League of Women in Government Announces 2025 Leadership Trailblazer Award Top 10 Finalists
The League of Women in Government (LWG) announced the finalists for the 2025 Leadership Trailblazer Award.
Announcing the finalists, League President, Susan Thorpe, stated, “Of the amazing nominees from across the country, the judges felt these ten finalists best captured the spirit of the award. Being recognized as a Top 10 Finalist is a wonderful tribute to all of these remarkable leaders.”
Nominations for the Leadership Trailblazer Award were submitted primarily by local government professionals who wanted to see a dedicated colleague recognized on a national scale. A panel of judges from the LWG reviewed each nomination and selected the top ten finalists. The Leadership Trailblazer Award will be presented in conjunction with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference, October 25-29, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. This year’s winner will be inducted into the League of Women in Government Hall of Fame alongside 2024 winner Stephanie Lucash, Assistant City Manager, Kenmore, WA, 2023 winner Valmarie Turner, City Manager, Roanoke, VA, 2022 winner Anne Marie Gaura, Town Manager, Lincolnwood, Il, 2020 winner Vanessa Donovan Hale, Assistant Town Administrator, Southborough, MA; 2019 winner Lori Sassoon, City Manager of Norco, CA; and 2018 winner Opal Mauldin-Jones, City Manager of Lancaster, TX.
“There are so many women in local government who are leading their organizations and their colleagues with courage and distinction. We wanted a way to acknowledge their efforts,” said Pam Antil, Chief Administrative Officer of the League, “We hope the award will not only spotlight the nominees and winners but also honor the valuable work of all women in our profession.”
For more information on each of the finalists, click on the link next to their photos.
