Patsy Vaughan retired from the Halifax IDA on December 31, 2013 after 30 years of service.

"Patsy has served the IDA and the community long and well," said IDA Executive Director, Matt Leonard. "She has earned her retirement. We wish her well."

Ted Bennett, the current Chairman of the IDA's Operations and Personnel Committee has worked with Vaughan for nearly all of her time at the IDA, and describes her contributions this way, "Patsy has been at the center of the successes enjoyed by the county's industrial development efforts since before and after the creation of the Industrial Development Authority. Her contributions to the amazing economic progress and job growth in the county during those years are immeasurable. They stand as proof of her legacy to the thousands of people who secured their jobs and financial security because of her quiet but enduring efforts on their behalf over three decades. We will miss her but never forget her dedication to the economic welfare of the county and its citizens."

Vaughan first came to the IDA as a part-time employee in 1981, moving to full time in 1983. Over her three decades she has worn many hats including Interim Executive Director on four occasions. In the last 10 years she has been the IDA's Development Director, managing project grants, construction activites, and administering the Enterprize Zone and other incentive programs. "Patsy has worked with me over the last year to update and streamline how we handle these important functions," Leonard said.

During her tenure, Vaughan helped locate the following industries into the county: O'Sullivan Industries, FlexTec, NPS, RW, Power Partners, BHK of America, Annin & Company, J. M. Huber Corporation, Clover Power Station, Daystrom Furniture, d-Scan (now Tvilum), Dollar General Corporation, The Software Factory, Gloster Furniture, Penske, Estes Express Lines, Adesta, Cherokee Tobacco Company, LASCO Bathware (now Aquatic), Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, Mid-Atlantic Broadband, VIR, Lindstrand USA, TMI AutoTech, NOVI Energy, Pacific Headwear, RTP Company, Sunshine Mills, VEC and DMV Call Centers, Faneuil, and the National Tire Research Center.

"I have been blessed to have been an employee of the IDA, and a part of the ever changing world of economic development," Vaughan stated, adding that she has "been privileged to have worked with visionaries to make Halifax County a better place to live. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience." She believes she "has made a difference."

At various times during her career Vaughan has also been active in the International Economic Development Council, Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA), Halifax County Tourism Board, Southern Economic Development Council, Rural Planning Caucus of Virginia, Council for Business, Industry and Government, Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, Longwood Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, American Business Women's Association.