Henrico appoints new EDA director

The Henrico Economic Development Authority announced Thursday that it has appointed the county’s chief of staff, Cari M. Tretina, as its next executive director, effective Jan. 1.

Tretina succeeds Anthony Romanello, who is stepping down from the role on Jan. 16 after more than six years leading the county’s economic development efforts. Tretina has been Henrico’s chief of staff since 2019 and also became a deputy county manager in 2022.

Tretina joined the county in 2013 and has held roles in Recreation & Parks, the Division of Fire, and the county manager’s office. A lifelong Henrico resident, she is a graduate of J.R. Tucker High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations from Eastern Kentucky University and and has completed leadership programs through Harvard University, the Metro Richmond Public Safety Leadership Academy and the University of Virginia.

Tretina is currently leading the Best Products Reimagined project, for which the county government is seeking proposals for an arena-anchored development in the county’s West End. During her tenure, she has collaborated with the county EDA on dozens of agreements and initiatives to attract jobs and investment to Henrico.

“Cari brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership and innovation,” said Edward Whitlock III, chair of the EDA board of directors, in a statement.

In a statement, Henrico County Manager John A. Vithoulkas described Tretina as “an incredible talent whose energy is contagious,” adding that Tretina has worked on nearly every major redevelopment project and initiative the county has completed over the past six years.

​​Her achievements include helping establish Nourish Henrico during the pandemic, negotiating the county’s purchase of the historic 2,095-acre Varina Farms property, and occasionally serving as acting county manager.

“She has been a trusted copilot for me, and Cari is going to flourish in this role,” Vithoulkas said. “I relish the thought of watching her run laps around localities we compete against nationally. Cari has an incredible heart, but she also has a steel-trap mind that is going to benefit our county for years to come.”

The EDA works to attract business growth and investment in Henrico, which counts more than 353,000 residents, 25,000 businesses and 200,000 jobs. A 10-member board oversees the agency, which has a staff of 11 and a $2.6 million budget for fiscal 2025–26. Although the agency receives operating support from the county, it remains independent of Henrico’s government.