At its meeting on Monday, August 12, the Buchanan Town Council unanimously approved an employment agreement with Angela Lawrence as the new town manager.
A press release from the town cites some background information on Lawrence.
She is completing her term as interim town manager for University Park, Md. She previously served as town manager for the Town of Dayton, Va., and for the Town of Chase City, Va. In addition, Lawrence has considerable experience as a leader of several non-profit organizations and served ten years as a planning commissioner, council member, vice-mayor and mayor for the Town of Ashland, Va.
Lawrence began her professional career in Virginia with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, serving roles as a grants administrator, recreation consultant and greenways and trails coordinator.
Buchanan Mayor Tristan Harris said, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Lawrence back to Virginia and to the Town of Buchanan. Angela brings broad experience as a local government manager and former local elected official, and the council was impressed by the depth of her knowledge, her demeanor and her approach to working with the Town Council and staff for the betterment of our community. We are certain that she will be a valuable asset to the Town of Buchanan and the region, and we are looking forward to her assuming her duties.”
Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and also holds a Master of Business Administration (Public Institution Management) from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Virginia Local Government Management Association. She is also an active volunteer with several community organizations including the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
In her previous roles as town manager, Lawrence was successful securing and administering grants for community improvements and facilities, managing water and wastewater upgrades and stormwater improvements, and other infrastructure projects. She has built strong staff teams and successfully and responsibly helped develop and implement town budgets and capital improvement programs. Further, she has served roles in planning, zoning, recreation, tourism and economic development and has facilitated charter, code and policy revisions.
Lawrence commented, “I look forward to working with Town Council to implement its vision for the Town of Buchanan, to enhance the quality of life for town residents and to enrich the destination experience for tourists and other visitors to the town. I am particularly excited to work with council, town staff and members of the community to address challenges and opportunities of a changing community while retaining the small-town character and attributes Buchanan values.”
Lawrence will join the Town of Buchanan as the new town manager on August 30.
~ Town of Buchanan
