Tim’s Thoughts November 2022
Past, Present, and Future
In the past two weeks I have had the pleasure to represent VLGMA at two outstanding events. First on October 12th I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the retiree’s luncheon at the Hanover Tavern. Special thanks to Tedd Povar for his hard work organizing the event. This is the fourth luncheon that Tedd has organized and all have been well attended. Retirees from all over Virginia came together for a great time of fellowship with one another. Many of those in attendance still serve VLGMA today as life members and Senior Advisors. As one could imagine many stories were told and I was blessed to be able to have the opportunity to be a part of the day and to hear from those who have served for so many years.
After spending time with those who have come before us, on October 20th I also had the opportunity to attend the graduation of the first cohort of the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute. VLGMA is a proud sponsor of the institute lead by Bonnie Svrcek, (former Lynchburg City Manager and ICMA President). Special thanks to Bonnie, Sarah McGuffin (Town of Amherst Town Manager and VLGMA 2nd Vice President), and Jerri Wilson (Intergovernmental Affairs Manager City of Newport News) for all of their hard work, vision, and commitment to the institute. Thanks also goes to Stephanie Davis, PhD. and her Virginia Tech colleagues for all of their support in making institute a success. Participants in the institute went through a competitive process to be selected into the first cohort and they did not disappoint. The result was a well-balanced group of rising stars that over 7 months worked and attended sessions to learn and grow into better leaders. Localities that were fortunate enough to have participants will certainly benefit from the work that each of these women have put in. As a sponsor, it was my pleasure to be invited to the graduation ceremony. It was obvious that the leadership institute was a life changing event for those that participated as each shared their heartfelt personal experience when accepting their certificates.
Be on the lookout for cohort 2, additional information on when and how to apply can be found at https://www.wlgov.org/virginia-wlg-events/vwmli-2
VLGMA is pleased to be a part of both of these events as they fulfill the purpose of our association in strengthening the quality of local government through professional management and aid in the improvement and proficiency of local administrators.
Congratulations and job well done to all that were involved in both of these great events.
I would like to welcome new members:
Stacie Arnold, Student
Elizabeth Clark, Town Manager, Town of Mount Crawford
Will Hagy, Deputy County Administrator, County of Powhatan
Christopher Himes, Assistant City Manager, City of Manassas Park
Veronica Altria Quevedo, Executive Assistant III, City of Virginia Beach
Jonet Prevost-White, Director of Public Works, Town of Dumfries