Two key leadership positions have been filled in Buena Vista. Michael Loudermilk is to be the director of public works and Ryan Groah is to be director of parks and recreation.
Wayne Handley, interim city manager, announced these two hirings at last week’s City Council meeting. He said each of these directors has strong local ties and will begin their new roles at the end of this month.
A Rockbridge County native, Loudermilk is the operations supervisor for the Rockbridge County Public Service Authority. He has 19 years of experience working with public water and wastewater operations.
He was employed previously by the Maury Service Authority and Lexington public works. A 2004 graduate of Rockbridge County High School, he completed a bachelor’s degree in public administration last May from Liberty University.
Buena Vista officials narrowing budget gap. See page 2.
Groah, a Buena Vista native, has worked for the city’s public works department the past four years. He is an automotive mechanic and has worked on and inspected city vehicles. He previously worked in law enforcement and as a welder for Des Champs Technologies.
A 2000 graduate of Parry McCluer High School, Groah worked as an officer for the Buena Vista Police Department for 10 years and as a deputy for the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office for one year. He was employed at Middle River Regional Jail in Staunton as an inmate workforce officer supervising inmate crews. While in this position, he oversaw work assignments at Gypsy Hill Park. He said he hopes to put this experience into use overseeing Glen Maury Park.
