Vola Therrell Lawson (September 14, 1934 – December 10, 2013) was an activist and Alexandria, Virginia's first female city manager.

Early life and education

Lawson was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC.[1][2]

Career

Lawson began her career with the government of City of Alexandria as Assistant Director for the Economic Opportunities Commission in 1971. She went on to serve as the city's Director of the Community Development Block Grant Program and Assistant City Manager for housing.[3]

Lawson was appointed Alexandria's Acting City Manager in 1985 and was officially named the City Manager eight months later making her the first woman to hold the position.[3][4]

Lawson was a civil rights activist and worked to diversify Alexandria's workforce. She was also animal rights activist and helped to establish the city's contract with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.[3]

She was inducted into the Virginia Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.[3]

Death and legacy

Lawson died on December 10, 2013. She is buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria.[2]

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's animal shelter and the lobby of Alexandria's city hall are named in her memory.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Lawson, Vola – Living Legends of Alexandria". alexandrialegends.org. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  2. 1 2 "Vola Lawson Dies at 79 Former City Manager was a trailblazer for women, minorities". www.alexandriapolicefoundation.org. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Former Alexandria City Manager Vola Lawson Dies". www.alexandriava.gov. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  4. ↑ Alexandria Times (2013-12-23). "Remembering Vola Lawson | Alexandria Times | Alexandria, VA". Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  5. ↑ Davis, Patricia (February 3, 2000). "Lawson To Have Fitting Tribute". Washington Post.
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