Betsy Smith is the new director of the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet announced today. Smith, whose appointment is effective October 26, 2023, was selected after a nationwide recruitment. She has been serving as acting director of the department following the retirement of former director Alan Brewer in July.
Prior to joining the Loudoun County government as deputy director of the Department of Building and Development in June 2022, Smith held a variety of positions in the land development field in the public and private sector, including the Fairfax County government in Virginia and the Frederick County government in Maryland.
“Ms. Smith exhibited outstanding knowledge and experience among a competitive pool of applicants for this position,” said Hemstreet. “She has demonstrated exceptional leadership since joining the county and I believe her expertise in all aspects of building and development throughout our region has prepared her well for this key role in the county government.”
As director of the Department of Building & Development, Smith will be responsible for enforcing the construction-related codified ordinances, which provide for the public's safety and welfare as structures and facilities are constructed in the county. The department also enforces best engineering practices, statewide building codes and other environmental regulations during design and construction, approves plans, conducts a broad range of inspections and issues building, trade, zoning and grading permits. In addition, the department is responsible for ensuring construction sites remain compliant with the erosion and sediment control and stormwater management regulations of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and managing public improvements through bonding, proffers and water resources programs.
Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Union College.
More information about the Department of Building and Development is online at loudoun.gov/bd.
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