Chesterfield County names deputy county administrator

James D. Worsley promoted to oversee human services

Published August 19, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Chesterfield County announced Tuesday that James D. Worsley has been promoted as deputy county administrator for human services. The Board of Supervisors is expected to confirm the appointment at its Aug. 26 meeting, and his role would be effective Oct. 1.

Worsley currently serves as the county’s parks and recreation director and is responsible for maintaining more than 180 parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities as well as leading the county’s sports tourism efforts. In his new role, he will oversee daily operations of county departments and programs including Citizen Information and Resources, Community Corrections Services, Drug Courts, Juvenile Justice Services, Mental Health Support Services and Social Services. Worsley is also a recipient of the National Recreation and Park Association’s National Distinguished Professional Award.

“James was my first hire in 2016, and over the years, I have worked closely with him on a variety of projects and programs serving our citizens,” County Administrator Joe Casey said in a statement. “He is already a recognized department leader and I know he will continue to excel in his new role.” 

Before his time with the county, Worsley served as parks and recreation director for Columbus, Georgia, for five years and was regional parks and recreation manager for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

The North Carolina native earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in recreation management and parks, recreation and tourism, respectively, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He earned his doctoral degree in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University and is a certified park and recreation executive and certified therapeutic recreation specialist.

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