VWLG Board sets strategic vision & priorities at annual retreat

The board of Virginia Women Leading Government (VWLG) gathered on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Lynchburg for a comprehensive day-long retreat aimed at aligning the organization's leadership around its core mission, strengthening its operational framework, and driving future growth.

The retreat provided a vital forum for the board to establish a unified strategic direction, clarify roles, and set actionable milestones for the upcoming year. Over the course of the day, the board successfully advanced several key organizational priorities:

Defining Mission & Strategic Priorities

Board members collaborated to establish a shared understanding of VWLG’s core purpose and the local government professionals it serves. The session focused on setting top priorities for the next 12 months and defining what organizational success will look like one year from now.

Strengthening Board Governance & Structure

Leadership worked to clarify officer roles, committee responsibilities, and overall board structure. The board voted to expand with three additional at-large members. Interested parties should fill out the form at vwlg.org/serve-on-board.

The board also discussed succession planning, potential vacancies, and the creation of standing committees or short-term work groups. Specific oversight was designated for critical areas such as budget management, event planning, website updates, and partnership development.

Establishing Operating Norms

To ensure efficiency in collaboration with members across the state, the board agreed on processes for communication between meetings, decision-making, agenda preparation, and more to accomplish organizational goals.

Financial & Operational Planning

The board reviewed its financial landscape, including revenue, expenses, anticipated membership, and possible sponsorships. Priorities were set for the annual budget, alongside a roadmap to meet major milestones.

Advancing the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute

In lieu of the executive director's retirement, a dedicated session was held to discuss next steps, timelines, and partnership opportunities for the institute, ensuring continued support and career development for women in local government.

Enhancing Membership Value & Communications

Leadership reviewed the value proposition of VWLG membership to better support women at all stages of their local government careers. Additionally, the board initiated a comprehensive website and communication review to improve user experience and visibility.

Promoting the Annual Recognition Award

The board finalized eligibility criteria, nomination timelines, and outreach plans for launching an annual recognition award to celebrate outstanding contributions in the field.

The retreat concluded with the formulation of a concrete action plan, outlining immediate next steps, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines to ensure the board's discussions translate into impactful progress for the organization and its members.