Arlington County, Virginia Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arlington County, Virginia has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, public health operations, administrative management, and financial oversight.

Committed to providing efficient digital services for residents, Arlington County, Virginia maintains a mission of transparency and accessibility while delivering essential local government resources to the community.

Leadership Roles at Arlington County, Virginia

  • Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer - Maria Meredith
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Michael Stewart
  • Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) - Robert Sharpe
  • Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer - Laura Szlavin-Niamien
  • Chief Information Officer - Holly Hartell
  • Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County - Lynne Porfiri
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Cynthia Hernan
  • Maria Meredith - Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Meredith, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire county. Meredith manages the allocation of public funds, ensuring that financial resources support the core mission of providing essential services to residents. By overseeing the financial reporting and audit processes, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health and transparency of the government. Meredith collaborates with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for critical infrastructure and community programs. This leadership role involves managing the long-term financial planning and debt management strategies for the county. Through the rigorous oversight of financial operations, Maria Meredith ensures that the government remains accountable to the public. The Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer drives the development of fiscal policies that promote economic stability. Meredith manages the financial systems that enable the county to deliver high-quality services efficiently.

    Michael Stewart - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Stewart, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, supports the financial planning and budgetary execution of the county government. Stewart manages the day-to-day fiscal operations, ensuring that departmental spending remains within established guidelines. By analyzing financial data and monitoring revenue streams, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer provides the insights necessary for informed decision-making. Stewart works with the CFO to develop accurate financial forecasts that guide the allocation of resources across various municipal programs. This role involves overseeing the accounting functions and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Through the management of fiscal controls, Michael Stewart protects the integrity of the county budget. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer drives the implementation of financial systems that improve the accuracy of reporting. Stewart supports the strategic financial goals of the county by maintaining rigorous oversight of all expenditures. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial operations remain efficient and transparent.

    Robert Sharpe - Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington)

    Robert Sharpe, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) at Arlington County, Virginia, manages the operational logistics of public health initiatives. Sharpe coordinates the delivery of health services to residents, ensuring that clinical programs align with county-wide safety standards. By streamlining resource allocation, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) enhances the responsiveness of health departments during public health events. Sharpe works closely with medical staff and administrative teams to maintain high service quality across the region. This role involves monitoring health metrics and adjusting operational workflows to address community needs effectively. Through the management of public health facilities, Robert Sharpe ensures that essential services remain accessible to the public. The Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) supports the strategic mission of the county by maintaining robust health infrastructure. Sharpe drives operational excellence to protect the well-being of the local population.

    Laura Szlavin-Niamien - Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Laura Szlavin-Niamien, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, oversees the integration of operational workflows with advanced information systems. Szlavin-Niamien manages the internal processes that support the delivery of government services, ensuring that technology investments yield measurable improvements in efficiency. By bridging the gap between administrative operations and IT infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer optimizes the performance of municipal departments. Szlavin-Niamien leads initiatives to automate manual tasks, reducing the burden on staff and improving service speed for residents. This role involves collaborating with the CIO to align technical capabilities with operational requirements. Through the implementation of process improvements, Laura Szlavin-Niamien enhances the overall productivity of the county government. The Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of digital tools to support the strategic goals of the organization. Szlavin-Niamien ensures that operational systems remain resilient and scalable.

    Holly Hartell - Chief Information Officer

    Holly Hartell, the Chief Information Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, directs the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the local government. Hartell manages the deployment of online payment systems and resident-facing digital portals, ensuring secure access to municipal data. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer improves the efficiency of government services across the region. Hartell collaborates with department heads to integrate data-driven solutions into daily operations, supporting the broader goal of a connected community. This leadership role involves overseeing cybersecurity protocols and maintaining the integrity of public records. Through the implementation of scalable cloud technologies, Holly Hartell optimizes the delivery of information to residents. The Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on digital equity, ensuring that all citizens possess reliable access to essential government tools. Hartell drives innovation within the IT department to meet the evolving needs of the county population.

    Lynne Porfiri - Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County

    Lynne Porfiri, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County at Arlington County, Virginia, coordinates the strategic activities of the county leadership team. Porfiri manages the daily operations of the Office of the County, ensuring that policy initiatives receive proper execution across all departments. By facilitating communication between the executive office and municipal agencies, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County maintains organizational alignment with the county mission. Porfiri oversees the development of administrative procedures that support efficient governance. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects and advising on policy implementation to improve resident services. Through the coordination of inter-departmental efforts, Lynne Porfiri ensures that the county government functions as a cohesive unit. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County drives the strategic agenda, focusing on long-term sustainability and effective public administration. Porfiri manages the flow of information to ensure transparency and accountability in all government actions.

    Cynthia Hernan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Cynthia Hernan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, directs the administrative functions that support the daily operations of the county government. Hernan manages the internal services and organizational policies that enable departments to function effectively. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer improves the overall efficiency of the government workforce. Hernan oversees the implementation of human resources and facility management strategies that align with the county mission. This leadership role involves coordinating across departments to ensure that administrative support remains consistent and reliable. Through the management of organizational infrastructure, Cynthia Hernan facilitates the delivery of services to the community. The Chief Administrative Officer drives the development of policies that promote a productive and inclusive work environment. Hernan manages the administrative systems that allow the county to respond to the needs of residents. The Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all internal operations support the strategic objectives of the government.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arlington County, Virginia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arlington County, Virginia?
    Arlington County, Virginia is led by Maria Meredith (Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Stewart (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Robert Sharpe (Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington)).
    Who is part of Arlington County, Virginia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arlington County, Virginia includes leaders such as Maria Meredith (Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer), Michael Stewart (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Robert Sharpe (Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arlington County, Virginia have?
    Arlington County, Virginia has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arlington County, Virginia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arlington County, Virginia includes roles such as Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington), Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer.