Contact

overholtzerjl@ci.staunton.va.us
Call the Clerk of Council at 540.332.3810

Term

• January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028
• First elected to Council in November 2024

About

Jeff resided in six different states and two foreign countries before settling in Staunton in 1987. He and his wife Kathleen have two sons and a daughter, as well as three grandchildren.  

Occupation

Jeff recently retired from his role as an information technology manager in higher education. In his two most recent jobs at Mary Baldwin University and Washington and Lee University,  he managed major, campus-wide projects, developed capital and operating budgets and negotiated vendor agreements that yielded efficiencies and provided new capabilities. 

Jeff has also been a University professor, teaching communication-related topics. His first career was in journalism, serving as newspaper reporter covering schools, government, the courts and other topics. He was an editor at the News Leader in Staunton in the 1990s, starting a weekly section covering the arts and entertainment and coordinating extensive coverage of the merger of Staunton and Waynesboro hospitals, resulting in a statewide public service award.

Education

Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University; bachelor's degree in English from Hamilton College. 

Civic Engagement

Serves on Local Board of Administration at Parkway Wesleyan Church 

Leads church teams to prepare and serve meals at Valley Mission 

Has participated in numerous church-related service trips to El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, building houses, assisting in medical clinics and leading educational activities 

Has taught English as a second language to a local immigrant family 

Has served as a Neighborhood Watch captain in Staunton

Interests

Jeff enjoys walking, biking, running, golfing and playing with his grandson in Staunton's beautiful parks. He helps lead singing at his church and enjoys the arts, including theater, music and local galleries. He enjoys foreign cultures and languages.