Stafford Deputy County Administrator Completes In-Depth Leadership Program

Deputy County Administrator Donna Krauss, Stafford County, VA, Government, recently completed the Virginia Women's Municipal Leadership Institute, a professional education program developed by Virginia Women Leading Government and academic partners to provide connections, content, tools, and opportunities for women aspiring to become local government leaders. Through this program, Deputy County Administrator Krauss and 22 other high-potential women from across the Commonwealth attended sessions designed to develop their skills and confidence to pursue positions as community leaders. According to Civic Pulse, Virginia local governments are actively cultivating the next generation of leaders, with the Virginia Women's Municipal Leadership Institute playing a key role in that progress. By expanding access to professional development, mentorship, and peer support, the Institute is helping to cultivate a strong and diverse pipeline of female executives in local government and inspiring emerging professionals to envision their own path into leadership across the Commonwealth.

Participants met for eight monthly gatherings, including two virtual and six in-person sessions around the state. Institute experts presented workshops on topics that incorporated both technical duties, such as budgeting and strategic planning, and "soft skills," including public speaking and life as an executive woman in local government.

"We are incredibly proud of Donna Krauss completing this program. Donna is always working to add to her considerable depth of knowledge to benefit the residents of Stafford County," said County Administrator Bill Ashton. "Her career has been an inspiration to both men and women who seek to become leaders in local government."

ICMA has also recommended Donna Krauss to receive Credentialed Manager Candidate status. She is also a top 10 national finalist for the 2025 League of Women in Government Leadership Trailblazer Award.

Applications for the institute's 2026 cohort will be accepted soon, with sessions running from March to October. For more information, contact Bonnie Svrcek.