Virginia Institute of Government

08/31/2026

On Friday, this group of public servants completed the LEAD program. They learned valuable skills to take back to their localities and formed deep connections with peers. Congratulations to the LEAD August 2026 cohort!

Hampton, VA - Gov | Harrisonburg, VA - Government | City of Longview, TX | City of Olathe, KS | City of Pearland, TX | City of Richmond, VA Government | Virginia Beach City Government | County of Albemarle | Amelia County Administration Office | Fairfax County Government | County of Humboldt, CA | King George County Government | County of Rockingham | Stafford County Government | County of Warren, VA | Town of Ashland | Town of Morrisville, NC | Town of Vienna | University of Tennessee, Municipal Technical Advisory Service
VA | CA | KS | NC | TN | TX

08/28/2026

Congratulations Shikyra Dailey, alumna of LEAD 2024, on being named human resources director for the Town of Smithfield Virginia!

08/27/2026

The LEAD cohort is digging into challenging conversations.
Do you need better skills to handle discussions like these?
Come to https://www.coopercenter.org/vig/lead where you can develop tools like this.

08/27/2026

Congratulations Keith Markel, alumnus of SEI 2019, on being appointed interim town manager of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia effective October 5, following the retirement of Kaj Dentler, alumnus of SEI 2017.

https://www.leesburgva.gov/Home/Components/News/News/12810/5957

08/26/2026

LEAD August 2026 is underway!
The cohort is digging into topics that they can implement as soon as they return to their localities.

Are you interested in joining an upcoming session?
More info here https://www.coopercenter.org/vig/lead

08/24/2026

Congratulations Seth Hendler–Voss, alumnus of SEI 2023, on being selected as the next city manager of the City of Falls Church Government !

Prince William County Government, Virginia
https://mailchi.mp/fallschurchva/selectionofcitymanager-10157398?e=7789b6b2c9

08/20/2026

Data centers are increasingly shaping how communities balance energy costs, water use, and economic growth. Cooper Center's economic development specialist Bryan David joins a panel of industry experts at GreenTech North America on September 24 to discuss how data centers and greenhouse growers can coexist for mutual benefit.


https://www.greentech.nl/north-america/programme/data-centers-competition-or-opportunity-for-energy-cost-and-water-management

08/18/2026

Congratulations Robert Hiss, alumnus of SEI 2013 and Bedford County, Virginia's county administrator, on being named County Administrator of the Year 2026 by Gov Business Review!


https://government-hr.govbusinessreview.com/leadership-perspective/robert-hiss-nwid-746.html

08/17/2026

Governor Spanberger addresses "woefully late" budget at Virginia Association of Counties summit

Last year, Democrats gained the trifecta of state government -- the House, the Senate and the governor’s office. But then Democrats couldn’t agree on a budget and talks stalled until a last-minute deal was struck two days before the deadline. Democrats are hoping that won’t happen again.

08/14/2026

Thomas Hutka, County of Greene water & sewer director, has been appointed county administrator for Culpeper County, effective September 1


https://pjrnews.com/articles/breaking-news/greener-pastures-greenes-ws-director-heading-to-culpeper-admin-job/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122112784377316766&set=a.122101886691316766

In a special meeting Tuesday morning, the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors hired a new county administrator.  Greene County Water & Sewer Director Thomas J. Hutka will assume the new role on September 1.  Hutka, who has been in his Greene County position since July 2024, has overseen...