Henrico County's new director of General Services is Christopher L. Winstead, who will begin in his new role July 16. Henrico County Manager Virgil Hazelett made the announcement earlier today.

Winstead, who currently serves as assistant director of Henrico’s Department of Public Works, is succeeding Paul N. Proto, who retired recently after 20 years in the position.

As director of General Services, Winstead will lead an agency that provides a broad range of services in support of general government and Henrico County Public Schools operations. The department’s responsibilities include the maintenance and management of buildings, grounds and the county’s automotive fleet; administration of capital projects; centralized procurement and distribution of materials and services for all county agencies; and risk management. General Services also is responsible for the county’s radio communications infrastructure, including the Emergency E-911 system for Public Safety.

“General Services provides myriad services that enable every other county agency to function and succeed,” Winstead said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the outstanding people in this department. Paul Proto set a high bar of excellence, and I want to honor and continue that legacy.”

Winstead, a licensed professional engineer, worked 17 years with the Virginia Department of Transportation before joining Henrico’s staff in June 2009. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University.