Economic Development 2023: ANTHONY ROMANELLO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HENRICO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HENRICO COUNTY

Published August 30, 2023 by Virginia Business

In the past year, Romanello was instrumental in growing Henrico’s data center footprint, as QTS Data Centers announced a 1.5 million-square-foot expansion to be completed in 2024, and the DE-CIX Richmond internet exchange opened in November 2022.

In other sectors, education research firm EAB announced it was bringing 200 more jobs to Henrico, and plans for a 17,000-seat green concert venue, part of the $2.3 billion GreenCity development, moved forward as concert venue operator ASM Global joined the project’s team in March. 

A Henrico native and graduate of the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, Romanello took the EDA’s helm in 2019. He previously worked for the City of Richmond, West Point and Stafford County.

FIRST JOB: Snack bar attendant at a golf course, age 13

HOBBY/PASSION: Writing. For 13 years, I have published monthly “Random Thoughts” for coworkers, and I recently published a children’s book about my little girl becoming a part of our family.

MOST RECENT BOOK READ: “The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness,” by Morgan Housel

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