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Redefine Your Path Webinar Series

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From Federal Expertise to Local Impact

Did you know Virginia is home to more than 300 local governments that collectively employ upwards of 170,000 people, with more than 1,000 open positions?

A new webinar series from Department of Family Services – Employment Services designed to support federal workers and contractors considering making the move to local government. Join local government leaders from across Northern Virginia and surrounding areas to learn how to leverage your federal experience and skills for local impact.

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Past Sessions

Couldn’t join the live webinar or want to watch again? Watch the recording and schedule an appointment at one of our One-Stop Employment Resource Centers to put what you learned into practice.

The latest session in the Redefine Your Path series with DFS Workforce Development explored how federal employees can transition into impactful careers in education across Virginia.

A particularly resonant message came from Dr. Brent Via, Associate Director of Career Planning & Development, Northern Virginia Community College: "Students—especially adult learners, veterans, working parents, and career switchers—really want to learn from people who’ve been in the field. Your real-world experience is a huge strength in the classroom.”

Multiple entry pathways were discussed, including substitute teaching, adjunct instruction, provisional licensure, and Virginia’s Career Switcher Program. There are currently roughly 25,000 local government vacancies statewide, with about 7,500 in Northern Virginia, and more than 1,200 instructional openings each year across Northern Virginia school divisions. Watch the recording.

Panel Members

Stephanie Davis, Collegiate Associate Professor & Graduate Certificate Program Director, Virginia Tech
Dr. Brent Via, Associate Director of Career Planning & Development, Northern Virginia Community College
Amit Surana, Director of Talent Acquisition & Management, Fairfax County Public Schools
Jonathan Mandina, Recruiter, Human Resources & Talent Development, Loudoun County Public Schools

Local government leaders from Fairfax County, City of Alexandria, Prince William County, and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) provided strategic guidance on translating federal experience into local government competencies in health and human services careers, strengthening resumes with sector relevant terminology, and effectively navigating local hiring processes. Watch the recording.

More than 60 current and former federal employees and contractors joined this webinar to explore how skills and federal experience in accounting, finance, contracting, and procurement can translate into careers in Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns. Hosted by Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) Workforce Development and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA), in partnership with Virginia Tech, the session spotlighted growing hiring needs in local government and practical steps for job seekers affected by federal workforce changes. Watch the recording.

Panelists:

Sheila Minor, Director of Finance, Henrico County
Toni Jenkins, City Budget Manager, City of Manassas Park
Cindy Mester, Community Relations and Legislative Affairs Director, City of Falls Church
Andrew Janos, Deputy Director of Procurement, Fairfax County
Jesse Ellis, Budget and Policy Analyst, Fairfax County

Nearly 100 participants attended this session focused on IT and data analysis career paths.

Local government leaders from Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Stafford County, and the City of Alexandria provided strategic guidance on translating federal experience into local government competencies, strengthening resumes with sector relevant terminology, and effectively navigating local hiring processes. Several panelists who previously made the federal to local transition shared practical insights that resonated strongly with attendees.

The session also highlighted growing local government needs in data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and IT operations, alongside resources such as Virginia Tech’s graduate certificate program and Fairfax County’s workforce development services. Watch the recording.

Department of Family Services

Department of Family Services Alert:

Department Resources

Related Resources

Redefine Your Path Webinar Series

From Federal Expertise to Local Impact

Past Sessions

Career Resources and Job Leads

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

Related Resources

Department of Family Services

Department of Family Services Alert:

Department Resources

Related Resources

Redefine Your Path Webinar Series

From Federal Expertise to Local Impact

Past Sessions

Careers in Education

Health and Human Services

Accounting, Finance, Contracting, and Procurement

Information Technology and Data Analysis

Career Resources and Job Leads

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

Related Resources