India’s Insights: October 2026
Fall for Fun!
Welcome to the October issue of India's Insights! This month, I have one assignment for you: go find the fun.
Let's be honest: most days we're juggling it all. We're delivering excellent public service, keeping councils and residents informed, and trying to make it home in time for dinner. With data center debates, cannabis conversations, and a busy year ahead, it's easy to forget to come up for air. So,consider this your official permission slip to step away, recharge, and enjoy one of the best seasons Virginia has to offer.
Here's the challenge: connect with one or more fellow VLGMA members, whether down the road or across the Commonwealth, and plan a fall adventure together. Need ideas? Here are a few of my favorites:
🦪 Shuck it up in Urbanna. Head to the Urbanna Oyster Festival the first weekend in November to celebrate the watermen culture and fantastic seafood of the Middle Peninsula.
🏈 Catch a college game. Grab a colleague and cheer on your team. I'll be in Blacksburg this weekend as the Hokies take on Pitt. Go Hokies! I took in a UVA football game this past weekend, and my kids kept asking if this was Va Tech, because they didn’t realize there was another Virginia football team J
🍎 Pick your own. Spend an afternoon apple or pumpkin picking in beautiful spots like Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville.
Whatever you choose, be intentional about it. The relationships we build outside the office are what make this network so strong, and they're the ones we lean on when the work gets tough.
YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Snap it, send it, share it!
1. Plan your fall fun, ideally with a VLGMA colleague.
2. Take a photo while you're out enjoying it.
3. Email it to me so we can feature you on VLGMA's social channels and website!
Let's show the Commonwealth what our members look like when they're not in a council meeting.
Meet Jada!
Speaking of social media, please join me in welcoming our new VLGMA Social Media Intern, Ms. Jada Bourne from Virginia State University! Jada will be spotlighting all the great things happening across VLGMA, featuring our boards, and sharing "day in the life" looks at members doing outstanding work statewide. Your fall photos will be some of the first content she shares, so keep them coming!
Coming soon: our partnership with Rep'd
We're also excited to launch a pilot partnership with Rep'd, which will help us track our social media metrics and strengthen our online presence. The goal is simple: when people visit the VLGMA website, they should quickly understand who we are, what we do, and how to join us.
So go ahead and fall for fun. You've earned it!
Until next time, thank you for all you do, and safe travels to everyone heading to ICMA!
India
Welcome to our new members:
Jennifer Bell, Finance Director, City of Lexington
Tina Brock, Treasurer, Town of Tappahannock
Ryleigh Garrison, Finance Manager, Town of Warsaw
Carolyn Howard, Engineering/GIS Manager, Town of Blacksburg
Emily Kyriazi, Town Manager, Town of Haymarket
Alice Laghaeian, Student, Leesburg
Matthew Lawless, Town Manager, Town of Shelburne, VT
Lachanda Lee, Director of Human Resources, County of Dinwiddie
Martha Miller, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Ashland
Phillip Moore, Building Official, County of Prince Edward
Collin Okoniewski, Economic Development Manager, Town of Herndon
Michael Reid, Teacher, Cumberland
Judson Rex, Town Manager, Town of Warrenton
Andrew Spence, Chief Information Services Officer, County of Stafford
Cheryl Stimpson, Director of Finance/Human Resources, County of Prince Edward
Angie Stine, Director of Finance, Town of Strasburg
Jason Stroud, Assistant City Manager, City of Virginia Beach
David Vitto, Lawyer, Crenshaw Ware Martin, P.L.C.
Christine Wade Bosserman, Deputy Clerk, Town of Dayton
Virginia Walker, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Chase City