Justin Shepherd has joined Montgomery County as Utilities Director, effective October 28. Shepherd's appointment coincides with the finalization of the transition of Public Service Authority (PSA) staff and operations into the newly created Utilities Department.
"Justin is a highly qualified leader with extensive experience," said County Administrator, Angela Hill. “He will be an excellent addition to our organization and a great leader for the Utilities Department staff."
Shepherd has served in various roles with the Town of Christiansburg since 2008, most recently as Assistant Utilities Director since May 2023.
As Utilities Director, Shepherd will lead the new department and oversee the management and maintenance of the County’s water and wastewater infrastructure and services.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to lead a great crew at Montgomery County," said Shepherd. "Together, we will continue to deliver quality and dependable water and sewer services to the citizens."
The appointment follows the Board of Supervisors' approval of an ordinance on August 25, 2025, which redefined the operational structure of the PSA. Under the new structure, PSA staff and daily operations officially transitioned to Montgomery County on October 1, 2025.
Effective October 1, the PSA Board remains in place and retains key oversight responsibilities, including:
- Planning and investing in future service areas and facility expansions,
- Approving the annual PSA budget, and
- Setting water and sewer rates for the County.
All PSA employees are now classified as County employees within the new Utilities Department. Billing and collections for all water and wastewater customers continue to be managed by the County's Finance Department.
The integration of utilities services into a county department strengthens local governance by aligning utility operations with comprehensive planning and land use strategies. It also streamlines administrative processes, enhances coordination, and increases the County's ability to provide superior customer service and a greater depth of expertise to all citizens.