Leo Rogers, who has worked as James City County’s attorney since 2004, is heading to Loudoun County.
Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to appoint Rogers as the Northern Virginia county’s attorney effective Nov. 17, according to a news release from Loudoun County.
Prior to serving as James City County’s attorney, Rogers worked as deputy county attorney from 1994 to 2004 and assistant county attorney from 1990 to 1994.
“He’s got 25 years of experience, it’s a huge loss,” County Administrator Bryan Hill said. “However, we’re very happy and supportive of Leo moving into Loudoun County. The population is five times as large, so they have attracted a skilled attorney. Loudoun’s gain is James City’s loss. However, James City County will continue to move on and we’ll be looking forward to finding a replacement for Leo as we move forward with our process.”
Rogers said he is excited to work for Loudoun County, which he described as “one of the premier communities in the nation.”
“The challenges up there inspire me,” he said. “I think I’m going to be renewed professionally to take on some of the challenges that I foresee in Loudoun County.”
Rogers said his experience in James City County has been wonderful and that he has enjoyed his time working with staff, citizens and elected leaders to better the county.
James City County Supervisor Kevin Onizuk (Jamestown) issued a statement Thursday praising Rogers for his years of service to James City County.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Leo Rogers on his new opportunity with Loudoun County,” Onizuk said. “Accepting this new challenge is an exciting step for Leo and his family.”
An interim county attorney has not been named. Two assistant county attorneys, Max Hlavin and Allie Kotula, began work for James City County in August.
Scott K. York, the chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, said in the news release Rogers is well-qualified for the job and is “ready to tackle the many complex legal issues that the county faces as we move into the future,” according to the release.
Rogers said he was excited to go to work for Loudoun County.
“As the County Attorney in James City County, I have had considerable experience with land use and development issues in one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing communities, which I think will serve me well in Loudoun,” Rogers said in the release.
Rogers, a graduate of Rutgers College, earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary.
He is the second high-profile local government employee to take a job in Loudoun County this year. Former York County School Division Superintendent Eric Williams left York County in June to become superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools.
