Wilbert M. “Esau” Dean is seeking the privilege to serve the citizens of Buckingham on the Board of Supervisors for District 3.

He was born and raised in District 3, and he now lives on the sixth generational family farm.

The values of honesty, loyalty, respect and hard work instilled by family leaders through generations served as his life guides.

Upon completing high school in Buckingham, his education continued at Virginia State University culminating with a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioning as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

While serving our country in the military, he was blessed with numerous beneficial experiences and exposures serving in various stateside locations and foreign countries, including daily hostile operations in the jungles of Vietnam. For service exceeding requirements as a combat rifle platoon leader and rifle company commander, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

He earned a master’s in Business Administration from Boston University and completed Command and General Staff Leadership College in Leavenworth, Kansas.

During his senior years of military service, he managed multibillion dollar business operations spanning national and international operations, which expanded his skills working collaboratively with teams and partnerships to achieve optimum results. Upon completing 26 years of service to our country and obtaining the rank of colonel, he returned to his family farm raising beef cattle, tree farming and performing community service. His recent contributions to the Buckingham community are listed below:

Preserved the 9.25-acre Historic Buckingham Training School Campus, 1924-1954, and obtained its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States by the Department of the Interior in 2015.

Completed construction of the pristine Ellis Acres Park in 2011 to serve Buckingham residents and visitors; he currently volunteers as its director, grant writer and handyman. Park was funded primarily with grants, donations and in-kind contributions.

In 2018 established “Leadership for Tomorrow,” a mentoring system catering to youth in the 15-25 age range from Buckingham and adjacent counties.

Established the Mount Nebo Baptist Church Educational Scholarship Fund in 2011 to assist youth and adults to use their God-given talents.

Co-founder, with his wife, the Mount Nebo Baptist Church annual Vacation Bible School in 2006 — a first in the church’s 140-year history.

Currently serves as church deacon, treasurer and teenage Sunday School teacher.

Dean endorses sound fiscal management, a world-class education system, teamwork among governing and public entities and constant evaluation of operations for avenues of improvement. Additionally, he endorses innovative ideas with visions beyond current paradigms to maintain pace with technological advances.

He is dedicated and willing to apply his leadership, initiative, knowledge and skills to the future of Buckingham as the supervisor for District 3. He solicits your vote and support to be at your service.