Pat’s PEACE September 2023
Well, this is an article that I did not think I would have to write. If you have not heard, I have accepted the position of City Manager for the City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As many of you know, it is often difficult to know when it is the right time to leave a position and to take on a new chapter in life. My family is from North Carolina and I worked for many years in the Triad area which were both factors impacting my decision.
Having to leave Virginia before completing my term as VLGMA President, however, was not something that I expected or planned to occur. So, I have studied the VLGMA bylaws closelybut have been unable to find a scenario that will allow me to finish out my term as VLGMA President! 😊
Actually, the bylaws lay out a process for this very event and I will resign as an officer of the Association within 60 days of leaving Virginia as is required. We have a wonderful set of Officers and Executive Committee members so the Association will not miss a beat. The Board will work through the transition details at the fall Executive Board meeting during the VML conference. In the meantime, our committee members for the year have been appointed and I am looking forward to the programs and initiatives that they will be bringing forward to enhance our association.
While I may not be physically in Virginia, I plan to maintain my connections with VLGMA. I was connected with members of this organization well before I came to Virginia and my friendships and involvement with members of this association has been one of the highlights of my career. VLGMA members support each other and work to help each other build strong organizations that serve all of the residents of the Commonwealth. I am proud to have served with you in this association.
I hope that you will join me at the ICMA conference in Austin on September 30 – October 4. Austin is a great location for the conference with lots of things to see and do and there are many wonderful sessions planned. Remember that we will also have a Virginia reception at the conference with some special recognitions so don’t miss it.
This month I want to give a “Pat-on-the-Back” to our Committee Chairs who are working to execute the VLGMA strategic plan goals and action steps. Chairs are: Debbie Kendell for Strategic Planning; India Adams-Jacobs for Membership Support; Danny Davis for Professional Development; Michael Stallings for Civic Engagement and Todd Kilduff for Communications. Please reach out to any of these committee chairs with thoughts or ideas on how their committee work can support you as VLGMA members.
Join me in welcoming the following new VLGMA members this month:
Christine Branch, Executive Assistant to the County Administrator, County of King William
Steve Hudgins, Deputy County Administrator, County of King William
Jason May, Director of Budget & Strategic Planning, City of Richmond
Cathy Schafrik, County Administrator, County of Greene