County Administrator John A. Budesky announced today the appointment of Kerri O’Brien, former WRIC-TV Investigative Reporter and Anchor, as Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Hanover County. O’Brien officially begins her new role March 1.

O’Brien is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award-winning journalist. In Richmond for more than 15 years, she worked as reporter, anchor and lead investigator at WRIC-TV/ABC 8News. Her in-depth work has put predators behind bars, prompted legislation changes and led to consumer safety reforms. Through the years, her apolitical approach has advanced equitable outcomes through law.

“We are excited to add Kerri to our team,” Budesky said. “Communication and citizen engagement are a primary focus of the Board of Supervisors and Kerri will greatly enhance our efforts going forward.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Hanover County at this exciting time in their rich history,” O’Brien said. “I look forward to helping deliver important County information to residents, visitors, business leaders and partner agencies. I understand the importance of transparency and the urgency of providing information to the public in a timely manner. I have been doing that as a journalist for over 20 years and I’m happy to bring this same energy to sharing the Hanover County story.”

Prior to WRIC-TV/ABC 8News, O’Brien was a reporter and anchor for News12 New Jersey where she covered the 9-11 attacks, state politics and crime. O’Brien has worked as a reporter for WRNN-TV in Kingston, NY. She got her start in television news working as an anchor and reporter for a CBS affiliate in Alpena, Michigan.

O’Brien graduated from the University of Maryland where she earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and government and politics.