When I served as an assistant principal at Hermitage High School in Henrico County, Anthony Romanello was one of our students.
By the time Anthony was a senior, the faculty, staff, and his peers knew there was something special about him.
They also sensed no matter where Anthony’s future took him that he was going to have an impact in a positive way.
In 2025, Anthony announced that he would be leaving his job as Henrico County’s leader for economic development.
Truthfully, I was a bit sad by this announcement. I thought Anthony might become county manager in Henrico some day.
No matter the cities and counties where Anthony has served in Virginia, he has made a difference.
In his two books, “Random Thoughts: Reflections of Public Service, Fatherhood, and Middle Age” and “The Girl Who Lived on the Third Floor,” we learn about Anthony’s most reliable asset—his heart.
Starting with “Random Thoughts: Reflections on Public Service, Fatherhood, and Middle Age,” readers experience an up close look at Anthony’s leadership heart in action.
His heart reveals the importance of building relationships, listening, visioning, hard work, teamwork, empathy, loyalty, and two simple words—thank you.
With “The Girl Who Lived on the Third Floor,” the focus shifts to Anthony’s daily interactions with his wife, Diane, and their children. This book is based upon the commitment Anthony and Diane made as foster parents.
In 2016, with four of their own children, Anthony and Diane made a decision to adopt an eleven day old baby girl into their family.
From this adoption, we see Anthony’s heart from a different angle— an angle that reveals how his successful management skills can be impactful in a family setting too.
I believe those attributes and his compassion for people will continue to allow Anthony to grow in his new role as a managing partner for a local consulting firm.
But what I really hope is no matter how difficult the decisions might be that local leaders make, it is important for them to listen to their hearts.
When leaders disregard their hearts in making decisions, the people they serve lose.
Luckily for the people in the communities where Anthony Romanello has served, he has humbly listened to his heart.
Long may his heartfelt service endure.
might be baloney 
Bill, thank you so much for the thoughtful tribute to our AJ. I am proud to have taught him. Twice. I would have never survived as forensics sponsor without his taking pity on me and selflessly participating in competitions. A leader in every sense of the word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen Lou, so good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your memory working with A.J. (Anthony). We have managed to stay in touch over the last few years. He is one of kind. Hope all is well, be safe, Bill
LikeLike