Arlington County, Virginia Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to providing efficient digital services for residents, Arlington County, Virginia maintains a mission of transparency and operational excellence. This leadership team drives the delivery of essential local government resources while fostering community engagement through modern, accessible platforms.

Leadership Roles at Arlington County, Virginia

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Michael Stewart
  • Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer - Maria Meredith
  • 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
  • Michael Stewart - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Stewart, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, manages the fiscal planning and budgetary analysis required for sustainable municipal operations. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that departmental spending aligns with the strategic priorities established by the county leadership. This role involves conducting rigorous financial audits and forecasting revenue trends to maintain the long-term economic health of the region. By streamlining procurement processes, Stewart improves the efficiency of resource distribution across various public services. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works closely with the finance department to provide transparent reporting to residents and stakeholders. Through meticulous oversight of capital projects, Michael Stewart supports the development of essential infrastructure that benefits the entire population. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the county, enabling the consistent delivery of high-quality government programs and services.

    Maria Meredith - Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Meredith, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, architects the overarching financial strategy and fiscal policy for the entire county government. Overseeing the comprehensive management of the annual budget, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial activities comply with regulatory standards while supporting the long-term growth of the region. This role involves directing the investment of public funds and managing the debt portfolio to maintain a strong credit rating. By providing strategic financial guidance to the county board, Meredith influences the prioritization of major public projects and service expansions. The Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer collaborates with department heads to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency in all government spending. Through the rigorous oversight of financial reporting, Maria Meredith drives the economic stability of the county. Ultimately, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the effective functioning of all municipal departments.

    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, directs the operational execution of health initiatives and community wellness programs. Overseeing the deployment of public health resources, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) ensures that clinical services and preventative care reach diverse populations across the region. This role involves coordinating with regional health agencies to respond to emerging public health challenges and maintaining high standards of service delivery. By optimizing the internal workflows of health clinics, Sharpe improves patient access and administrative efficiency. The Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) collaborates with other county leaders to integrate health data into broader government planning efforts. Through the management of specialized health teams, Robert Sharpe drives the implementation of programs that enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Ultimately, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) strengthens the public health infrastructure of the county.

    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, manages the intersection of internal business processes and technical support systems. Overseeing the integration of operational workflows with digital tools, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that administrative functions remain agile and responsive to changing demands. This role involves refining the internal procedures that support government staff, thereby increasing productivity across multiple departments. By bridging the gap between operational needs and information technology capabilities, Szlavin-Niamien facilitates the adoption of efficient, data-driven management practices. The Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer works with cross-functional teams to resolve complex logistical challenges and improve service delivery timelines. Through the implementation of scalable management frameworks, Laura Szlavin-Niamien drives the continuous improvement of county operations. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer optimizes the internal machinery of the government to better serve the public.

    Holly Hartell - Chief Information Officer

    Holly Hartell, the Chief Information Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, directs the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the entire jurisdiction. Overseeing the modernization of resident-facing portals, the Chief Information Officer ensures that online bill payment systems and local news dissemination remain secure and highly accessible. This role involves managing complex data networks that support various municipal departments, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of government services. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Hartell protects sensitive resident information while facilitating seamless digital interactions across the region. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technological investments with the broader goals of the county. Through the continuous optimization of software platforms, Hartell drives innovation in how the local government communicates with the public. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of the digital ecosystem, ensuring that all technological assets support the evolving needs of the community.

    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, directs the administrative functions and strategic communications of the county executive office. Overseeing the daily operations of the office, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County ensures that policy initiatives receive proper coordination and execution across all departments. This role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and facilitating communication between the county board and the public. By streamlining the decision-making process, Porfiri enhances the responsiveness of the government to resident concerns and regional issues. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County works closely with other executive leaders to align departmental activities with the overarching vision of the county. Through the management of key administrative projects, Lynne Porfiri drives the implementation of policies that improve community outcomes. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County maintains the operational cohesion of the executive leadership team.

    Cynthia Hernan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Cynthia Hernan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, manages the internal administrative infrastructure and organizational development of the county government. Overseeing the human resources, facilities management, and general administrative services, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the workforce remains equipped to deliver high-quality public services. This role involves implementing policies that foster a productive and inclusive work environment across all municipal departments. By optimizing the delivery of internal support services, Hernan improves the overall efficiency of the government organization. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to address organizational challenges and support the professional growth of county staff. Through the management of large-scale administrative initiatives, Cynthia Hernan drives the operational excellence required to meet the needs of a growing population. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer maintains the structural integrity of the county government, ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader mission of serving the residents.

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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 Michael Stewart (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Maria Meredith (Director, Management and Finance. 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 Michael Stewart (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Maria Meredith (Director, Management and Finance. 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 Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer, Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington), Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer.