Va. Code § 15.2-512
The board shall appoint, upon the recommendation of the county executive, all officers and employees in the administrative service of the county except as otherwise provided in § 15.2-535 and except as the board may authorize the head of a department or office to appoint subordinates in such department or office. However, in appointing the county school board no recommendation by the county executive shall be required. All appointments shall be based on the ability, training and experience of the appointees which are relevant to the work which they are to perform.
The county executive shall have the right to take part in all discussions and to present his views on all matters coming before the board. The attorney for the Commonwealth, the sheriff and the directors or heads of the departments shall be entitled to present their views on matters relating to their respective departments.
Va. Code § 15.2-512