The Buchanan Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan McCulloch as the new Town Manager. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive search process undertaken by the Council as a result of the resignation of the former Town Manager, Jason Tyree. In her new position, McCulloch will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Town government and work with the Mayor and Council to implement their strategic vision for the community.
“Buchanan is a beautiful town with so much to offer,” said McCulloch. “Its leadership has some terrific goals, and I’m excited to get started.”
McCulloch holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Old Dominion University and comes to Buchanan after serving for the past two years as the Economic Development Project Manager for Pittsylvania County, Virginia. In that role, she helped recruit companies to Danville and Pittsylvania County, being a part of a team that attracted nearly $483 million in capital investment and created 1,557 jobs. She also was the program manager for Pittsylvania’s Business Assistance Fund.
Prior to her time with Pittsylvania County, McCulloch spent over 10 years with the City of Martinsville as the community planner and zoning administrator, focusing on redevelopment and community renewal projects. She also has experience with community organizations while working for and leading the Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Susan’s extensive education and community and economic development background coming to Buchanan,” said Mayor Craig Bryant. “Her passion for local government and helping communities grow will be a huge benefit to the Town.”
McCulloch is originally from New Hampshire and moved to Virginia to attend Averett University for its equestrian studies program. In her own words, she stayed because she fell in love with Virginia’s mountains, towns, rivers, beaches, and strong yet hospitable people. McCulloch and her husband Chris are the parents of four, ages 13 to 27, and currently live in Ridgeway, VA.
“My husband’s father grew up in Buchanan, and we’ve always been drawn to the area. We are eager to move here and join the community,” said McCulloch.
McCulloch will begin her service with Buchanan on April 12th. Jon Ellestad, who previously served the Town, is serving as Interim Town Manager until McCulloch’s arrival.
