Join us for a virtual conversation where we will hear from a panel of women who have made their mark in the local government profession. They will share their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations on how to thrive as a woman in this field. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speakers. This webinar is complimentary for all attendees. 

Panelists

Peggy Flynn 

City Manager, Petaluma, California 

About Peggy Flynn

Peggy has over 28 years of public sector experience, having served as the first communications and legislative director for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency–the largest in California--where she was instrumental in the agency’s multi-billion downtown revitalization efforts and a $250 million Strong Neighborhoods Initiative–the largest of its kind in the United States. In February 2019, she was hired as Petaluma’s first female, and tenth, city manager. In 2020, Petaluma successfully passed its first add-on, 1-cent, sales tax, which generates $15 million+ annually and leveraged over $100 million in grants for community priorities in the last two years.

Peggy is an avid backpacker, having climbed Mount Whitney and backpacked solo in the Denali wilderness—and has passed that passion on to her grandson who joins her regularly. She and her husband own a cattle ranch in west Petaluma that has been in the family for four generations. Peggy has a deep connection to Petaluma and is honored to serve the Petaluma community.

Shanna Sims-Bradish

Assistant City Manager, University Park, Texas 

About Shanna Sims-Bradish

Shanna Sims-Bradish serves as assistant city manager of University Park, Texas, where she oversees Public Works, Engineering, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Communications and the University Park Public Library. She has over 28 years of experience in municipal government, having worked in seven different cities in three states, including Richardson, Farmers Branch, Carrollton and Addison in Texas. She has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.

Valmarie H. Turner 

Southeast Regional Vice President, ICMA Executive Board 
Deputy City Manager, Fairfax, Virginia 

About Valmarie H.Turner

Valmarie H. Turner was appointed as deputy city manager, October 2023.  She is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and currently serves as a Regional Vice President for the Southeast Region on the ICMA Executive Board.  She brings a wealth of knowledge to Fairfax through several local governments in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Ms. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Economics as well as Walden University with a Master of Public Administration Degree.  She is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute with the University of Virginia and a member of the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) Fellows Network with Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.