Round Hill’s Hynes Completes Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute

Round Hill Town Administrator Melissa Hynes recently completed the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute, a partnership between Virginia Women Leading Government and the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center to provide women aspiring to become local government leaders with connections, content, tools, and opportunities to further develop their skills and broaden their network. 

Hynes was among 25 candidates from across the commonwealth selected to attend the sessions designed to develop their skills and confidence to grow in their positions as community leaders.

Offered through the Roanoke Center of Virginia Tech, the institute is coordinated by Bonnie Svrcek, the first female city manager of Lynchburg before her retirement in 2020. Across Virginia, 17% of local chief administrative officials are women. Among Loudoun’s five town managers, Hynes is the only woman. 

Participants joined in eight monthly gatherings, alternating between virtual and in-person sessions around the state. Virginia Tech faculty members and other experts presented workshops on topics including technical duties such as budgeting, skills such as public speaking, and life as an executive woman in local government. 

“I feel honored to have been in the same cohort with such a stellar group of savvy, passionate and dynamic women. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from their experiences and gain from their thoughtful advice on how to become a stronger leader,” Hynes stated. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Institute over the next few years to help other women across Virginia to feel empowered to step up into executive positions in local government.”  

“The Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute is developing a new generation of leaders who are poised to enhance local government across the commonwealth with a wealth of diverse perspectives and skills," said Scott Weimer, executive director of Roanoke Regional Initiatives. “Through this program, we’re helping these leaders and the communities they serve achieve their full potential.”

Applications for the institute’s 2024 cohort will be accepted later this year, with sessions running from March to October.