Tim’s Thoughts September 2022
Back to School
It is back to school time in Virginia. By now, all school divisions have started a new year full of excitement and possibilities. My children started the third week of August, my son as a senior (how did that happen?) and my daughter as an eighth grader. As they left home that first week I thought about the opportunities that they would have over the next several months and the learning that they will experience. Most students see this as a time of excitement and expectation. They know a new year of growth and change is about to begin.
Similar to a child’s anticipation, as public servants we should continue to energize ourselves with learning opportunities. Part of VLGMA’s vision statement includes “the Association seeks to promote professional management in a variety of ways including training.” Training is at the core of what our organization strives to provide you as a member. I encourage you to attend our winter and summer conferences as both will provide excellent sessions in which we can learn and sharpen our skills together. The winter conference is February 15th-17th in Harrisonburg and the summer conference will be June 7th-9th in Virginia Beach. Be sure to save these dates and plan to attend. I would encourage you to also take the opportunity to attend one of our ‘Deputies, Assistants, and Others’ sessions as well. These shorter sessions provide excellent learning opportunities. VLGMA members also have access to webinars and coaching sessions presented through ICMA. https://icma.org/icma-coaching-program
Regardless of the time we have spent in our careers, there are always opportunities to grow. As award winner cinematographer Conrad Hall stated, “You are always a student, never a master. You have to keep moving forward.” I encourage you to keep moving forward by learning new things. Find the excitement in learning, just like our students have done these last few weeks. VLGMA is committed to helping you along the journey.
I would like to welcome new members:
Clay Bowles, Deputy County Administrator, County of Chesterfield
Kelly Evans, Policy Officer, City of Manassas Park
Matt Hanratty, Assistant to the Town Manager, Town of Blacksburg
Christopher Himes, Assistant City Manager, City of Manassas Park
Tom Jenkins, Budget Officer, City of Manassas Park
Joe Kroboth, Assistant County Administrator, County of Loudoun
Albert S. Moor II, City Manager, City of Suffolk
Andrew Morris, Town Manager, Town of Floyd
Keith Nguyen, Assistant City Manager, City of Manassas Park
Alan Partin, Deputy County Administrator, County of Caroline
Donna Shough, Assistant County Administrator/HR Director, Patrick County
Jesse Smith, Deputy County Administrator, County of Chesterfield
Tomeka Smith, Director of Finance, County of Caroline
Robert Stubbs, Town Administrator/Chief of Police, Town of Eastville
Crystal Williams, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Salem
David Woodard, Executive Director, Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Scott Woodrum, County Engineer & Director of General Services, County of Montgomery