Leesburg, VA (November 14, 2024) – Octavia Andrew, Chief Procurement Officer for the Town of Leesburg, recently completed the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute, a partnership between Virginia Women  Leading Government and the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center to provide connections, content, tools, and opportunities for women aspiring to become local government leaders.

Through this program, Andrew and 24 other women in local government from across the Commonwealth attended sessions designed to develop their skills and confidence to pursue positions as community leaders.

In Virginia, 16% of top local government appointed chief administrative positions are held by women, according to Civic Pulse. According to Bonnie Svrcek, the institute’s executive director and the first female city manager of Lynchburg and former president of the International City/County Management Association, Virginia can do better.

“There is no doubt that inclusive leadership that reflects the demographic of towns, cities, and counties makes for better decision-making and therefore stronger communities,” Svrcek said. “The Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute is one way to strengthen the pipeline for women in local government leadership.” 

Participants met for eight monthly gatherings, including two virtual and six in-person sessions around the state. Virginia Tech faculty members and other experts presented workshops on topics incorporating both technical duties such as budgeting and strategic planning to “soft skills” such as public speaking and life as an executive woman in local government.

Andrew has served as the Town’s Chief Procurement Officer since November 2015.

“This leadership program will shape my future in significant ways for years to come,” she said of her experience at the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute.

“I want to congratulate Octavia on her distinguished accomplishment,” stated Town Manager Kaj Dentler. “Octavia has established herself as a leader within our organization with a very bright future. I'm certain she will use the knowledge she gained at the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute to benefit the Town.”

Media Contact:
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov
703-669-1425