The Virginia Association of Planning Commissions (VAPDC) returns with a short series of educational and informational programs to kick off the new year. These three online meetings will cover pertinent topics just in time for the start of 2023. So, mark your calendar for January 6, February 5, and March 3 to connect and learn with VAPDC!
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Program 3—Friday, March 3, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Confronting Cyber Challenges
Policy, response plans, communication, training…..all are necessary components to be considered before, during and after a cyber breach. This session will explore these topics and more by offering helpful tools for local and regional governments.
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Meet Our Program 3 Speakers: Chris Carey & John Harrison
Chris Carey, Administrator VACORP
Chris is responsible for administrative oversight of the VACORP group self-insurance risk pool. Serving over 400 counties, cities, towns, school divisions, regional jails, CSBs, and authorities in Virginia, the Pool provides property, general liability, automobile, errors & omissions, crime, cyber risk, accident & sickness, Line of Duty Act, and workers’ compensation coverage for its members. In addition, VACORP provides comprehensive claims, underwriting, and risk control services designed to provide stability of costs for members as well as maintain the continued success of the VACORP program.
University of South Carolina, 1992 *Bachelor of Science, Insurance and Risk Management
John Harrison, CGCIO, Director of IT for Franklin County, VA
John Harrison has worked in the technology sector for over 20 years, initially support of several critical infrastructure sectors before moving to the public sector, where he has spent most of his career serving at the local government level. As the current IT Director for Franklin County, John serves as President of the Virginia Local Government Executive (VaLGITE) professional group, sits on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Telecommunications & Technology Committee and the IT Standing Committee, and is a mentor as part of the ISAC cybersecurity mentoring program. He also participates on the Commonwealth of Virginia Voter Registration System Security (VRSS) Advisory Group and is an appointed member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Cybersecurity Planning Committee.
Program 2—Friday, February 3, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 PM
An Introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
This session will provide an introduction to diversity, equity and inclusion by unpacking its different dimensions, concepts and meanings. It will provide opportunities to apply DEI concepts in real life scenarios, and participants will also define DEI concepts while exploring different viewpoints and learning about trends and best practices in these areas.
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Meet Our Program 2 Speaker: Sly Mata
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Sly Mata is the Director of Diversity Education, in the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at the University of Virginia. Sly directs a range of educational programming, the annual learning series, and custom workshops in partnership with university leaders and offices focused on educational development for staff, faculty and students. Sly also works with community leaders and a broad range of stakeholders to bring forward educational opportunities to advance the awareness and skills that support equity and inclusion. Sly received his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University, a Master's in Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M and is currently a doctoral candidate at the College of Education at the University of Houston.
Program 1—Friday, January 6, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Gearing Up for the General Assembly:
With the 2023 General Assembly convening soon, this session will explore the legislature’s logistics and timelines, highlight anticipated legislative issues and the Governor’s budget proposal, while providing a glimpse at the politics of it all.
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Meet Our Program 1 Speaker: David C. Blount
David C. Blount, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions
Deputy Director and Director of Legislative Services, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission
David Blount is the first Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions. He has served in that position since 2018 through a partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, where he has served for 23 years and presently is Deputy Director and Director of Legislative Services. He previously held positions as a policy associate with the Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute at VCU, and as a legislative consultant for both the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League. He is a graduate of James Madison University.
Thank You to Our
2023 Winter Series Sponsor