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planning director portfolio, but these are things that I think I can do and do well and help you help the organization. It’s also going to give me an opportunity to try some things and succeed.’ He let me do them. He supported me, and the organization supported me, and the projects ended up going really well. They were very successful.

“Quite frankly, when I applied for the Herndon position, I came into it with public safety and public works and project management experience that most planning directors have never gotten an opportunity [to learn].”

Rob has always epitomized the model local government professional. His exemplary abilities, knowledge, leadership, and skills characterize the reason for continual success throughout his career.

- Gary A. Huff

Blacksburg Town Manager

MANAGEMENT PROFESSION CHALLENGES

Rob said he has given great thought to the changes and challenges going on in the local government management profession today. One that really stands out has come more to the fore in recent times. Fifteen years or so ago, they existed, “but it wasn’t as manifest and that is that we have numerous constituencies in each of our respective communities and we need to recognize and acknowledge and be prepared to work with them. In Fairfax County, for example, we have a significant diversity of population. We have people from many different ethnic backgrounds, racial backgrounds, we have seven primary languages

Working with (and for) Rob Stalzer has been very
rewarding both personally and professionally. His youthful appearance and low key style can only temporarily disguise his tenacious drive to create good government, his keen insight into people, and
a clever, albeit subtle wit. As a police chief for the past six years, I was impressed with Rob’s ability to understand the technical details of running a police department. What was equally as impressive is that
he displays that same level of proficiency in the fields of firefighting, emergency medical care, transportation, public works, emergency management ... and the list
goes on. Watching Rob Stalzer work has provided me with a number of techniques that I have attempted to incorporate into my own way of doing my job. He would be described by those who know him well
as a person of integrity and intelligence, genuinely caring to provide superior public service. He leads by example, and I was proud to be on his team.

- J. Thomas Manger

Chief of Police

Montgomery County (MD)
Department of Police

Rob and I will always have a special relationship since we attended Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia together. During a team building experience, he saved my life by pulling me
out of the Rivanna River.

I first met Rob when he was the planning director for Roanoke County. He was always hard working and focused. Although he now has a family, his trademarks are still the same. He has truly earned his turn to preside over the state’s premier public management organization. At he end of his term, he will leave a legacy of leadership and hard work that will be tough to replicate.

- Earl B. Reynolds

Past VLGMA President