Horace H. Wade III, AICP, CZA
Moseley,VA
Summary
Experienced local government leader with 20+ years of experience in planning, zoning, and code enforcement, including executive leadership as Director of Planning and Community Development. Proven ability to manage operations, supervise and lead staff, implement policy, and lead community development initiatives. Strong background in regulatory enforcement, redevelopment, and interagency coordination.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Planning and Community Development
Surry County, Virginia
Surry, VA
06.2021 - Current
- Facilitated collaboration among developers, community stakeholders, and elected officials to promote land use initiatives in accordance with comprehensive planning.
- Oversaw modernization of essential utility services through CDBG-funded projects, addressing infrastructure needs in disadvantaged communities.
- Oversaw implementation of large-scale water infrastructure initiatives to enhance community resources, funded by congressional allocations via EPA.
- Directed budget management and prioritized departmental initiatives to enhance environmental planning and code enforcement operations.
- Orchestrated cross-departmental teamwork to drive effective implementation of strategic initiatives.
- Guided planning staff to cultivate professional development and strengthen team competencies.
- Facilitated discussions during public meetings to collect valuable insights from stakeholders regarding development initiatives.
Planner II
Prince George County, Virginia
Prince George, VA
09.2017 - 05.2021
- Engaged in strategic discussions within county administrator's code enforcement task force to address community enforcement challenges.
- Served as Secretary to Planning Commission and Secretary to Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Oversaw planning division activities, ensuring efficient task delegation and support for team members.
- Facilitated interdepartmental coordination and state agency collaboration to ensure thorough evaluation of all development applications.
- Advised citizens, applicants, and developers on navigating the development process effectively.
- Summarized and articulated staff findings on rezoning and special exceptions to the Prince George County Board of Supervisors, ensuring clarity and understanding of key issues.
- Organized, facilitated, and staffed public meetings and hearings to ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
- Contributed to the formulation and assessment of the Capital Improvement Plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Analyzed and drafted legislative ordinances, amendments, and policies to ensure compliance with land use and zoning regulations while supporting special projects.
- Collaborated with stakeholders on technical advisory matters within Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, ensuring informed decision-making.
- Facilitated communication between Virginia Department of Transportation and stakeholders to advance transportation improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated comprehensive plan chapter updates to ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality standards.
- Designed and presented county's first solar facility siting policy, facilitating strategic energy planning and receiving endorsement from the Board of Supervisors.
- Oversaw the approval of zoning applications for building permits and business licenses, ensuring alignment with county zoning ordinances.
Senior Planner
City Of Hopewell, Virginia
Hopewell, VA
03.2014 - 09.2017
- Managed capital and facade improvement programs, focusing on revitalizing City Point Historic District and Downtown Central Business District.
- Provided staff leadership to the Architectural Review Board, Downtown Design Review Committee guiding redevelopment consistent with historic preservation goals.
- Coordinated community beautification efforts and managed city anti-litter campaign to promote sustainable practices and improve public spaces.
- Assisted citizens and applicants in navigating development processes. Supported developers in understanding project requirements. Facilitated communication between stakeholders and development teams.
- Provided comprehensive information to property and business owners regarding available local and state enterprise zone incentives.
- Oversaw detailed examination of site plans, subdivision plans, right-of-way vacations, rezoning and conditional use permits, variances, and appeals to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Assisted Director of Development in managing projects and studies related to zoning appeals, planning commission, wetlands board, and city council to ensure compliance and effective communication.
- Collaborated with Director of Development to evaluate and assess CDBG fund requests.
- Managed stakeholder interactions to ensure redevelopment plans considered community feedback and priorities.
- Oversaw the approval of zoning applications for building permits and business licenses, ensuring alignment with municipal zoning ordinances.
- Directed zoning inspector activities and administrative tasks to ensure compliance with development regulations.
- Contributed to the revision and enhancement of the City of Hopewell's comprehensive plan.
- Executed grant application process resulting in $45,000 funding from Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for revisions to environmental chapter of the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance development standards.
- Supported strategic management and coordination of consultants to optimize resource allocation.
Planner
Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield, VA
08.2013 - 03.2014
- Educated diverse clientele on local zoning and subdivision ordinances to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Conducted in-depth analysis to address and complete zoning verification inquiries.
- Evaluated land use applications to ensure adherence to relevant regulations.
- Supported planning managers and planning administrators in executing diverse planning and zoning projects.
- Managed customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly while maintaining a professional demeanor in a fast-paced atmosphere.
Code Compliance Specialist
Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield, VA
02.2005 - 07.2013
- Managed enforcement of county zoning and vehicle regulations, leading to successful resolution of various code violations via systematic review and legal action.
- Assessed compliance of building permits with subdivision and zoning regulations to uphold community standards.
- Analyzed site plans, delivered comments, and coordinated discussions among staff and developers to ensure alignment on project objectives.
- Evaluated proposals submitted to county and provided staff recommendations for policy and zoning ordinance amendments.
- Utilized ArcGIS to systematically develop and maintain an accurate inventory of non-conforming outdoor advertising signs for the county.
- Provided staff analysis for digital outdoor advertising signs.
- Facilitated informative presentations to county administration, board of supervisors, planning commission, and citizen groups to enhance stakeholder engagement.
Education
Master of Urban And Regional Planning - Community Revitalization Concentration
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Public And Urban Affairs
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA12-2003
Skills
- Zoning
- Land Use
- Data analysis
- Analytical skills
- Leadership
- Verbal Communication
- Flexibility
Affiliations
- Member, American Planning Association
- Member, Virginia Association of Zoning Officials
- Trustee, Spring Creek Baptist Church, Moseley, VA
- Member, Crater Health Advisory Council, Crater Health Department (2023-2025)
- Crater Housing Development Committee, Crater PDC (2022-2023)
- Member, Technical Advisory Committee, Crater MPO (2018 - 2021), Chair (2019-2020)
- Board Member, Hopewell/Prince George Healthy Families (2015 - 2017)
Certification
- AICP, American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association
- CZA, Certified Zoning Administrator, Virginia Association of Zoning Officials
Timeline
Director of Planning and Community Development
Surry County, Virginia
06.2021 - Current
Planner II
Prince George County, Virginia
09.2017 - 05.2021
Senior Planner
City Of Hopewell, Virginia
03.2014 - 09.2017
Planner
Chesterfield County, Virginia
08.2013 - 03.2014
Code Compliance Specialist
Chesterfield County, Virginia
02.2005 - 07.2013
Master of Urban And Regional Planning - Community Revitalization Concentration
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Arts - Public And Urban Affairs
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University