Gowdy to resign as county attorney of New Kent

Michele Gowdy will be resigning as New Kent’s county attorney effective the end of April.

The announcement was made during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the county’s board of supervisors. Gowdy has accepted a position to become the county attorney in neighboring James City County.

“She has been a true asset to the county and she will be missed,” said District 5 representative Ray Davis.

Gowdy served as the lead legal advisor for New Kent for the last six years. Among accomplishments include negotiations for the Historic School project and the current ongoing negotiations for the emergency communication system.

County administrator Rodney Hathaway voiced high praise for Gowdy’s work.

“She has been an incredible person to work with,” Hathaway commented. “I know that myself and the board wish the best in her future endeavors.”

Gowdy commented on the choice during a Tuesday afternoon interview.

“It was a very hard decision for me to make,” she said, commenting on her relationships with coworkers. “I appreciate the support of the board as well as employees of New Kent County.

“It’s been very fun to deal with a variety of issues,” she continued, mentioning the issues she’s encountered. “It has been amazing to watch the growth of the county and see items such as the fire and emergency services and the radio communications improve over the past several years.”

Gowdy will still reside in New Kent for the time, but had a message for all who thanked her and appreciated her work.

“I just want to thank everybody and I am grateful to live in such a great community with great people.”