2024 VLGMA Summer Conference

If you have questions about registration please contact Alysse Dowdy at alysse@virginia.edu.

Thriving Together

2024 Summer Conference June 5th - June 7th

Hooray it’s Spring! We’re thrilled to invite you – and your families – to sunny and welcoming Virginia Beach, for this year’s VLGMA Summer Conference! 

Our conference theme is “Thriving Together: Nurturing Health and Wellness Across Virginia Communities.” As we continue to rebound after a Pandemic, and reimagine opportunities to make our communities safe, resilient and economically viable, we recognize that our communities face similar challenges whether we are urban or rural, large or small, counties or towns. We know that our role – as leaders – is to set the example and expectation of success. We achieve this through: Personal Wellness. Organizational Wellness. Community Wellness. Each day will focus on these themes as we seek ways to strengthen our communities. 

We’ve assembled a series of sessions and speakers that we hope you’ll find encouraging, enlightening, empowering, and extraordinarily motivating. You’ll hear from your colleagues who have reached the highest of highs and seen the lowest of lows. You’ll learn how organizations – but more importantly, PEOPLE – have bounced back from unthinkable adversity. And ultimately, we’ll hear how we can bring these shared experiences back to our communities to lead to greater success! 

On Thursday morning, your own colleagues will open up about their personal journeys of resilience. Sara McGuffin will talk about bouncing back from her recent health adversities and how she has demonstrated leadership even in the midst of personal challenges. Rick Bremseth will share about his experience leading Navy SEAL teams, and stories of adversity during BUD/S school and qualification training. And Loudoun County Fire/Rescue will share about the recent tragic line of duty death for one of their volunteer firefighters, and how the Department is supporting its members during this tragic event. 

Also on Thursday, our Keynote Speaker will be former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Bill Hazel, speaking on his work across the commonwealth in building resilient communities through government leadership. Additionally, we’ll hear from Economic Development leaders across the Commonwealth who are leading innovative programs in their respective communities. 

Finally, on Friday, we will continue the theme of healthy and resilient communities by hearing from our colleagues leading key activities to deal with common issues such as homelessness, opioid and drug addiction, and human service needs. Ms. Stacey Brayboy will conclude the conference as our final Keynote Speaker, sharing her experiences from the state, federal, and non-profit world on helping at-risk communities – especially our minority populations. 

Did we also mention our lovely host hotel?! We really hope you and your families enjoy your stay at Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront (and adjacent property – Embassy Suites) and enjoy the many amenities, beach views, comfortable accommodations, and impressive decor it has to offer. It’s amazing; trust us, we checked! 

Other exciting sessions and activities for the week include: 

• Great networking with your colleagues and partners

• Local music, food, and fun

• Outdoor activities to promote wellness and self-care

• Evening receptions on the outdoor terrace, taking advantage of the beachfront property

• VLGMA Business Meeting at the conclusion of the conference on Friday 

Again, we’re thrilled to host you and hope you’ll join us for these three days!   

Summer Conference Co-Chairs: 

Carl Rush, Chief Equity Officer, Loudoun County 

Melissa Rollins, County Administrator, Surry County 

VLGMA 3rd Vice-President & Professional Development Chair: 

Danny Davis, Town Manager, Town of Middleburg