Smigiel is first representative from Norfolk in 50 years to serve as VML President
NORFOLK, VA – On Oct. 8, Councilman Thomas Smigiel, Ward 5, was installed as the 100th president of the Virginia Municipal League (VML). Mr. Smigiel will lead a slate of new and returning officers recently appointed to VML’s executive committee. The new leadership was effective at the League’s annual conference and business meeting held in Roanoke, Va. The Executive Committee is elected by the VML membership each October.
VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy shares, “VML is pleased to welcome Tommy as our new president. The staff and I look forward to working with him on behalf of our member localities during this year.”
The full slate of the Executive Committee includes:
President
Thomas R. Smigiel Jr.
Council Member, City of Norfolk
President-Elect
Willie Greene
Council Member, City of Galax
Vice President
Jon Stehle
Council Member, City of Fairfax
At-Large Member
Jill Carson
Vice-Mayor, Town of Pennington Gap
At-Large Member
Laurie DiRocco
Mayor, Town of Vienna
At-Large Member
Bridge Littleton
Mayor, Town of Middleburg
At-Large Member
Sean Polster
Council Member, Town of Warrenton
At-Large Member
Chuckie Reid
Vice-Mayor, Town of Farmville
At-Large Member
Bill Rush
Town Manager, Town of Marion
City Section Chair
Charlie L. Frye Jr.
Council Member, City of Fredericksburg
Town Section Chair
Lisa Merkel
Mayor, Town of Herndon
Urban Section Chair
John Rowe
Mayor, City of Portsmouth
Immediate Past President
Anita James Price
Council Member, City of Roanoke
The Virginia Municipal League is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan association of city, town and country governments established in 1905 to improve and assist local governments through legislative advocacy, research, education, and other services. Membership includes 160 towns and eight counties. VML is governed by the Executive Committee, which is made up of local government officials. The committee provides guidance to a 14-member league staff.
Several members of Norfolk’s City Council attended the VML Conference and annual business meeting. Each fall local government officials, speakers, and exhibitors from across the state attend the VML Annual Conference. The conference includes general sessions featuring political leaders and local government experts, the adoption of the annual VML legislative program, and the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the state.
Next fall, Norfolk will host the Annual Conference, bringing more than 1,000 attendees and participants to the area.