John Wells, Loudoun’s deputy county administrator of the Department of Management and Financial Services since 1991, has been hired as Leesburg’s new town manager.
Wells, who served as second in command next to County Administrator Kirby Bowers, replaces Robert Noe, who retires Sept. 30. Wells, 46, will begin his new job Oct 1. “I’m very excited and looking forward to working with the Leesburg Town Council,” he said.
Bruce Tulloch, vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen said Leesburg is fortunate to have Wells. “He is an intricate part of Loudoun County and its success,” Tulloch said. “The loss of him the county building is significant.”
Wells joined the county staff as a budget analyst in 1982. From 1988-1991, he was budget director.
Wells, who grew up in western Pennsylvania, said he applied for the town manager’s job because of the opportunity to advance his career while remaining in Leesburg. “A lot of times when you want to move up, you have to leave the area you live in,” he said. “I can basically stay in my hometown. All of my children were born here. It has become my home now.”
Wells and his wife, Debbie, have three children, Jennifer, 19; Ashley, 17; and Jonathan, 14.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Gannon University in Erie, Pa., and a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Pittsburgh.