The Board of Trustees of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Charlette Woolridge as the agency’s next executive director. Dr. Woolridge’s appointment concludes a national search, led by Fahrenheit Advisors, LLC, that attracted a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates.
Dr. Woolridge is a seasoned executive who brings over 30 years of experience in public administration, governance, and community development. As the current County Administrator for Greensville and the former Administrator for Brunswick County, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing complex county operations and overseeing diverse departments ranging from economic development to emergency services. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have enabled her to administer multimillion-dollar budgets, streamline service delivery, and cultivate a workforce culture rooted in excellence and diversity.
“We are very pleased to announce Dr. Woolridge as the incoming executive director of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. She has built an impressive career as County Administrator in both Brunswick and Greenville Counties, and the SVHEC Board of Trustees is confident that she will bring the same energy, passion and professionalism to her new role,” said Stanley Jeffress, Chairman of the SVHEC Board of Trustees.
Mr. Jeffress continued, stating, “Dr. Woolridge was chosen in a rigorous and comprehensive selection process from a strong field of candidates. Her qualifications, experience, exemplary leadership and commitment to community building was evident throughout the interview process. Her professional references have been unanimous in praising her leadership abilities, dedication to team building, and focus on fostering community development. We believe these qualities make her exceptionally well-suited for guiding our organization into the future and building on the momentum that has already been established under the leadership of Dr. Adams. We look forward to the positive impact Dr. Woolridge’s leadership will have on our students, staff, and the broader community.”
Prior to serving in county government Dr. Woolridge spent 17 years with the City of Richmond holding several high-ranking positions including Deputy Director of Administration for Fire and Emergency Services and Chief of Staff in the City Manager’s office. In these positions, she played a pivotal role in policy development, budget management, and strategic planning, enhancing the efficiency of municipal operations and advancing citywide initiatives. Known for her innovative problem-solving and results-driven approach, Dr. Woolridge combines strategic vision with operational acumen to deliver impactful solutions.
In addition to her expertise in public administration, Dr. Woolridge also brings a deep understanding and appreciation of higher education. She currently serves as vice-chair of the Southside Virginia Community College Local Board, and previously served two terms on the SVHEC’s Board of Trustees. She has demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to higher education and developing workforce training that aligns with industry needs.
Dr. Woolridge stated, “I am thrilled and deeply honored to be appointed as the Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. What drew me to this position is SVHEC’s powerful mission to improve Southern Virginia’s economy through education, collaboration, and innovation. The Center’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce opportunities and fostering economic growth in the region resonates deeply with my own passion for empowering individuals and enhancing the quality of life in communities.”
She continued, “I look forward to working with the talented team, dedicated community partners and stakeholders to build on SVHEC’s impressive legacy. Together, we will continue to open doors of opportunity, drive regional progress, and ensure that education and workforce development remain a catalyst for success in Southern Virginia. Opportunity Lives Here!”
Dr. Woolridge holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master’s degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Union University. She has completed senior executive leadership programs at the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Services, Virginia Commonwealth University Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Her commitment to community service is evidenced through her active participation on local, regional, national and international boards and organizations including the National Association of Counties, Virginia Association of Counties, Virginia Resources Authority, Virginia Israel Advisory Board, Crater Workforce Development Board, and Rotary International.
Dr. Woolridge will begin her tenure on March 25, 2025. She succeeds Dr. Betty Adams who is retiring after leading the agency for nearly 16 years.