Virginia Women Leading Government organization gets 501(c)(3) status

Typically a state chapter of Women Leading Government, which is a subsidiary organization of the International City/County Management Association, is formed prior to an educational, developmental program for women. Virginia flipped the script and created the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute prior to the formal creation of Virginia Women Leading Government (VWLG).

With special thanks to LeAnna Surratt (town manager of Hillsville), Sara McGuffin (town manager of Amherst), and Jerri Wilson (government affairs manager at Newport News), VWLG is an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization as of May 2025. This means a lot about next steps for the organization, but most of all it means the organization can begin accepting money for membership and events.

VWLG Executive Board

Jerri Wilson

President

Government Affairs Manager, Newport News

Olivia Hilton

Vice President

Town Manager, Mount Jackson

LeAnna Surratt

Treasurer

Town Manager, Hillsville

Amy Southall

Secretary

Community Engagement Director, King George County

Mandy Adkins

Board Member

Director of Cultural Placemaking and Events, Town of Vinton

Maggie Mace

Board Member

Assistant Director of Recreation, Roanoke County

Kristy Shifflett

Board Member

Chief Operating Officer, Albemarle County

Sara McGuffin

Immediate Past President

Town Manager, Amherst

Bonnie Svrcek

Executive Director

Virginia Women's Municipal Leadership Institute