Hanratty to Serve as Deputy Town Manager

The Town of Blacksburg has hired Matt Hanratty to serve as its Deputy Town Manager following the departure of Chris Lawrence in October.

In 2006, Hanratty began work as the Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS) Manager for the Town of Blacksburg. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of the town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which assists Blacksburg residents with housing and supportive services, in addition to creating community spaces such as the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market. In addition, Hanratty worked with communities across the region to create the New River Valley (NRV) HOME Consortium to provide affordable housing opportunities to households across the NRV. To date, the HOME Consortium has created over 350 affordable homes for NRV residents, many of which are located in Blacksburg.

Under his guidance, HNS also oversaw nuisance code enforcement and various relationships with Virginia Tech including the Town Gown Committee, which strives to improve Blacksburg’s neighborhoods through the creation of learning opportunities and collaborative problem solving.

Hanratty became Blacksburg’s Assistant to the Town Manager in 2015. Alongside his existing duties as the HNS manager, he took on the responsibility for the management of Blacksburg’s sustainability efforts and led the town’s revenue-sharing program, which provides funding for roads, sidewalks, and trails in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Hanratty also managed the town’s public parking programs and helped lead several community-wide planning projects including the 2019 Downtown Strategic Plan, and the Town’s COVID response funding for town businesses and non-profits.

“We are excited to work with Matt in his new role,” said Town Manager Marc Verniel. “His education and 17 years of experience with the Town have prepared him to step into the position of Deputy Town Manager. He has a strong understanding of Town operations and a love for the Blacksburg community that will continue to serve our citizens well.”

In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Hanratty earned a graduate certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected as the next Deputy Town Manager for Blacksburg,” said Hanratty. “I look forward to continuing to work with our citizens, Town Council, staff, and community stakeholders to carry out our strategic goals and work to continuously improve this wonderful place we all call home.”

Hanratty began his duties as Deputy Town Manager on December 1, 2023.