Henrico County Government recently used its official Twitter account to commemorate the service and contributions of two prominent community leaders, Mr. Steele and Mr. John Hodges, highlighting their longstanding roles in regional development and public service.
On August 12, 2025, Henrico County Government posted a tribute to Mr. Steele, noting his tenure as president of East Coast Oil Co. and his 26 years representing Varina on the Economic Development Authority. The tweet quoted Nelson: “We remember and honor him again today. Henrico County is a better community for his contributions & for the time he shared with us,” Nelson said. (August 12, 2025).
Shortly after, Board Chair Dan Schmitt recognized the recent passing of Mr. John Hodges, describing him as vice mayor of Ashland and a charter member of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority. The tweet detailed Hodges’ four-and-a-half decades in public service: “Board Chair Dan Schmitt remembered Mr. John Hodges on his recent passing. He was vice mayor of the town of Ashland and a charter member of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority. Mr. Hodges had 45 years of public service, with many years serving Hanover County.” (August 12, 2025). An additional post provided a link to Mr. Hodges’ obituary: “Mr. Hodges’ obituary: https://t.co/1Gw4g61U2a” (August 12, 2025).
Henrico County’s recognition comes amid ongoing growth in local institutions such as Henrico County Public Schools District—the only district in the county—which enrolled over 50,000 students during the 2023-24 school year according to state education data (source). Deep Run High School reported the highest enrollment among all county schools that year (source). Demographically, Black students made up more than one-third of total enrollment in Henrico schools during this period (source). Overall student numbers saw a slight increase from the previous academic year (source), while Holladay Elementary led pre-kindergarten enrollments among county schools (source).
Both Steele’s and Hodges’ legacies are recognized within this broader context of civic engagement and educational development in Henrico County.
