City Council Members
Meet the members!
Get to know the individuals who lead and support our community!
Tyson Cooper, Mayor
Email: tyson.cooper@bvcity.org
- Mr. Cooper began serving as Mayor in 2024 and previously served on City Council from 2017-2023. From 2017-2018, he served as Vice Mayor. Previous to the City Council, 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 finance. He and his wife, Camden, stay very busy raising their six wonderful children.
Council Members
Danny Staton, Vice Mayor
Email: danny.staton@bvcity.org
Melvin Henson
Email: mel.henson@bvcity.org
- A native of Buena Vista, Melvin Henson has been a member of City Council for 15 years and has served on many City and regional committees during that time, including the Planning Commission and Parks & Rec Committee. Mr. Henson retired as the City’s Public Works Director after 33 ½ years of service and is a life member of the Buena Vista Fire Department, the Floyd Davidson Post 126 of the American Legion, and the Buena Vista Baptist Church. Over the years, Mr. Henson has served as an instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the International Society of Fire Service, serving on their Mid-Atlantic Region Board of Directors. Mr. Henson has also volunteered his time to the Boy Scouts, the American Red Cross, and many fundraising events in the community. When not dedicating his time to helping make Buena Vista a better place, he enjoys traveling and experiencing new places.
Steve Webb
Email: danny.staton@bvcity.org
Todd Jones
Email: todd.jones@bvcity.org
- Todd Jones was appointed to the City Council in January 2024 to temporarily fill a vacant seat until the General Election in November 2024. Mr. Jones was born and raised near Dayton, Ohio, before moving to Rockbridge County and later settling in Buena Vista. He received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. Following law school, he opened a law practice in Buena Vista, where he practiced for 45 years until happily retiring in July 2022. Over the years, Mr. Jones has served the City in many capacities, including the Planning Commission, Community Services Board, City Council from 1998-2005, and Mayor from 2005-2008, to name a few. He now spends his days swimming at the Rockbridge Aquatic Center, reading, traveling, and gardening.
Michelle Poluikis
Email: michelle.poluikis@bvcity.org
- Michelle Poluikis was elected to City Council in November 2023. Ms. Poluikis, originally from upstate New York, happily made Buena Vista her home five years ago when she and her husband moved here to be close to their family. She loves working as a paraprofessional at Parry McCluer Middle School and enjoys helping students unlock their potential. Ms. Poluikis is also very involved in her church, directing the children’s ministry, writing curriculum, and serving as treasurer, among other things. Her true passion is her family! She loves spending time with her grandchildren, walking, reading, quilting, and baking.
Ronald Cash
Email: ronald.cash@bvcity.org
City Attorney
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.
City Clerk
Sarah Burch, Clerk of Council
Email: sarah.burch@bvcity.org