On Aug. 2, 2022, Brea Hopkins was named Montgomery County's Director of Planning and GIS. In her role as director, Hopkins will oversee daily operations in the
Montgomery County Planning and GIS Department. The department is responsible for administering the county’s
comprehensive land use plan, and zoning and subdivision ordinances; providing geographical information and mapping services; and maintaining official street names and addresses in the unincorporated areas of the county. It also supports the
Planning Commission,
Board of Zoning Appeals,
Agricultural and Forestal District Committee, and the
Board of Supervisors.
"While the applicant pool was competitive, Brea's depth of experience in Planning, Zoning and GIS at every level made it clear that she was the best fit," said Angela Hill, Deputy County Administrator and CFO. "In addition, during her time as the Interim Planning and GIS Director, Brea performed the duties of the job extraordinarily well. We are fortunate to have Brea in this role."
Hopkins joined Montgomery County in 2001 as the administrative assistant for the Planning and GIS Department. Upon joining Montgomery County, she quickly learned the ins and outs of planning and zoning while providing outstanding support to citizens and becoming an asset to other county departments.
While working for the county, Hopkins earned a bachelor's degree in geography, with a concentration in planning from Radford University. She obtained her Certified Zoning Administrator and Certified Transportation Manager credentials while also serving on the executive committee for the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials. Over her 21-year tenure with Montgomery County, she has held several positions, with the most recent being Planning and Zoning Administrator, which she began in February 2021. In January 2022, Hopkins was named Interim Planning and GIS Director.
"I started my career with Montgomery County over two decades ago and this has been the best career decision I could have ever made," said Hopkins. "In my tenure with Montgomery County, I have served at nearly every level in the Planning and GIS Department and have been blessed to have the support of so many people. I'm thankful for this new opportunity to lead a terrific staff and help them grow their own success stories, all while continuing to serve Montgomery County's citizens."