Henrico supervisors elect Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper as 2026 chair; board approves meeting schedule, electronic participation policy and a slate of appointments

Reverend Roscoe D. Cooper was elected chair of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13, 2026, after the board approved resolution 1-26 by voice vote. The county attorney administered the process and the chair then took the oath of office.

Cooper pledged to focus on continued investment in schools, infrastructure and pedestrian safety. "I am deeply humbled and honored and profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence that you have placed in me," he said after being sworn in. In his remarks Cooper highlighted recent county achievements the board cited as countywide successes, including upgraded bond ratings, expanded public-safety recruitment and ongoing infrastructure projects.

At the meeting the board also elected Misty Rountree as vice chair (resolution 2-26) and adopted its 2026 regular meeting schedule (resolution 3-26). Andrew Newby, the county attorney, told the board regular meetings will generally be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m., with exceptions in July, November and December; the board also agreed that the March 24, 2026 meeting will start at 5 p.m. to accommodate the FY27 budget public hearing.

The board approved the annual electronic participation policy (resolution 4-26) with no changes from the prior year, fulfilling a routine statutory requirement.

Members moved through a long series of appointment and reappointment resolutions covering the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Board of Building Code Appeals, Real Estate Review and Equalization, Community Criminal Justice Board, Henrico Housing Advisory Committee, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and multiple other advisory bodies. Each resolution was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; several appointees took oaths during the meeting.

The meeting was procedural in nature: nominations, confirmations and routine policy papers predominated, although the board paused to recognize departing county chief of staff Carrie Morgan Tratina and to hear public comment on economic and housing concerns. The board adjourned after completing the scheduled business.

What the board did - Elected Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper chair (resolution 1-26). - Elected Misty Rountree vice chair (resolution 2-26). - Adopted the 2026 meeting schedule (resolution 3-26); March 24, 2026 meeting will begin at 5 p.m. for the FY27 budget hearing. - Approved the annual electronic participation policy (resolution 4-26). - Approved a sequence of appointment/resolution items (agenda items 5-26 through 30-26), swearing in numerous appointees to county boards and commissions.

The board did not take up new ordinances or budget votes at this meeting; most actions were confirmations and routine governance items.