Tex Weaver, Information Services Manager
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
Born in Washington DC and raised in Oxon Hill, Maryland – just outside of Southeast DC and inside the beltway.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
My wife, JoAnne, and I moved to Albemarle County in 1990 as we wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan area in favor of a smaller more rural community. We set our sights on the Roanoke or Charlottesville areas. Charlottesville had greater appeal for many reasons – particularly as I have a lot of family roots in the vicinity going back many generations and my parents had recently relocated close by.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
We have been living in the rural community of Stony Point in northeastern Albemarle County since 1991. The Stony Point Elementary School, Stony Point Fire Department, Stony Point Market, Stony Point Ruritan and several local churches all contribute to make the community a special place – a great place to raise a family and a place we are fortunate to call home.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
JoAnne and I have been married for 23 years and have two teenage daughters Abby and Emma. Abby attends Albemarle High School and Emma attends Sutherland Middle School. Both are proud members of the Albemarle High School Cross Country Team.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I graduated from Radford University in 1988 with a degree in Geography and Urban Planning.
What were you doing before you came to work for the City?
Prior to beginning my career with Albemarle County I worked for the Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau’s Field Division as a Geographer managing map updates and map production in Regional Census Centers in support of the 1990 Decennial Census enumeration activities.
Your job title is Manager, Information Services Division, Community Development Department – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
I strive to provide coworkers opportunities to excel in the performance of their job responsibilities and to provide customers with a positive experience when interacting with County staff or using technology associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and data, Development Tracking, Records Management and Permit/Application processing.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
The best part of my job is having the opportunity to work with people that take pride in their role in anticipating and meeting/exceeding internal (coworker) and external (public) customer needs/expectations. The most difficult part is when I personally know I’ve done everything possible to help a customer and for whatever reason they are not satisfied with an outcome that may be out of my control or beyond my ability to address.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
I am particularly proud of the quality and accuracy of the data and mapping that my coworkers and I are responsible for updating, maintaining and making available for consumption as it is used by staff throughout the County as well as the public for making educated decisions on a daily basis.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the City?
In advance of implementing the Enhanced 911 System for our community all state roads and private driveways serving three or more addressable structures in Albemarle County were required to be named. This process provided me with a unique opportunity to communicate with hundreds of residents by phone, mail and in person. I learned a great deal about local history, culture and geography and sincerely value the personal interactions I had as a result of this initiative.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I’ll share a few… As a freshman at Radford University I was elected the founding president of the Tau Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Delta Rho social fraternity and subsequently the founding president of its Alumni Corporation (both still thriving). I am a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and played in a rock and roll band for a couple of years in the early 1990s. The band was comprised of coworkers in the Planning Department and my wife JoAnne played the bass guitar.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
My family and I are outdoor enthusiasts. I actively support and/or volunteer in education, outreach and stewardship activities associated with the preservation of natural and cultural resources and natural areas within the Charlottesville/Albemarle community. Some of the organizations I support/volunteer with include The Nature Conservancy, Ivy Creek Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Rivanna Conservation Society, Virginia Master Naturalists, Parks & Recreation and the Stony Point Ruritan.
