Arlington County, Virginia Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arlington County, Virginia has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative management, financial oversight, public health operations, and operational 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
  • 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, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire county government. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial operations remain transparent and compliant with regional regulations. This leadership role involves developing long-term fiscal strategies that support the infrastructure and service needs of the community. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Meredith maintains the economic stability required for effective governance. The Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for critical public projects. Maria Meredith drives financial accountability through rigorous auditing and reporting processes. Through the careful management of resources, the Director, Management and Finance. Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain the diverse programs and services that define the operational success of the county government.

    Michael Stewart - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Stewart, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, supports the fiscal management and budgetary oversight of the county government. Assisting in the development of financial policies, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer monitors the execution of the annual budget to ensure adherence to fiscal goals. This role involves analyzing economic data to provide insights for strategic decision-making across various departments. By managing the day-to-day financial operations, Stewart ensures that resources are distributed according to the priorities of the county. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the finance team to maintain accurate records and transparent reporting. Michael Stewart drives efficiency in financial processes by implementing improved tracking systems. Through the diligent oversight of fiscal activities, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer secures the financial integrity of the county government, ensuring that all public funds are utilized effectively to support the essential services provided to the residents of the region.

    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 delivery of health services across the region. Overseeing the logistical execution of public health programs, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) ensures that medical resources reach the community efficiently. This role involves managing the internal workflows of health departments to maintain high standards of care and safety. By coordinating with regional health partners, Sharpe optimizes the response to public health challenges. The Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) implements operational strategies that improve service accessibility for all residents. Robert Sharpe drives performance improvements within the health division by refining administrative processes and resource distribution. Through the effective management of health operations, the Division Chief Operating Officer, County Public Health (Arlington) supports the overall well-being of the population, ensuring that the county government remains a reliable provider of essential health services.

    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 operational efficiency and technological integration. Overseeing the internal processes that support government functions, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that administrative workflows utilize modern digital tools effectively. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between operational needs and IT capabilities to enhance service delivery. By streamlining cross-departmental tasks, Szlavin-Niamien improves the speed and accuracy of government operations. The Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with technical teams to deploy systems that simplify resident interactions with the county. Laura Szlavin-Niamien drives organizational productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing data-driven solutions. Through the strategic alignment of operations and technology, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that the county government functions as a cohesive, high-performing entity dedicated to serving the public interest.

    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. Overseeing the modernization of resident-facing portals, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure access to online bill payments and essential public services. This leadership role involves managing complex data systems that support regional government operations across the county. By implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, Hartell protects sensitive resident information while driving innovation in municipal digital delivery. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with department heads to integrate new software solutions that improve administrative efficiency. Holly Hartell maintains a focus on scalable technology architectures that support the evolving needs of the community. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the digital landscape, ensuring that all technological investments align with the broader goals of the county government to provide seamless, accessible services for every resident.

    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 high-level administrative functions and strategic initiatives for the county leadership. Managing the daily operations of the Office of the County, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County ensures alignment between policy development and departmental execution. This role involves facilitating communication across various government branches to maintain operational cohesion. By streamlining internal processes, Porfiri supports the effective delivery of public services to the local population. The Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County oversees the implementation of executive directives, ensuring that all projects meet the standards of the county government. Lynne Porfiri drives organizational excellence by fostering collaboration among senior leaders. Through meticulous management of the office, the Chief of Staff & Manager, Office of The County secures the stability and responsiveness of the administrative framework, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

    Cynthia Hernan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Cynthia Hernan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arlington County, Virginia, directs the internal administrative functions that sustain the daily operations of the county government. Overseeing human resources, facilities management, and organizational policy, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the government infrastructure remains robust and responsive. This leadership role involves creating frameworks that support employee productivity and operational excellence. By standardizing administrative procedures, Hernan improves the consistency and quality of services provided to the public. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align administrative support with the broader strategic objectives of the county. Cynthia Hernan drives organizational development by fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability. Through the management of essential administrative services, the Chief Administrative Officer secures the operational foundation of the county government, ensuring that all departments have the necessary support to fulfill their missions and serve the community effectively.

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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.