HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Neil Morgan.
What is your job title and description?
My job title is York County Administrator. That means I am the Chief Administrative Officer of the York County government, responsible to the elected board of supervisors for the county’s operation which includes approximately 1,000 employees and an annual $250 million budget.
Who do you interact/work with on a regular basis?
We work with a range of people in the county’s workforce, elected officials, neighborhood associations, as well as boards and commissions such as the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority, and residents that have a particular issue with some aspect of county government.
How do you interact with the local community?
I interact, of course in many different ways. Like all local governments, we have public meetings, public comment periods, robust social media and a comprehensive website, all of which generally allow interaction with interested members of the community. There are many different advisory boards and groups that staff supports on many levels of the organization. We also have extensive collaboration and interaction with neighboring localities, including regional organizations and concerns that overlap local government boundaries.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
Many people would be surprised at how much time and energy goes into work on regional entities. I would guess that one-third of my time is devoted to these interactions. Some examples include the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, Peninsula Mayors/Chairs and the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA).
How can the local community become involved/interact best with County officials?
I would like to think that I and County staff are available in ways that are convenient to residents — that includes emails, phone calls, and one-on-one meetings. Other staff members and I speak frequently at civic clubs and church groups. If you look at our website, you will easily find photographs and contact information for staff.
How do you define success?
I define organizational success as a workplace featuring great people, tools to do the job and a plan of action. Personal success is more difficult to define. I suppose at the broadest level, leaving an organization and community better than you found it is a reasonable aspiration.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
I am very proud of my work in prioritizing the county’s Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The county and the school system have many old facilities in need of renovation and replacement. With support from the community and the board of supervisors, we are now reinvesting in our facilities at a sustainable level. Recent examples include two new fire stations, a new law enforcement building and a new library on the county side. On the school side, many school buildings have been modernized with more in the pipeline.
How long have you lived in the Historic Triangle? What is your favorite part of living here?
I have lived most of my life on the Virginia Peninsula and in the Historical Triangle for the last nine years. I love the four-season climate and especially the long Falls and Springs.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
In my downtime, my preferences are pickleball, computer games and college sports.
What is the next step in your journey?
I am really unsure what I am going to do next. I would like to think that my knowledge and experience of Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula can be put to some productive use, but that remains to be seen.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
