Robert Walters, Albemarle County

Where were you born (and raised, if different)?


I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.

 

When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?


I moved here in 1984 to marry Jane Muse, my wife of 29 good years.

 

What neighborhood do you live in now?


I live in Forest Lakes, on Poplar Ridge.

 

Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?


I have a wife, Jane; two daughters, Kimberly and Dawn; a son, Kurt; a son-in-law, Rob; and two granddaughters, Laura and Elizabeth. 

 

What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?


I earned my BA at Michigan State University in 1969, my MBA at Wayne State University in 1974, and an MTAX at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1982.

 

What were you doing before you came to work for the county?


I was Tax Manager at the Comdial Corporation.

 

Your job title is Division Manager of Business Taxation – what, in your own words, would you say you do?


I have been responsible for a lot over the last 28 years, including tax assessment and revenue collection, managing the tax audit program, managing the acquisition, development, and upcoming implementation of the Rev-Tax System, and serving as Financial Manager for the Regional Jail and the Juvenile Commission and as Interim Fiscal Manager for Albemarle Public Schools. I have been an active member of the Treasurers, Commissioners of the Revenue, and Virginia Government Officers Associations. Over the years, I have been a participant with many statewide study commissions and working groups as well as internal teams.

 

What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?

We have a lot of very affluent people in the County, but we also have a lot who are in some very abject circumstances. The best part is to help others work through some difficult and serious financial situations. The most difficult part is when I am unable to help. 

 

How does your job most directly impact the average person?

Finance provides the funds and resources for all County Operations, including schools. We also provide information for citizens, businesses, and government bodies enabling them to make decisions based on facts.

 

What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the county?

I started assisting the Regional Jail Authority shortly after its creation. I was part of the team that designed, financed, procured, constructed, and opened the renovated and expanded jail facility. I served as Financial Manager for several years. I always think fondly of this experience.

 

What is a little-known fact about you?

When the County of Nelson joined the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail Authority, I tried to convince the Board to change its name to the Charlottesville Albemarle Nelson Regional Jail Authority so that the jail could be known as the CAN.

 

What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?

Currently I am Santa, I cuddle babies at the UVA Hospital, and I am a member of the Enrichment Alliance of Virginia Board of Directors. I have been an active member of the local folk and dance community for my entire time in Albemarle.  I am an Elder in my church and have served as Treasurer in the past. I have been Chair of the JABA Advisory Board, Disability Services Board, and SJAC Audit Committee. I was Treasurer of the Albemarle County Fair for many years as well as various non-profits, preschools, PTOs, and Scout groups. I was awarded Vigil Honor.