VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Wheeley as its new Director of Finance, bringing with her more than two decades of financial leadership experience across federal, local government and private-sector organizations.
Originally from New Jersey, Wheeley spent the past 23 years traveling the country with her husband during his career in the United States Coast Guard. After falling in love with the Virginia Beach community during one of the family's assignments, they chose to make the city their permanent home following his retirement. They have two children, including a daughter currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and a son entering his senior year of high school.
Wheeley most recently served as Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for a county government in New Jersey, where she managed municipal projects and oversaw Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and USDA small business grant programs benefiting low- to moderate-income families.
Her career also includes service with the United States Air Force as a Budget Analyst and Resource Advisor for the 81st Training Group, where she developed budgets and provided financial guidance for training squadrons, detachments and sister-service partners while ensuring proper stewardship of appropriated federal funds.
In the private sector, Wheeley served as Controller and Finance Manager for a coal-fired power generation station, overseeing budgets, revenue streams, cash flow analysis and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated industry.
"Jessica's extensive experience in public finance, federal budgeting and private-sector financial management makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team," said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. "The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office is committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and Jessica shares that commitment. Her integrity, professionalism and dedication to transparency will help ensure we continue serving our community with accountability and excellence."
As Director of Finance, Wheeley will oversee the Sheriff's Office financial operations, focusing on maximizing available resources, supporting the agency's mission and ensuring responsible management of taxpayer-funded resources.
"I believe fiscal responsibility and transparency go hand in hand," Wheeley said. "I'm excited to join Team VBSO and look forward to supporting our deputies and professional staff by ensuring the Sheriff's Office has the financial resources needed to continue providing exceptional service to the citizens of Virginia Beach."
When she's not at work, Wheeley enjoys CrossFit, reading, baking, attending collegiate and professional sporting events with her family and, as a self-described concert enthusiast, taking in as many live shows as possible.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office welcomes Jessica to Team VBSO and looks forward to the expertise and leadership she brings to the organization.
About the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office is responsible for operating the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, providing courthouse and courtroom security, serving civil process and supporting community engagement initiatives throughout the City of Virginia Beach.
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012.
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