Shenandoah County’s newest planner has hit the ground running! Jack Hurst joins the team to help manage the county’s growth and refine the codes that keep our development smart and sustainable. Please join us in giving Jack a warm welcome as he works to protect the unique character of our Valley!
About Jack
A: I spent most of my childhood in Purcellville, VA. From there, I’ve lived in Fredericksburg, VA and Charlottesville, VA for my undergrad and graduate education. I grew up in Portland, OR but I would call Virginia my home!
A: I was always digging through dirt and finding trinkets and whatnots, and the thrill of finding something is still ingrained in me (even as small as finding a nickel on the ground). I always wanted to be an archaeologist, and I went to University of Mary Washington to pursue such a dream too!
A: I like to go for walks where I can see open fields and mountains, look at antique stores to get my “find something cool” thrill out of the way, read lots of books and watch various shows and movies!
A:My Father has been a large role model; an immigrant at the age of 19, made his way up and is living the American Dream with my other role model, my Mother, who most say I take after most! 🙂
A:You can’t go wrong with some ribs or teriyaki chicken! Bean’s BBQ in Edinburg and Sakura in Woodstock fill that requirement for me very nicely. (P.S.: Bean’s, please have more ribs available throughout the week!!)
A: I’m a very open book; I try to stay the same person as I am outside of work as well as at work. I guess the best way to be surprised about me is to come see for yourself– my door is (mostly) always open! 🙂
About Jack's New Role
A: There are few jobs where you can have a great impact and know almost all facets of what makes a community. In most jobs, you learn about one department and that’s it, but being here, the door is open to all ideas and concepts.
A famous quote that has stuck with me and holds true to my way of working —“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” I may not know all the answers, but I will find the answers.
A: Learning our Virginia State Code has been a whirlwind of an experience. It is vital to know what we can or cannot do within our own community, navigating through bills and laws and creating something can be very challenging (but exciting!)
A: I’d hope to create a space for people of all ages to not just survive by making ends meet but to thrive; whether it be close to family, pursuing education, having work availability, access to healthcare, or a stable and safe housing situation. Whatever one needs, they shall have the best opportunity to achieve what they want. Shenandoah County’s phrase is “Industry of Plenty” and I shall do my best to make it just that.