The 2021 VLGMA Winter Conference is going virtual!
Leading in Challenging Times: Local Impacts of Civil Unrest and A Global Pandemic is the theme of the 2021 VLGMA Winter Conference. The conference will be held virtually on February 10 – 12, 2021.
2020 has been unlike any other year in modern history. Collectively, local governments have had to shift quickly to meet the demands of our respective communities while managing a pandemic, civil unrest, and, in some cases, financial crisis. This conference has been designed with those challenges in mind.
The conference will begin Wednesday, February 10, 2021, in the afternoon with a law enforcement panel of several seasoned police chiefs. Policing has had a tough year and this session will discuss how equity and inclusion impacts policing as well as being “black and blue”.
Also, the conference will also host an interactive book club discussion on the best seller “White Fragility” by Robin DeAngelo. White Fragility examines racial inequality, why it is difficult to talk about racism and how to engage more constructively. Please get your book early!
The conference features a number of local and national keynote speakers and topics, such as:
Rebecca Ryan, “Human Spark Plug”, Futurist and Economist – How a Pandemic and Civil Unrest Changed Local Governments
Jacqueline Tucker, Race and Social Equity Office City of Alexandria, GARE Consultant – Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
Dr. Kevin G. McDonald, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of Virginia – Race, Equity, and Inclusion Lessons Learned
Police Chiefs from Roanoke City and County, Albemarle, Town of Leesburg and Herndon - Law Enforcement Panel
Aubrey Layne, Secretary of Finance – General Assembly Financial Update
A Special Coaching Session has been included for Students/Early Career Professionals to connect with experienced members. The conference will also include special greetings from Marc Ott, Executive Director, ICMA and a financial update from the General Assembly.
Finally, we are closing the Winter Conference with nationally recognized speaker, Rebecca Ryan. Ms. Ryan, also known as the “Human Spark Plug”, is a futurist and economist and will discuss how the pandemic and civil unrest has changed the way we work – forever!
Registration is open. We look forward to “seeing” everyone.
Winter Conference Co-Chairs: Valmarie H. Turner, Assistant County Administrator, Loudoun County and Richard L. Caywood, P.E., Assistant County Administrator, Roanoke County