Seasoned town planner, engineer steps down

The town of Culpeper’s most seasoned planner is moving on and into business for himself.

Town Engineer Chuck Stephenson, director of planning, announced Monday that he would resign his position after nearly two decades with the town. His last day in the office will be April 9.

“This decision does not come lightly,” said Stephenson, 44, a native of Rappahannock County who lives in Boston, Va. with his wife and sons. “I have been considering this for well over a year.”

First hired by the town in 1990, Stephenson worked his way up from engineer to director of planning and community de-velopment and has managed to ably lead both departments through unprecedented growth.

“Chuck has been an invaluable member of the town’s administration for many years and his knowledge, abilities and hard work will be greatly missed,” said Town Manager Jeff Muzzy.

During his tenure, Stephenson oversaw renovation of the Depot on Commerce Street in the late ’90s, a project that spearheaded beautification and redevelopment of the lower end of East Davis Street. His office also dealt with rapid growth in town during the building boon of a few years ago.

Now it’s time for Stephenson to move on. Several years ago, he started a design and construction business, an endeavor he plans to pursue full-time. Stephenson said he has several large commercial projects on the horizon.

“I have enjoyed working for the town — all of the managers and all of council,” he said. “I would like to thank all of the current and past staff for their help and support over the years.”

Stephenson has been married to Cathy for 18 years and the couple has two school-age sons. He is active with the Culpeper United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, Little League and Tae Kwon Do.

Although plans remain incomplete, Muzzy is looking at several options to fill his vacancy.

Including Stephenson, the town of Culpeper lost six admi-istrators since January of 2008, starting with former Town Man-ager Brannon Godfrey, who now works as city manager in Winchester.

Harry Hughes, former director of environmental services, resigned last February.

Longtime Town Clerk Donna Foster retired in April. Neal Deane, town treasurer, resigned in August followed by Dwight Wicks, director of environmental services, who stepped down last month to return to Georgia.

Check out next week’s Star-Exponent for an in-depth interview with Stephenson on where the town of Culpeper has come and where it is going.