Mayor Meyera E.
Oberndorf.
Seizing the opportunity to change things for the better
When I graduated from college, I never imagined I’d be mayor of the most populated city in Virginia. I started out as a wife and mother who became involved in community service as a member of various civic committees and eventually served as the chairman of the Virginia Beach Library Board.
The desire to make a difference—to have a voice in the legislative process of my community—pushed me onward, even though women were not a part of our local elected government. So I put myself out in the forefront, and in 1976 I became the first woman elected to public office in the city. In 1988 when the voters decided that they wanted to directly elect their mayor, I became the first directly elected mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, as well as the first woman mayor.
I never forget that serving in elective office is a high honor, and I deeply appreciate the confidence placed in me by the citizens of Virginia Beach. I plan to continue leading the City of Virginia Beach to the best of my ability and to continue making this city one with a heart and a conscience. I am very excited about many projects underway in Virginia Beach, including our economic development initiatives and our growing tourism industry.
Harry S. Truman once said:
Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
Did I let the fact that no woman had ever served on the Virginia Beach City Council stop me from seeking elected office? Of course not! I was firm in my conviction that I could make an important contribution to our city by serving on the City Council, and I set my mind to achieving that goal.
Responding to the needs of 425,000 citizens is hard work, but I wouldn’t change places with anyone. It’s been an incredible learning and growing experience, and the satisfaction I feel is in knowing that I have had a part in making Virginia Beach an even better place to live. That makes it all worthwhile.
Over the years, the City of Virginia Beach has made great strides in achieving its vision of being a “community for a lifetime.” . . . a great place to live, work, learn, retire and visit. Many Virginia Wesleyan College alumni are partners in the mission and do important work that contributes to Virginia Beach being one of the “Best Places to Live” and “One of the Best Managed Cities in the Nation.”
For instance, about 200 Virginia Beach public school teachers, principals and assistant principals were educated at Virginia Wesleyan College. Ron Kuhlman ’02, who directs tourism marketing and sales for the city, says his VWC education “o pened up new horizons for me and greatly encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree.”
The Virginia Beach Rotary Club chose Nancy “Nicki” Adams ’96 “City Employee of the Year” in 2000. Nicki is a respected voice in our municipal organization and in our community, where she’s active in numerous organizations. Nicki told me “Virginia Wesleyan really focuses on the needs of today’s worker and the information that you need in today’s work place. It provided an environment that enabled me to really progress in my career and to go on and continue my education.” She now has an MBA degree.
Another Virginia Wesleyan alum is William Kiley ‘87, deputy director of emergency medical services. One of the first students to graduate from the Adult Studies Program, Bill says VWC provided him with the “best college experience.”
It’s obvious that a VWC education lays a foundation for a lifetime of successful living—both professionally and as a member of the human race. I salute Virginia Wesleyan College for developing skilled leaders who are having a very positive impact on the City of Virginia Beach and the world.
The Honorable Meyera E. Oberndorf is the mayor of Virginia Beach, Va.