MEET THE 2023 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER Valmarie Turner

Today’s Trailblazer: Valmarie Turner

The League caught up with the 2023 Leadership Trailblazer, Valmarie Turner, Deputy City Manager of Fairfax, Virginia to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q. Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated?

Thank you for the congratulations on being named as the recipient of the Leadership Trailblazer Award by the League of Women in Government. Being nominated for this prestigious accolade is a source of immense humility, honor, and gratitude for me. The recognition as the recipient of the Leadership Trailblazer Award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective commitment and dedication of a circle of women. These remarkable individuals have not only supported me but also played a crucial role in my efforts to uplift and support other women in our shared profession of public service.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

My journey into a career in public service was sparked when I received a job offer from a local government three decades ago. In that moment, I recognized my true calling to serve others. The city, endowed with millions of dollars for affordable housing and community services, provided a fertile ground for my passion to blossom. Managing grants allowed me to create impactful programs and services for the community, while also exposing me to various facets of local government, including planning/zoning, public works, social services, economic development, finance, procurement, and public safety. From offering downpayment assistance to first-time homebuyers, rehabilitating older homes, and constructing subdivisions, sidewalks, roads, and parks, to collaborating with nonprofit organizations for after-school programs and business incubators – my role expanded across diverse areas. This marked just the beginning of my local government journey, where I realized the profound significance of being part of something greater than myself. Witnessing the tangible impact of our collective efforts on the community has been a source of immense satisfaction. Over the course of 30 years, my commitment to public service remains unwavering.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

I have been fortunate to have several mentors, such as Lu Banks, Sharon Subadan, Angela Weston, and Beverly Feiy (late), whom I can reach out to for guidance, discuss challenges, gain different perspectives, and receive valuable feedback. Additionally, I have engaged with a professional coach who has significantly enhanced my leadership performance. Our sessions revolve around goal setting, outcomes, and a structured roadmap with timelines. Through this coaching, I have delved into understanding my communication style, conflict resolution strategies, management approach, and personality type. My coach has been instrumental in pinpointing growth opportunities and highlighting my strengths. I stand as living proof of the transformative power of mentorship and coaching, both of which have had a profound impact on my career. Success is not achieved in isolation, and I express gratitude to my mentors and coach for their guidance and support throughout my professional journey. In appreciation of the invaluable contributions from those who invested in me, I have taken on the role of mentoring other women in the profession.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is that serving others is both an honor and a privilege. Every day, I am grateful for the trust placed in me to contribute to the well-being of others, and I never take this opportunity for granted. Guided by the Golden Rule — “Do unto others as you will have them do unto you” — I’ve found public service to be a profoundly rewarding profession, both on a professional and personal level. My passion for serving and enhancing the lives of others is a driving force in my career. I firmly believe in my ability to bring value to the communities I serve. Over the course of nearly 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of impacting lives in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia at the local government level. My overarching goal is to be a leader who influences the quality of local government, ultimately contributing to the creation of better and more vibrant communities.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

Explore the diverse opportunities awaiting you in local government – a space for personal and professional growth. Contribute meaningfully to your community, harness your existing skills, and acquire new ones. A career in local government stands out as one of the most fulfilling paths, offering rewards both professionally and personally. The spectrum of local government professions encompasses finance, budgeting, procurement, urban planning, zoning, health and human services, housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, construction and engineering, public works, and parks and recreation. These varied career paths eagerly anticipate the talents of young women. Engage in a dynamic environment where you can connect with and learn from local, state, and federal government officials, both elected and non-elected. There are opportunities to network with business leaders and even international dignitaries. The local government opens doors to endless possibilities for women. Women bring a distinctive skillset and perspective crucial to the work environment. As intelligent and capable leaders, it is essential for women to be actively involved and at the forefront of the team.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

I aspire to leave a legacy characterized by a well-rounded and comprehensive contribution to the field. With a professional background as a human services and affordable housing practitioner, coupled with expertise in grants management, I’ve had the privilege of gaining diverse experiences in both county and city governments across Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. This multifaceted experience has provided me with a broad and in-depth understanding of the intricacies of successful government operations, contributing to the betterment of cities, towns, and counties. My work in Human Services has given me insight into the core of communities—the residents themselves. In Community Development, I’ve had the opportunity to comprehend the management of growth in a planned, systematic, and sustainable manner. Additionally, my involvement in Internal Operations has granted me an understanding of the interworking of local government, emphasizing the importance of servicing our internal customers for the health and sustainability of local government. With three decades of dedicated effort, my hope is that my legacy is reflected in the establishment of a well-run city. I aim to leave behind an environment where all residents have the opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive—a testament to the positive impact of effective local government.