Meet the Members | City of Buena Vista, VA

Mayor

Mr. Fitzgerald was elected to Council in 2015 and elected Mayor in 2017. Previously, he served on the School Board. A native of southwest Virginia, he has lived in Buena Vista since 1987 and operates a contracting and fine woodworking business. He also has leadership roles in the Buena Vista Lions Club and Buena Vista Youth First. He has two grown sons, Billy and Jessie, who also live in the City. Mr. Fitzgerald can also be reached at (540) 461-0099.

Cheryl Hickman

Vice Mayor

Mrs. Hickman was elected to Council in 2020.

Tyson Cooper

Council Member

Mr. Cooper was elected to Council in 2017. Previously, he served on the City’s Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority. Mr. Cooper, who has also served on the board of the local Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in small business development efforts in the city, earned a bachelor's degree at Southern Virginia University and completed a master's degree at Liberty University. He currently works at Southern Virginia University as the vice president of financial operations. He and his wife, Camden, stay busy raising their six children.

Stanley Coffey

Council Member

Mr. Coffey was appointed to Council in 2018.

Melvin Henson

Council Member

Mr. Henson was elected to Council in 2010. Previously, he served as Director of Public Works for the City, and has been heavily involved with the Buena Vista Fire Department for over 45 years. Mr. Henson also serves on the Planning Commission.

Danny Staton

Council Member

Mr. Staton was elected to Council in 2017.

Steve Webb

Council Member

Mr. Webb was appointed to Council in 2021.

Brian Kearney

City Attorney

Mr. Kearney has served the City as its City Attorney since 2004. He graduated from Concord College in 1982 with a Major in History and Political Science and from Washington & Lee School of Law in 1986. Mr. Kearney was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1986 and he's been practicing in the Buena Vista, Lexington, Rockbridge County area since 1987. He is a partner in the law firm of Heslep & Kearney, P.C.