City Manager
John Piper
Mr. Piper currently serves as Winchester’s City Manager and previously served as Deputy City Manager from 2022 to 2025, during which he oversaw the City’s public health and safety operations, including the Police Department, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Management, and Social Services. Prior to his appointment as Deputy City Manager, he served as Winchester’s Chief of Police from 2017 to 2022.
Before joining the City of Winchester, Mr. Piper spent 24 years with the Fairfax County Police Department, where he served in a variety of executive-level leadership positions. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for managing complex organizations, overseeing large budgets, leading diverse teams, and working closely with elected officials, community partners, and regional stakeholders.
Mr. Piper holds a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University and a Key Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate from American University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Policing through the Police Executive Research Forum.
A resident of Winchester since 2017, Mr. Piper lives in the city with his wife, Jennifer. He has three adult children and was born and raised in Prince William County, Virginia. He is committed to collaborative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and providing high-quality, responsive services to the Winchester community.
Clerk of Council
The City Manager serves as the Clerk of Council and is responsible for preparing the Council meeting agendas and minutes; maintaining Council ordinances and resolutions; collecting annual financial disclosure form filings; and more.
Organization
The City has a dedicated team of professional and friendly staff members who strive to provide top-notch and outstanding customer service at all times.
Event Attendance Request
Interested in requesting that the City Manager attend or speak at your event? Submit the Event Attendance Request Form and someone with the City Manager's Office will contact you about your request. Please submit your request at least 30 days in advance.