2026 VLGMA Winter Conference
Public Leadership in a Changing World
Public Leadership in a Changing World
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On behalf of the Virginia Local Government Managers Association and our conference partners, welcome to the 2025 Winter Conference: Public Leadership in a Changing World.
We’re delighted to have you join us for this year’s program, which brings together local government professionals, educators, and thought leaders from across the Commonwealth. Over the three days of this upcoming conference, we will explore how public leaders can navigate the dynamic social, economic, and demographic shifts shaping our communities to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.
This year, we are especially pleased to host the conference in historic Staunton, Virginia, at the beautifully restored Hotel 24 South. Nestled in the heart of downtown Staunton, the hotel offers the perfect setting for learning, networking, and reflection. With its charming architecture, walkable streets, and vibrant arts and dining scene, Staunton provides an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversations about the future of public leadership. We hope you’ll take time to explore and enjoy all that this welcoming community has to offer.
Our sessions throughout this conference are designed to both challenge and inspire. We’ll begin Wednesday afternoon with thought-provoking discussions on ethics in leadership and demographic changes across the Commonwealth, followed by an update on the Virginia Institute of Government’s ongoing programming. Afterward, we invite you to connect and unwind at our opening cocktail hour and dinner reception.
Thursday offers a full day of learning and collaboration. From strategic public-private partnerships and solar energy development, to innovative employee benefits and a legislative update, the day will highlight practical strategies and new research to help strengthen your organizations. We’ll close the day with a creative and energizing session, “Shakespeare & Leadership: Tools for Communication and Collaboration,” at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, an experience you won’t want to miss!
On Friday, we’ll conclude with two insightful sessions: the Henrico Housing Study, which examines intergovernmental collaboration in affordable housing, and our Senior Advisor Panel, where experienced managers will share reflections on leadership and lessons learned throughout their careers.
Throughout the conference, we encourage you to engage fully — ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships. The challenges facing our communities are complex, but together, through shared knowledge and collaboration, we can continue to advance effective, ethical, and adaptive public leadership across Virginia.
Thank you for your commitment to public service and for being part of this community of leaders. We wish you an inspiring and productive conference experience.
Warm regards,
Ayana B. Thurston
2025 Winter Conference Chair
Virginia Local Government Managers Association
VLGMA 3rd Vice-President & Professional Development Chair:
Cody Sexton, Deputy Town Manager, Town of Vinton
Registration & Hotel Information :
You must be signed in under the individual who you wish to register. The name of the attendee cannot be changed after the fact. If you need assistance logging into your account, please contact staff at alysse@virginia.edu.
Those with a current VLGMA membership may register at the member-only price of $400. If you need to verify your membership status, please contact staff at alysse@virginia.edu. If you are not a VLGMA member, the conference registration fee is $450.
No free conference cancellations will be accepted after Tuesday, February 10th.
The conference will be held at the Hotel 24 South. Rooms will go quickly, especially for Tuesday night, so I encourage you to secure a room as soon as possible!