Sara Serves: Assistants
If you have ever had the joy of working with an assistant or deputy manager, you know exactly what I am talking about.
A good assistant manager helps carry the load, enabling the manager to refocus on priorities. A great assistant changes the culture of the organization. They bring perspective, attention, and time to individuals across the organization in ways the manager often can’t.
I had a wonderful deputy manager who recently left the Town for a great opportunity. Even months later, her impact remains. We work differently today because of how she encouraged and empowered staff. Traice is truly gifted at meeting people where they are and walking with them through the details of how to get where they want to be. We made a great team — I’m all big picture and concepts, and she was the nuts and bolts and details that get things done.
This month, I want to highlight this role and encourage you to tell your favorite assistant or deputy how they make your organization better. And if you believe your assistant is especially exceptional, consider nominating them for the Marcia Mashaw Award.
This prestigious award honors the memory of Marcia Mashaw, former Assistant Town Manager of Blacksburg and a highly respected leader within her community and VLGMA. Marcia was known for her professionalism, dedication, and deep commitment to public service. VLGMA created this award to celebrate her legacy and to recognize others who embody that same spirit of excellence, leadership, devotion, and service.
This award recognizes assistants who do more than make your job easier. It honors those who, like Marcia, change their organizations for the long term.
Do you have an assistant who makes your organization sing? Who builds teams in new ways? Who makes impossible projects come to fruition? It’s time to recognize them.
Nominations open the first week of March and close on Friday, April 17. The selection committee is composed of past recipients, you know, people who truly understand who makes the magic happen. The award will be presented in June 2026 at the VLGMA Annual Conference.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: First week of March
Submission Deadline: Friday, April 17
Award Presentation: June 2026, VLGMA Summer Conference
If you are a chief administrative official and a VLGMA member, watch your inbox for the formal nomination form and process details.
For additional information, please contact VLGMA Executive Secretary Janet Areson at jareson@vml.org.
Sara
Welcome to our new members:
George Bains, Retired Deputy County Administrator
Thomas McLean, City of Norfolk, Zoning Inspector
Anthony Romanello, Managing Partner
Lincoln Saunders, City of Franklin, Interim City Manager
William Webb, Isle of Wight County, Assistant County Administrator
Sara Worley, County of Goochland, Deputy County Administrator