Photo courtesy of Botetourt Co.
Former Botetourt County Board of Supervisors member Steve Clinton was recognized Tuesday for 23 years of service to Botetourt County and the Amsterdam District, with Del. Terry Austin reading the Virginia House of Delegates’ resolution honoring Clinton in its entirety during the Board of Supervisors meeting.
“I know firsthand how beneficial it was for Botetourt County to have Steve Clinton serve on our board as long as he did,” Austin said during the recognition. “He’s a very responsible individual … He thinks things through to detail. That’s really important. Oftentimes, we would collaborate and communicate about issues coming before the board and, sometimes, we would have polar opposite opinions. But through the conversation working together, I often found at times Steve was more on track than I was.”
The House approved the resolution March 13, 2026, recognizing Clinton’s contributions to Botetourt County during his 23 years on the Board of Supervisors, including multiple terms as chairman.
During his tenure, Clinton helped advance projects and initiatives that continue to affect residents throughout the county, including the Botetourt Sports Complex at Greenfield, Botetourt-Craig Counties Regional Jail, Eagle Rock Library, James River High School renovations, Fincastle Library improvements and the Landfill Convenience Center.
The resolution also recognized Clinton’s efforts to support historic preservation, including his work with the Historic Greenfield Preservation Advisory Council and other efforts to preserve and interpret Botetourt County’s history.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege and one of the greatest circumstances of my life,” Clinton said. “But now, to have those years recognized by the General Assembly of Virginia, the House of Burgesses, the longest active legislature of the New World – to be honored by that group is a profound tribute.”
Clinton’s public service followed a career of more than 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He also brought an extensive background in engineering, finance and planning to local government. Clinton holds degrees from The Citadel, Radford University and the University of Virginia and held senior leadership positions with engineering and planning firms, including Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern and AECOM.
The House resolution cited Clinton’s leadership in advancing community goals, maintaining fiscal responsibility, supporting sustainable growth and helping bring new jobs to the county.
The resolution described Clinton’s time on the board as a “legacy of achievements” and directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for presentation to Clinton.
During his remarks, Clinton reflected on what he and fellow board members helped build throughout the county. He also spoke about the importance of creating an environment that “attracts and retains quality employees.”
“I firmly believe that Botetourt County doesn’t have to accept the status quo,” Clinton said. “We can choose to be a community that looks forward and not backward. An economic community that is anxious to participate in an expanding economy. A place where businesses and families can grow and invest their futures.”
Clinton’s 23 years representing the Amsterdam District make him one of the longest-serving supervisors in the county’s history. His tenure included major investments in public facilities, economic development and community infrastructure, as well as efforts to preserve the county’s historic resources.
Clinton thanked Austin and the employees of Botetourt County for the recognition and their work during his time on the board.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
