Goochland County names Denise Sandlin new finance director starting Feb. 17

Goochland County has named Denise Sandlin its new director of finance, and county leadership says her background will strengthen local fiscal oversight. Dr. Raley, County Administrator, said, “We are excited to welcome Denise to Team Goochland.” He added, “Her experience in government finance will provide strong leadership and ensure continued sound fiscal management for our county.”

Sandlin joins Goochland from the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management where she served as Chief Financial Officer and Procurement Manager. The county announcement notes she has over 20 years of experience with state and local government finance and has been responsible for overseeing budgets as high as 1.7 billion. She earned her master’s in accounting from Liberty University.

Records from the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management list Denise Sandlin under Finance and Administration and associate her with a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including state contracts, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, audit compliance, travel, and payroll certification. That mix of duties at the state level is the scale of work Goochland officials point to when describing the kind of stewardship they expect for county finances.

Sandlin released a statement expressing her commitment to the community: "I am excited to serve the County of Goochland and its citizens. I am motivated by the dedication of the County’s future success, and I am honored to be part of the journey." Her arrival is positioned as part of ongoing efforts by county leadership to maintain stable budgeting, procurement and audit practices.

For residents, a new director of finance affects how the county plans capital projects, manages operating budgets and complies with audit and reporting requirements. Goochland officials framed the hire as a continuity move toward sound fiscal management rather than a change in direction, emphasizing experience with large budgets and state-level financial systems.

Sandlin will officially begin her role with Goochland County on February 17, 2026. The county’s news page also lists related items of interest to local taxpayers and property owners, including "Monthly Property Transfer Notification Available to Help Protect Property Owners from Deed Fraud," "County Offices Closed for George Washington Day," and "Goochland County Announces Casey Littlefield as Building Official."

As Sandlin assumes the post, residents and local leaders will watch how state-level experience translates to county priorities such as procurement, accounting and audit compliance. Her first months on the job are likely to focus on familiarizing herself with Goochland’s budgets and fiscal calendar and on ensuring a smooth handoff of responsibilities before the next budget cycle.