Leesburg, VA (August 25, 2026) – The Leesburg Town Council has appointed Keith Markel Interim Town Manager, effective October 5. The appointment is effective through June 30, 2027. 

Markel joined Town staff in 2014 as Deputy Town Manager. In this role, he has served as Chief of Operations, currently overseeing the Town’s operational departments, including Public Works, Capital Projects, and Utilities as well as the Leesburg Executive Airport, Emergency Management & Security, and Sustainability.

Over the years, Markel has been the leader of the Town’s Annual Legislative Team working with the General Assembly and has provided management oversight to several other departments including Parks & Recreation, Thomas Balch Library, and Community Development while being a key member of the Town’s Budget Team and coordinating services amongst all departments.

Prior to joining Town staff, Markel served as the Town Manager of Lovettsville from 2007 to 2014. He began his career in local government with the City of Harrisonburg as a planner.

A Woodstock native, Markel holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from James Madison University, and a graduate certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech. He is a Credentialed Manager with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).  He also serves on the Executive Board of the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System (NVERS) and is active in the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA).

Markel will replace retiring Town Manager Kaj Dentler, who will remain in his current position until October 5. Dentler has served as Leesburg’s Town Manager since 2014.

“The appointment of Keith as Interim Town Manager will provide organizational stability and serve as an important bridge as we prepare for the election of a new Town Council and review of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2028 budget development process,” stated Mayor Kelly Burk. “During his time in Leesburg, Keith has been a reliable and capable leader, and I am confident he will continue to display those qualities in this new role. Leesburg is fortunate to have Keith on staff during this time of transition.”

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