Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Program

🌟 Exciting week ahead! 🌟 Today, Cohort 6 of the VMF Program kick off their Virginia Public Sector Leader Program, starting a journey toward transformative public service leadership. A big thank you to Dr. Stephenson from Virginia Tech - Institute for Policy and Governance for inspiring us with words of wisdom to launch this new chapter! Here’s to a successful and impactful experience for Cohort 6 as they build the skills to lead and make a difference in Virginia’s communities. Go, Cohort 6! 💼💪 #VirginiaManagementFellows #PublicSectorLeadership #VirginiaTech #Cohort6 #FutureLeaders

People often ask about what Fellows learn in their seminars and how it connects with their rotation experiences. Today, Cohort 6 has joined Kristen Dahlman from Virginia Community Action Partnership, Drs. Karen Hult, David Moore, and Anne Walters from #VirginiaTech to discuss the connection between state agency operations and federal and local governance. Understanding local and federal governance is crucial for comprehending state operations because these layers of government interact and influence each other in various ways. Here are several discussions that illustrate these dynamics: 1. Interconnected Governance: Local, state, and federal governments operate within a framework of shared responsibilities. Knowing how local agencies function in relation to state laws helps clarify how decisions made at the state level can affect local policies and vice versa.  2. Policy Implementation: States often serve as the primary implementers of federal laws and policies. Understanding federal governance can provide insight into the mandates and guidelines that shape state operations, including funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.  3. Decentralization and Autonomy: States have autonomy to create their own laws and regulations, but this often occurs within the context of federal guidelines. Understanding these relationships helps to analyze state-level governance, public policy decisions, and the degree of local control.  4. Resource Allocation: Both local and federal governments allocate funds and resources that can impact state operations. Knowledge of how budgetary decisions are made at these levels can illuminate how states prioritize certain areas, such as education and infrastructure.  5. Representation and Advocacy: Understanding governance structures can empower individuals to engage effectively in advocacy. Knowing who to approach at local, state, or federal levels for particular issues can enhance civic engagement and influence policy direction.  6. Legal Framework: State laws cannot conflict with federal laws due to the supremacy clause. Awareness of federal statutes and court decisions can aid in understanding the constraints and opportunities available at the state level.  7. Policy Experimentation: States often use local governance as a testing ground for new policies before they could be adopted at the federal level. Understanding how local initiatives succeed or fail provides our Fellows insights into broader trends in state governance. By grasping these interrelations, they can gain a more holistic understanding of how state operations function, the challenges they face, and how policy decisions are made and implemented across different levels of government. Kudos to Dr. Walters for pulling together such an important exploration of the interconnectedness of our public sector context. #VMF #publicsector #Virginia #governance #Fellows

People often ask about what Fellows learn in their seminars and how it connects with their rotation experiences. Today, Cohort 6 has joined Kristen Dahlman from Virginia Community Action Partnership, Drs. Karen Hult, David Moore, and Anne Walters from #VirginiaTech to discuss the connection between state agency operations and federal and local governance. Understanding local and federal governance is crucial for comprehending state operations because these layers of government interact and influence each other in various ways. Here are several discussions that illustrate these dynamics: 1. Interconnected Governance: Local, state, and federal governments operate within a framework of shared responsibilities. Knowing how local agencies function in relation to state laws helps clarify how decisions made at the state level can affect local policies and vice versa.  2. Policy Implementation: States often serve as the primary implementers of federal laws and policies. Understanding federal governance can provide insight into the mandates and guidelines that shape state operations, including funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.  3. Decentralization and Autonomy: States have autonomy to create their own laws and regulations, but this often occurs within the context of federal guidelines. Understanding these relationships helps to analyze state-level governance, public policy decisions, and the degree of local control.  4. Resource Allocation: Both local and federal governments allocate funds and resources that can impact state operations. Knowledge of how budgetary decisions are made at these levels can illuminate how states prioritize certain areas, such as education and infrastructure.  5. Representation and Advocacy: Understanding governance structures can empower individuals to engage effectively in advocacy. Knowing who to approach at local, state, or federal levels for particular issues can enhance civic engagement and influence policy direction.  6. Legal Framework: State laws cannot conflict with federal laws due to the supremacy clause. Awareness of federal statutes and court decisions can aid in understanding the constraints and opportunities available at the state level.  7. Policy Experimentation: States often use local governance as a testing ground for new policies before they could be adopted at the federal level. Understanding how local initiatives succeed or fail provides our Fellows insights into broader trends in state governance. By grasping these interrelations, they can gain a more holistic understanding of how state operations function, the challenges they face, and how policy decisions are made and implemented across different levels of government. Kudos to Dr. Walters for pulling together such an important exploration of the interconnectedness of our public sector context. #VMF #publicsector #Virginia #governance #Fellows

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about state government and public service. I was a VMF fellow from Cohort 2 and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. If anyone has additional questions or wants to hear about my experience feel free to message me.

🌟 Exciting News! The Virginia Management Fellows Program is Recruiting for its 8th Cohort! Are you ready to launch your career in public service? Applications for our 8th cohort open in January 2025! Join our virtual information session on December 2nd at 11:30 AM to learn more about this unique opportunity to develop your leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and make an impact in Virginia’s government. Don't miss out—register today to secure your spot! Register below! https://lnkd.in/gMiZAkJJ #VMF #PublicService #Leadership #CareerOpportunities #VirginiaGovernment #VMF2025 #LeadershipDevelopment

🌟 Meet Deondre Wise - Cohort 7 VMF Fellow! Deondre Wise hails from Henrico County, Virginia. A graduate of Old Dominion University with a B.S. and an M.S. in Cybersecurity (2024), Deondre joined the VMF Program to deepen his knowledge of policy, compliance, and IT security in state government. Outside of work, Deondre loves running along the Capital Trail and exploring Richmond with friends. A self-proclaimed anime nerd, his current favorites are "My Hero Academia" and "Jujutsu Kaisen". Fun fact: Deondre played the clarinet in the Varina High School marching band and led as Student Body President at ODU during his senior year! #VMFProgram #Cohort7 #MeetTheFellows #DeondreWise

🌟 Meet Jacob Sztraicher - Cohort 7 VMF Fellow! Born and raised in Southern California, Jacob Sztraicher fell in love with Virginia during his time at the University of Virginia, where he earned a BSc in Systems Engineering. After living in Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, and Richmond, Jacob recently completed his MBA at VCU and is excited to bring his passion for public service to the VMF Program. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his wife and their son, Silas. He’s also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and loves getting out on the James River to paddleboard, kayak, or swim. Fun fact: Jacob once taught Navy ROTC cadets how to sail during his undergrad days at UVA! #VMFProgram #Cohort7 #MeetTheFellows #JacobSztraicher

🌟 Meet Cleve Packer Jr. - VMF Cohort 7 Fellow! Born in Richmond and raised in Charlottesville, VA, Cleve Packer Jr. is excited to bring his talents to the VMF Program. With a BA in History from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Management from Wake Forest University, Cleve chose VMF for the chance to work with different state agencies and serve the Commonwealth. In his free time, Cleve enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and recently picked up golf. He’s also a big sports fan and loves watching football and basketball. Fun fact: Cleve once swam in a pond with alligators! #VMFProgram #Cohort7 #MeetTheFellows #ClevePackerJr

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 The Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Program is at the Bowie State University Career Fair TODAY from 1pm - 4pm! 🕒 Visit us at Booth #120 to say hi and learn all about how VMF can kickstart your career in public service. 💼✨ We can't wait to meet you! #VMF #PublicService #CareerFair #BowieStateUniversity #VirginiaManagementFellows #virginiajobs

🌟 Meet Matthew Nwaneri - VMF Cohort 7 Fellow! Matthew Nwaneri, from Silver Spring, Maryland, brings his passion for public service to the VMF Program. A graduate of William & Mary with a B.A. in Government and a Master of Public Policy, Matthew chose the VMF Program for the opportunity to connect with state leaders and gain experience across various departments, helping him find his best fit in government. Outside of work, Matthew loves exploring new food spots, trying out recipes, and cheering for his favorite soccer team, Arsenal. Fun fact: Though he’s never owned a pet, he hopes to have a cat someday! #VMFProgram #Cohort7 #PublicServant #VAGovernment #PublicService