STAUNTON, Va – (WSVA) After a 50-year career in local government, the City of Staunton’s Director of Economic Development and Community Development William “Billy” Vaughn will retire May 31, 2024.

A long-time Staunton resident, Vaughn has enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling career serving local government throughout the Valley. For nearly 10 years he has served as Director of Economic Development for the City, and in 2017 assumed additional responsibilities as the Director of Community Development.

“I am particularly proud of my work on Staunton Crossing. This project will have a major long-term economic impact on the City, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in this success,” stated Vaughn. “I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated people in local government, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.”

“Staunton is fortunate to have had Billy at the helm of two integral departments of the City,” stated City Manager Leslie Beauregard.  “We will miss his insight and experience.” 

Before coming to the City of Staunton, Vaughn worked with the CSPDC for 21 years and Rockingham County for 20 years, where he left as Assistant County Administrator. Even while on staff in other communities in the Valley, Vaughn served on the City’s Planning Commission for 15 years, seven years on the City’s School Board, 20 years on the CSDPC Board of Directors and on a number of non-profit organizations, including: the American Red Cross, the Valley Program for Aging Services, Augusta Health Regional Hospital Board of Directors, Staunton Creative Community Fund (now Shenandoah Community Capital Fund), the Virginia Economic Developers Association, and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. Over the years, Vaughn has been recognized several times for his leadership. He was named Public Servant of the Year by James Madison University’s Master of Public Administration Program and Planning Commissioner of the Year by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) for his service as a member of the City of Staunton Planning Commission.

Vaughn and his wife Peggy have four adult children and eight grandchildren. Peggy is the president and director of Bears and Blankets Academy of Early Learning, Inc. in Staunton. He looks forward to retiring and traveling with his wife.