In a unanimous vote Wednesday night, James "Jim" Holland was elected chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, becoming the first African-American to hold the distinction.
The move comes two years after Holland, who represents the Dale District, was snubbed for the seat after a last-minute vote change by fellow board members. That decision brought about 50 protestors to the board’s following meeting and left Holland saying he was “disappointed because of the historic nature of this.”
But Holland, also the board’s only Democrat, said Wednesday he held no hard feelings about the incident.
“I love each and every board member,” said Holland, a certified public accountant who teaches accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University. “(My election) speaks to our ability to work together to enhance the cause of our citizens regardless of political affiliation.”
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Holland, who presided over a relatively light agenda Wednesday night, said his three main goals as chairman are making sure to value all county employees, enhancing the quality of life for Chesterfield residents and working to provide services in the most efficient way possible.
Supervisor A.S. “Art” Warren, who nominated Holland as chairman, said Holland’s strengths make him the right person to lead the board this year.
“Jim is a person of impeccable integrity, strong leadership skills, strength in accounting and budget management,” Warren said.