BY SCOTT SHENK

The George Washington Regional Commission has hired a new executive director.

Tim Ware, executive director for the Mid-East Commission in North Carolina, will start his new job here on Jan. 17.

Ware has been with the North Carolina commission for 18 years, and has served as executive director since 2002.

The services the Mid-East Commission provides are similar to those of the GWRC, which is composed of local elected officials and citizens, and has staff that works with local governments on land-use and transportation planning.

The GWRC's planning district includes Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

The 57-year-old Ware said it was a tough decision to leave a community where he has lived for nearly two decades, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

"Needed one new adventure before I hang 'em up," he said yesterday in a telephone interview.

Ware comes from a mostly economically depressed region, with the nearest interstate 60 miles away.

He knows the GWRC's planning district brings new challenges, especially with transportation.

"I think it's a great opportunity in a growing area," he said.

Ware replaces Robert Wilson, who left the GWRC in June to work with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Eldon James served as the interim director.

Scott Shenk: 540/374-5436
Email: sshenk@freelancestar.com