Never Stop Learning: Virginia Tech Launches New Initiative
Webinar Recording: 4-1-1 on Virginia Tech’s Local Government Management
ELGL’s mission is to connect, communicate, and educate. In this ongoing series, local government professionals tell the story of why they chose a local government career.
Stephanie Davis is Professor of Practice and Online Program Coordinator at Virginia Tech. She most recently served as Vice-President, Springsted, Inc. Since 2011 she has been providing local government management consulting in the areas of human resources and executive search. She served as the Director of Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology for Powhatan County, Virginia from 2002-2011.
She has an MPA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BS in Economics from Virginia Tech.
My story…
…..begins every day.
My friends think that local government is….
…..public education, law enforcement and taxes…..
The defining moment of my life was……
……working as a Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology Director for a county government. We accomplished many things during my tenure there including upgraded bonds ratings, formal classification and compensation plan, first GFOA budget award, first GFOA Audit award, conversion from defined contribution plan to defined benefit plan and many other “firsts” . It was the most rewarding position I ever had……
I am interested in a lengthy local government career if…..
….well, I am shifting gears to Academia now. Teaching in the Local Government Certificate Program with Virginia Tech has given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and motivate students to pursue local government as a career. I’m interested in how local governments work with nonprofits; how can we best provide public services using the nonprofit sector, what works well and what doesn’t….
I aspire….
…..to teach the next generation of potential county and city managers, connect theory to practice, make a difference….
If you want to interview someone interesting, you should contact….
……Kim Payne, City Manager of Lynchburg……
I think more people would pursue a local government career if….
….there were more degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at Universities in local government management, if we encouraged leadership and if pursued succession planning effectively ….
I think professional networking associations…..
….are excellent resources. You should commit to a professional organization and participate; seek out opportunities to volunteer and to serve in a leadership position.
I think bumper stickers are…..
…..great but I’ve moved to sticking them onto magnets and then sticking them on the car. They can be removed easily……
My story….
…..ends every day.
For the next person that you interview, you should….
….ask how do you define community.
My Story – Archives
- Justin Finestone, City of Bend, OR
- Kelley Minty Morris, Klamath County Commissioner
- Sarah Williamson-Baker, Wake County, NC
- Humberto Arriaga, City of Southlake, Texas
- My Story with Marny Burke, City of Olathe, KS
- Jessica Spencer, Village of Westchester, IL
- Rob Cooke, British Columbia, Canada
- Kristin Donald, Apex Park and Recreation
- Matt Wojnowski, City of Killeen, Texas
- Paula Dennison, City of Stillwater, OK
- Taylor Paton, City of Richardson, TX
- Brandon Turner, City of Roanoke, VA
- Cassie Tucker, City of Southlake, TX
- Jim Healy, Village of Richfield, WI
- Matt Monedero, City of Garland, TX
- Justin Tramble, State Bar of Georgia
- Aimee Kane, City of Boulder, CO
- Jessica Beise, City of Victoria, MN
- Emily Vincent, City of Olathe, KS
- Toy Beeninga, City of Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Heidi York, Person County (NC) Manager
- Barack Matite, City of Eudora, KS
- Cathy Wilson, Town of Carrboro, NC
- India Adams, Albemarle County, VA
- Derek Matheson, Kent (WA) Chief Administrative Officer
- Darwin Wade, City of Grand Prairie, TX
- Adam Lincoln, City of Lakewood, WA