By Matt de Simone
The December meeting of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors concluded on a bittersweet note as two longtime members marked their final meeting on the board.
County Administrator Gary Larrowe and Board Vice Chair Mac Scothorn offered heartfelt remarks recognizing Board Chair and Buchanan District Supervisor Amy White and Amsterdam District Supervisor Steve Clinton, both of whom are concluding their service.
White, who represents the Buchanan District, is completing her term after years of service marked by thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to the community.
Clinton is concluding 23 years of public service representing the Amsterdam District. He reflected on his time on the board and said, “The work, the opportunity, the accomplishments— they’re fulfilling… like self-actualization. Being given the opportunity to pursue those things is a once in a lifetime privilege and I thank everybody for allowing me to participate in them.”
Near the close of the meeting, Larrowe shared words of appreciation for both supervisors.
“Service is not an easy path,” Larrowe said of White’s tenure. “Amy has served with class—she’s a class act. She has dedicated her time, energy, and intellect to the job. Being involved is a fixture of her personality, and her bucket is filled when she knows the best thing is happening for her community… Thank you for your leadership, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to Botetourt County.”
Turning to Clinton, Larrowe added, “Over two decades, Steve has helped build the foundation on which Botetourt now stands. Service doesn’t have an expiration date. While we know this may be your final board meeting, we know this is not the end of your contributions. You’re the type of man that will never stop. Thank you for the 23 years of unwavering dedication, wisdom, and friendship. Botetourt is better because you served.”
Scothorn also spoke about Clinton’s impact and long service to the county.
“Sometimes, the people you surround yourself with makes you who you are,” Scothorn said of Clinton. “The talent that surrounds here is just absolutely incredible… Steve has left a significant mark on Botetourt County. Serving on the Board of Supervisors for over 23 years is a massive commitment that requires a rare blend of patience, vision, and dedication to one’s neighbors and citizens.
“It’s hard to imagine Botetourt County without Steve Clinton’s steady hand at the helm. Steve hasn’t just been a supervisor. He’s been a listener, a problem solver, a true friend to the community— to me… I say thank you, Steve, for giving so much of your life to make others’ better… Thank you, Steve, and thank you, Amy, for both of your leaderships and what you’ve given this county.”
Later in the week, Botetourt County also recognized the departing supervisors on social media, expressing appreciation for their leadership and dedication.
The board will welcome two new members in January. Tim Snyder will assume the role of supervisor for the Amsterdam District, while Linda Rottman will represent the Buchanan District.
Human Resources Director Mary Blackburn introduced the annual Employee Years of Service Recognitions, marking an opportunity for the county to acknowledge the dedication of its workforce.
In the Administrator’s Comments, it was noted that each year the board recognizes employees whose employment anniversaries occurred in the previous year. The 2025 Employee Recognition awards will be presented to the county employees listed below in recognition of their years of service.
Employees recognized for five years of service are Christopher Booth of the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue; Benjamin Meadows, and Nicholas Delaney of Fire/EMS; Whitney Bolton of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Kimberly Overstreet of the Clerk of Circuit Court; and Blake Winand of Maintenance.
Those receiving recognition for 10 years of service were Traci Clark of the Office of the Registrar; Stephanie Sparks of Purchasing; Megan Bower of the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue; and Jonathan Rodgers of Fire/EMS.
Employees honored for 15 years of service were Douglas Gillispie and Daniel Murray, both of Fire/EMS.
Recognized for 20 years of service were Debra K. Andrews of Solid Waste Management and Douglas Anthony of Fire/EMS.
Sherry Perry of the Clerk of Circuit Court was honored for 25 years of service.
Employees recognized for 30 years of service were David Moorman of County Administration and Donna Boothe of the Office of the Treasurer.
The annual recognition highlights the county’s appreciation for the commitment and longevity of its employees.
Lieutenant Matthew “Matt” Scott was announced last month as the 2024 Regional Outstanding EMS Provider Award recipient from the Western Virginia EMS Council. Chief Jason Ferguson shared remarks recognizing Scott and his achievement.
Photos courtesy of Botetourt Co.
In other acknowledgments, the county recognized the retirement of Deputy Chief Rob Johnson in a recent social media post. The county stated that, after years of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment, Johnson was congratulated on his retirement.
According to the county’s statement, Deputy Chief Johnson exemplified professionalism, integrity, and compassion throughout his career. His leadership helped shape the organization, mentor numerous members, and strengthen the community it serves. The post noted his steady presence during challenging moments as well as times of celebration, and thanked him for his service, mentorship, and lasting impact. The county also extended well wishes to Johnson in his next chapter.
Additionally, at last Tuesday’s meeting, board members and members of the public had an opportunity to view three brand new ambulances that recently arrived from the factory. The ambulances were ordered in October 2022 and are expected to be placed into service in the coming weeks. The three units are slated to go into service at the Buchanan, Fincastle, and Read Mountain stations.
