Committee on the Future

Purpose

The Committee on the Future (COTF) advises the Board of Supervisors on possible changes in governmental structure, revisions to fiscal and land use planning and other matters relating to the future provision of services to County citizens. COTF is a permanent body authorized by the 1987 Chesterfield County Charter (PDF) and comprised of 10 county residents, two from each of the five magisterial districts, who serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and are supported by Citizens Information and Resources staff. 

The purpose of the committee, as described in its bylaws (PDF) is to forecast  and make recommendations concerning comprehensive, long-range conditions in the county; provide information designed to guide elected officials toward a realistic long-range plan for Chesterfield County; and expand thinking beyond present-day limitations, presenting a view not necessarily bound by what will be, but embracing what can be.

To accomplish the committee’s purpose, the committee researches issues and prepares recommendations on topics that will likely impact the county’s quality of life twenty, thirty or more years ahead.

Meetings

  • Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
  • Meetings are currently being held in-person; anyone interested in participating or providing public comment may request meeting access information by emailing the Committee on the Future.

Membership

  • Number of Members: 10
  • Comments: No Board of Supervisors members may serve on the committee
  • Compensation: $50 per meeting
  • Term of Service:  Pleasure of the Board of Supervisors

Members

  • Tyler Craddock, Bermuda District, appointed January 2020
  • Frederick Newbrough, Bermuda District, appointed September 2022
  • Jesse Baez, Clover Hill District, appointed February 2021
  • Shion Fenty, Clover Hill District, appointed February 2022
  • Cheryl Jackson-Darden, Dale District, appointed July 2022
  • Karen Bell, Dale District, appointed March 2023
  • Joseph Diman, Matoaca District, appointed September 2020
  • Travis Rickman, Matoaca District, appointed November 2022
  • Christopher Williams, Midlothian District, appointed September 2020
  • Ames Hart, Midlothian District, appointed January 2023

Committee History

The Board of Supervisors created a charter committee in October 1985 that served as the forerunner to the Committee on the Future. This charter committee looked well ahead to envision the needs of the county in all aspects. The final county charter was adopted in 1987, became effective Jan. 1, 1988, and the first members were appointed to the Committee on the Future in July 1988. Some past members have gone on to serve as planning commissioners, school board members and county supervisors.

Past Committee Members

  1. Bermuda District

Bermuda District

  • Mr. David Sauer (1988 - 1989) appointed by The Honorable C.R. Currin Jr.
  • Mr. Reade Shook (1988 - 1992) appointed by The Honorable C. R. Currin Jr.
  • Mr. Harley Young (1990 - 1992) appointed by The Honorable C. R. Currin Jr.
  • Dr. Wayne Virag (1992 - 2000) appointed by The Honorable J.L. "Jack" McHale III
  • Mrs. Dorothy Jaeckle (1992 - 2003) appointed by The Honorable J.L. "Jack" McHale III
  • Dr. Walter Beam (2000 - 2007) appointed by The Honorable J.L. "Jack" McHale III
  • Mrs. Sarah Eastwood (2004 - 2007) appointed by The Honorable R.M. "Dickie" King Jr.
  • Mr. Gary Thomson (2008) appointed by The Honorable Dorothy Jaeckle
  • Mr. Thomas Miller (2008-2012) appointed by The Honorable Dorothy Jaeckle
  • Mr. Richard Jacobs (2008-2019) appointed by The Honorable Dorothy Jaeckle
  1. Clover Hill District
  1. Dale District
  1. Matoaca District
  1. Midlothian District