Martinsville’s finance director headed to North Carolina

Rockingham County Government announced on Thursday that McGhee would be bringing her 10 years of local and government experience to them, effective Aug. 19.

McGhee served as Martinsville assistant director of finance before being appointed the director. Prior to her service with the city, she served as fiscal operations analyst at New College Institute, and residency business administrator with the Virginia Department of Transportation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Averett University.

As director of finance, McGhee provided budget and financial advice to the city manager and City Council, led the development of the city’s annual operating and capital budget, collaborated with department heads and their teams, and managed the Accounting, Risk Management, and Purchasing divisions.

“It is an honor to step into the role of finance director for Rockingham County Government,” said McGhee in a release from Rockingham County. “I am committed to ensuring financial stability, promoting transparency, and driving sustainable growth for our community. By working together, we will build a future grounded in sound financial practices and innovative strategies that serve the best interests of all our residents.”

McGhee appeared regularly at City Council meetings, summarizing the city’s finances. In December, she appeared with Electric Director Durwin Joyce and City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides in defense of the need for an electric rate increase. Without an adjustment, McGhee cautioned council members that the Electric Department would be operating at an annual deficit of more than $1 million.

“The cost of purchasing power had nearly doubled, revenue has increased from $18.7 million to over $20 million from 2018 to 2023, but ending cash has dropped from $569,637 to $343,461 over the same period,” said Ferrell-Benavides in the meeting. “We’ve operated at a deficit except for 2019 and 2020 when we had a rate increase. This is why we have to do this.”

In Rockingham County, the finance office is responsible for establishing a maintaining the financial activity of the County in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and state law. The duties of the office are to establish and maintain accurate accounting records, disburse monies, make financial reports, manage the receipt and deposit of monies, manage the county’s debt service obligation, and supervise. The department also prepares the annual budget for the County, the release stated.

Rockingham County borders Henry County to the south at the Virginia-North Carolina state line.

“Rockingham County Government is excited to announce the appointment of our new finance director, Mandy McGhee,” said Rockingham County Manager Lance Metzler in the release. “Mandy’s extensive experience and dedication to fiscal responsibility as well as her excellent communication skills will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our county’s financial health and transparency. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to responsible governance and sustainable growth of our community.”