MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Berkeley County Development Authority Executive Director Sandy Hamilton is retiring.
The Development Authority made the announcement Thursday.
Hamilton has been with the BCDA since 2013 and was tapped to be Executive Director in 2016.
Her retirement is effective September 1st.
Among the developments under her leadership was the construction of a Clorox company cat litter manufacturing facility
and the county’s purchase of 70 acres in the Tabler Station Business Park in 2019 as well as other development along the I-81 corridor.
She says she worked to strike a balance of development and quality of life, not oversaturating the county with one type of industry or creating competition for existing business. She also had a heart for preserving the area’s farmland:
Board of Directors President, Abe Ashton said of Hamilton, “One of Sandy’s strengths is the ability to help companies see why Berkeley County should be home,” Ashton stated. “As a lifelong Berkeley County resident, her love for Berkeley County and passion to see it grow and thrive shine through on everything she does, and I think the businesses that have had the pleasure of working with her are impressed by that.”
Prior to her role as Executive Director, Ms. Hamilton served as the BCDA’s Interim Executive Director and as its Business Programs Manager. In her role as Executive Director, Ms. Hamilton has been instrumental in attracting and assisting businesses to thrive in Berkeley County.
For her part, Hamilton said she has no plans to leave Berkeley County, which she calls “the best place on earth.” She plans to continue community service.
Sandy Hamilton is a lifelong resident of Berkeley County and a graduate of Shepherd University. She has been actively involved in community organizations, business entities, and educational programs. She also serves on both the West Virginia School Building Authority and the State Workforce Development Board.
A search for her replacement will begin immediately.