8-30-2026 10:49pm

RESUMES OF THE 13 CANDIDATES SEEKING THE CHANCELLOR SUPERVISOR SEAT

John Williams Editor

Applicants include former elected officials, business leaders, candidates and community members

By John Williams, Editor

Qustin Bernier

Bernier is a co-founder and executive of Sixth Domain Intelligence, according to published reporting.

He previously worked in investment management at Morgan Stanley and brings experience in business, finance and the federal-government sector.

That background could be relevant to county discussions involving economic development, technology, public spending, infrastructure and long-term planning. Bernier’s private-sector experience distinguishes him from applicants whose backgrounds are primarily in elected office or community service.

Janet Gardon

Public information available for Gardon’s application is limited.

Gardon is seeking appointment to a seat representing a district facing development pressures, transportation concerns and questions about the county’s future growth.

Amanda Blalock

Blalock is a former member of the Spotsylvania County School Board.

She previously ran for the Chancellor District seat and lost to Tim McLaughlin in the 2019 election. Her prior campaign and school-board service give her experience with local elections, public policy and constituent concerns.

Blalock’s background could make education, growth and county-school coordination important issues in her approach to the position.

Laura Catalono

Public information available for Catalono’s application is limited.

Her application places her among the residents seeking an opportunity to serve during the interim period before the special election.

Tim McLaughlin

McLaughlin previously represented the Chancellor District on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors.

He won the seat in 2019 after defeating Amanda Blalock. His prior service means he has direct experience with the Board’s procedures, county budgets, development decisions and constituent responsibilities.

McLaughlin is one of the applicants with the most direct experience in the position he is seeking to fill.

Steven Cronberry

Public information available for Cronberry’s application is limited.

Cronberry is seeking appointment at a time when the Board is confronting major questions involving growth, transportation, taxes, schools, infrastructure and public safety.

William McCuen

Public information available for McCuen’s application is limited.

His application adds another name to a field that includes former supervisors, former School Board members, business leaders and other community applicants.

What the resumes show

The applicant field is not dominated by a single professional background.

Shelley and Blalock have experience on the School Board. McLaughlin has previously served on the Board of Supervisors. Bernier brings experience in business, investment management and the federal-government sector. Other applicants are seeking consideration based on their community involvement and interest in county government.

The differences among the candidates could influence how supervisors evaluate them.

Some applicants have already held elected office and understand the demands of public service. Others may offer professional or community experience outside county government. The Board must decide which background best fits the immediate needs of the Chancellor District and the county as a whole.

The appointment is only the first test

The person selected by the Board will serve temporarily until the March 16, 2027, special election.

The election winner will complete the remainder of former Supervisor Gerald Childress’ term, which expires Dec. 31, 2027.

That means the appointment could give one candidate an early advantage in the special election. The appointed supervisor would gain public visibility, access to county information and the opportunity to begin representing Chancellor District residents before voters decide who should serve the remainder of the term.

Other applicants could also remain in the race and challenge the appointed supervisor.

What residents should watch

Before the appointment, residents should look for additional information about each applicant’s:

● Professional experience

● Prior public or civic service

● Position on county growth and development

● Views on transportation and infrastructure

● Approach to taxes and the county budget

● Priorities for schools and public safety

● Plans for representing Chancellor District residents

● Interest in running in the March special election

The Board’s public vote will provide the first clear indication of which applicant has earned the supervisors’ confidence.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The 13 applicants represent a wide range of experience, but the public record currently contains more detailed information about some candidates than others.

Dawn Shelley, Amanda Blalock and Tim McLaughlin have prior elected experience in Spotsylvania. Justin Bernier brings a business and federal-government background. The remaining applicants are seeking consideration as community members whose qualifications and priorities will need to be examined more closely.

The Board’s appointment will determine who takes the Chancellor seat immediately. The March special election will determine who keeps it for the remainder of the term.

The Spotsylvania Gazette will update these candidate resumes as additional biographies, resumes, public statements and campaign information become available.