Leesburg, VA (October 24, 2025) – Melanie Scoggins, the Town of Leesburg’s Assistant Director of Economic Development, 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, Scoggins and 22 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, a small percentage 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.

Scoggins joined Town staff in 2011 as a front desk clerk with the Parks & Recreation Department. She’s been a member of the Economic Development Department since 2018, first as Business Development & Retention Manager before her promotion to Assistant Director of Economic Development last year. She joins Chief Procurement Officer Octavia Andrew as fellow Town of Leesburg graduates of the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute.  

“The Institute was such an impactful experience for me. It expanded my knowledge and skills and strengthened my confidence. It was eye opening to connect with women working in municipalities from across the state. I am truly thankful for this experience,” stated Scoggins.

“I am very proud of Melanie for completing this distinguished, year-long program and offer my sincere congratulations on this accomplishment,” stated Town Manager Kaj Dentler. “Melanie is an established leader on Town staff, as well as within the local business community. I look forward to observing how she applies the knowledge gained from the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute to her service to Leesburg.”

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