The King George County Board of Supervisors is prepared to announce during Tuesday’s meeting that it will hire Matthew Smolnik as its new county administrator.
The supervisors voted in January to dismiss Chris Miller from the role, and the vacancy was one of several in the county administrative offices.
Supervisor David Sullins, an at-large representative, said that Smolnik’s energy and experience as the director of economic development in New Kent County stood out. The board plans to approve a contract with Smolnik at Tuesday’s meeting.
“He brings a lot of experience in different aspects of county government,” Sullins said of Smolnik.
Smolnik’s proactiveness in the interview process also stood out. He visited multiple schools in the county to gain awareness of how they operate. He also sat down with Norm Rivasi, the former county administrator of Westmoreland County, who is now a senior assistant to the King George supervisors.
“New Kent is a similar size as King George and he had some good success there,” Sullins said. “He had some great accomplishments.”
Smolnik’s most recent role was as the director of economic development in New Kent. Sullins noted that he helped the county secure a standalone emergency room, something that is a goal in King George, too.
He also helped attract the first Buc-ee’s to Virgnia. The popular Texas convenience store chain is expected to open in New Kent next year.
Sullins said as King George works to finalize major development projects, “small wins” will be important.
“He’s not afraid to think outside the box and come up with some strategic wins,” Sullins said. “You need small wins to balance it out. People that are coming here will be looking for things to do and places to eat, and we like the way he was able to attract those things.”
King George supervisor William Davis announced Smolnik’s hiring on social media this past weekend. Sullins said he regrets that other finalists received the news before county officials could speak to them.
“I would like to have done things a little bit better,” Sullins said. “They were outstanding candidates in their own right. I feel bad that we put the cart before the horse.”
