The Board of Supervisors named Dennis A. Walter as County Attorney, effective May 1, 2019. He has been a Deputy County Attorney for Hanover County since August 2014. Walter replaces Sterling Rives, who retired effective March 1.

W. Canova Peterson, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said Board members unanimously supported the appointment of Walter, who was among a field of four finalists.

“Not only does Dennis have long-term knowledge of Hanover County, but he is a brilliant attorney,” Peterson said. “He also has a strong understanding and appreciation for public service – service above himself. This is a very special trait that unified the Board around him.”

“The Board has full confidence that this is the person we needed to continue the good work Sterling Rives has done and to move the department forward into the future,” Peterson said.

“My entire career has been in public service and serving as the County Attorney will give me the opportunity to continue to serve my community,” Walter said. “My view is that a local government attorney’s primary role is to ensure that the workings of government are fair and open and that the decision-makers know the applicable laws and rules as they make their decisions. Everyone should understand the process and be able to participate so that, regardless of the outcome, everyone has had an opportunity to be heard on their views and are confident that their rights have been protected.”

Peterson also expressed the Board’s “great appreciation” for the service of Yvonne S. Gibney, who served as Interim County Attorney from Rives’ retirement until Walter’s appointment.