Arlington County, Virginia Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arlington County, Virginia has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, operational management, administrative oversight, and financial strategy.

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
  • Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer - Laura Szlavin-Niamien
  • Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) - Robert Sharpe
  • 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, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire county government. Meredith directs the allocation of public funds, ensuring that financial resources support essential services and infrastructure projects. As the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer, Maria Meredith manages the long-term financial strategy, balancing revenue streams with the operational requirements of the municipality. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making by the county leadership. By optimizing fiscal policies, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer drives economic stability and ensures that taxpayer dollars are utilized with maximum efficiency. Meredith maintains a focus on sustainable growth, implementing financial controls that protect the county's assets while supporting the diverse needs of the local population and the broader regional economy.

    Michael Stewart - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Stewart, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, supports the fiscal operations and budgetary execution of the county government. Stewart assists in the development of financial models that guide the distribution of resources across various public departments. As the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Michael Stewart monitors daily expenditures and revenue collection, ensuring that all financial activities adhere to strict regulatory standards. This role involves analyzing economic trends to provide actionable insights for the senior leadership team. By managing the technical aspects of the budget process, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that the county maintains a balanced and transparent financial position. Stewart drives the implementation of automated financial systems, which improves the accuracy of reporting and the speed of service delivery. Through diligent oversight, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer contributes to the overall fiscal integrity and operational success of the county's financial management programs.

    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 daily operational efficiency of the county's technical and administrative systems. Szlavin-Niamien coordinates cross-departmental projects to streamline service delivery for residents, focusing on the intersection of operational policy and digital implementation. As the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Laura Szlavin-Niamien executes strategic plans that align departmental output with the broader goals of the county government. This role requires constant monitoring of service performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement. By facilitating communication between IT teams and operational staff, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments directly support the core mission of the organization. Szlavin-Niamien drives initiatives that enhance the reliability of public-facing platforms, ensuring that the county remains a leader in efficient local governance.

    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 logistics and service delivery for the public health department. Sharpe manages the deployment of health resources and programs designed to support the well-being of the local community. As the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington), Robert Sharpe oversees the coordination of clinical and administrative staff to ensure that health services remain accessible and efficient. This role involves integrating public health initiatives with the broader county government strategy to address regional health challenges. By optimizing the operational framework of the health division, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) drives improvements in service quality and response times. Sharpe ensures that all health-related operations comply with state and federal regulations, maintaining a high standard of care for all residents while managing the complex logistical demands of public health administration.

    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 oversees the modernization of resident-facing portals, ensuring secure and efficient access to online bill payments and public information. By architecting robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive municipal data across all departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional stakeholders to implement scalable cloud solutions that support the evolving needs of the community. Holly Hartell drives the integration of smart city initiatives, enhancing the overall technological landscape of the region. Through the deployment of advanced data analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes internal workflows, ultimately increasing the responsiveness of government services. Hartell maintains a focus on digital equity, ensuring that all residents benefit from reliable and accessible technological tools provided by the county.

    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 priorities and administrative functions of the county leadership. Porfiri manages the flow of information and policy development within the Office of The County, ensuring that all executive decisions align with the long-term vision of the government. As the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County, Lynne Porfiri facilitates high-level collaboration between department heads and the board, driving consensus on critical community issues. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of county-wide initiatives that impact resident services and local policy. By maintaining rigorous standards for administrative excellence, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County supports the effective execution of government programs. Porfiri ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the public, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability throughout the entire administrative structure.

    Cynthia Hernan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Cynthia Hernan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, manages the internal administrative functions and organizational processes that support the county government. Hernan oversees the implementation of policies that govern human resources, facilities management, and internal service delivery. As the Chief Administrative Officer, Cynthia Hernan drives the development of efficient operational procedures that allow departments to function cohesively. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to ensure that administrative support aligns with the strategic goals of the county. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer improves the overall productivity of the government workforce. Hernan maintains a focus on organizational excellence, fostering an environment where administrative tasks are handled with precision and accountability. Through the management of critical support services, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the county remains well-equipped to serve the needs of the residents and maintain high standards of public service.

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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 Laura Szlavin-Niamien (Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer).
    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), Laura Szlavin-Niamien (Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer) 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, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington), Chief Information Officer.