RICHMOND (April 6, 2016)—The Virginia Association of Counties is pleased to announce the hiring of Joe Lerch as Director of Local Government Policy. The veteran lobbyist comes to VACo with more than 20 years of local government experience.
Lerch will start June 1.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join the VACo Team,” Lerch said. “VACo has an excellent reputation on Capitol Square, and I look forward to advocating diligently on the issues that impact our members.”
Since 2008, Lerch worked at the Virginia Municipal League as Director of Environmental Policy, serving the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.
He also has extensive experience as a planner with posts at the City of Richmond, Spotsylvania County and the City of Fairfax. Additionally, Lerch served on the City of Fredericksburg Planning Commission.
“Joe understands local government issues, and he’s knowledgeable in land use and environmental issues,” VACo Deputy Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “We will look to Joe to be our land use expert and helping our members understand this complex area of local government.”
Lerch graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in geology and earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech. Lerch is married and has two children.