Hanover County has announced two department heads to replace retired directors.

Debbie Preston is the new Director of Community Resources. She comes to Hanover from Chesterfield County, where she served as the Manager of Aging and Disability Services as part of the county’s department of citizen information and resources.  The Department of Community Resources is responsible for volunteerism, information and referrals, youth services, senior services, the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, early intervention home visiting, and the Hanover DASH specialized transportation program.

Preston succeeds Lisa Adkins, who retired earlier this summer.

Cheryl Buchanan is the new Director of Emergency Communications. Buchanan is not new to Hanover 911, as she has worked for the department for 28 years.  She began her employment with Hanover County in 1992 as a Communications Officer.  Over the years she has advanced to Supervisor, Senior Supervisor, and Communications Center Manager.  

The Emergency Communications Department serves as the main public safety answering point for emergency 911 calls.  The department serves both Hanover County and the Town of Ashland. The Emergency Communications staff provides call taking and dispatch services to emergency and non-emergency incidents for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, animal control, and other critical services. 

Buchanan succeeds Curt Shaffer, who retired August 31.