.” 

In addition to those listed above, the next administrator will be asked to put together a plan to help grow tourism, especially agritourism, as well as drawing people to the trails and access to Kerr Lake and the Staunton River. Witt’s successor will also be asked to “improve the county government’s leadership, transparency and communications with its citizens.” 

Some qualifications for the next administrator 

The supervisors have also outlined what requirements they want to see in any candidate that applies to the position. He or she needs to have a master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Planning or a related field, or show experience equivalent to a master’s degree. The person also needs to have three to five years of successful leadership at a senior executive level in an organization, with comparable responsibilities to what’s being asked here. 

Candidates need to have budget experience with a multi-million dollar organization, as well as experience with the private sector, dealing with and understanding business needs and principles. Also, the candidate needs to have “a demonstrated record of compliance with the principles of open government, including knowledge of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Conflict of Interests Act (COIA) and the Records Retention Act.” 

Candidates apply to Daniel Witt 

So how will this work? Candidates will submit their cover letter and resume, including salary history and professional references to Witt via email at dwitt@charlottecountyva.gov. As mentioned, the first round of candidate reviews will start on April 1.