Until her election as Mayor in October 2010, Virginia served the people of East Gwillimbury as a Councillor for three terms, joining Town Council in 2001. She understands how important Town services are for citizens, and the priority for managing growth while preserving the environment and our cultural heritage.

From 1993 to 2001 she represented East Gwillimbury on the York Region District School Board as Trustee. Following her election to municipal council in 2001, she served on numerous committees to engage the community and to bring resident input into council decision making.

Years of leadership in the community have earned Virginia significant recognition including The Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Service and the In Celebration of Women, Rural Government Award. She has also lent her expertise to the Human Strategies Planning Coalition representing Arts, Culture and Heritage. She also served as Executive Director of Artslink York Region, fostering and promoting creativity.

Virginia has represented East Gwillimbury on the Board of Directors of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority since 2001 and she has been Chair since 2006. It was under her leadership that the LSRCA won the Thiess International Riverprize, the world’s most prestigious award for excellence in watershed management. She has also advanced to positions of Vice-Chair and Treasurer for Conservation Ontario.

In December 2010, Virginia began her first term as Mayor of East Gwillimbury and is leading Council in planning for the exciting future for the Town. She understands how important Town services are for citizens, and the priority for managing growth while preserving the environment and our cultural heritage.

As Mayor, she represents the Town on York Regional Council and also sits on the Region’s Planning and Development Committee, Finance and Administration Committee, and chairs the Audit Committee. She represents the Region on the York Abuse Program Committee and the Agricultural Advisory Liaison Group. Recognized for her leadership and commitment to community engagement, she was appointed in February 2012 to the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board.

Virginia is a lifelong learner, committed to continual development and personal growth. She holds a BA from the University of Waterloo, as well as a BEd and a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Management from York University.