PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of seven local candidates in two contested town races in this fall’s general election beginning Aug. 15. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays and can be found on the “Luray” page. PVN will focus on Luray because they are the only locality in the county with contested races.
In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded debates between the candidates in these two contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.
Stephanie Lillard
- • Age: 42
- • Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a specialization in Organizational Development, Eastern Mennonite University (2009); Master of Business Administration, Louisiana State University Shreveport (2022).
- • Work: Director of Community Economic Development, People Incorporated of Virginia, 2023-current; Business Retention & Expansion Manager, Shenandoah County Government, 2022-2023; Development Specialist, Virginia Tourism Corporation, 2017-2022; Director of Community & Economic Development, Page County Government, 2013-2017; Business Development Manager, People Incorporated of Virginia, 2009-2013; Commercial Lending Assistant, Pioneer Bank, 2004-2009.
- • Elected office: Luray Town Council, 2021 – present.
- • Community Involvement: Former board member for Choices of Luray; former Secretary, Treasurer, Co-Chair at the Page County Economic Development Authority; former secretary at the Luray Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center; former Treasurer, Vice President at United Way of Page County; current representative for the Town on Luray Downtown Initiative; current Board Member on Virginia’s Natural and Historic Resources Cave Board.
- • Family: Husband, Brian; daughters, Madalyn and Makayla.
• Why are you running for Mayor of Luray?
Serving as a council member has been both a valuable learning experience and a great privilege. My pursuit of the Mayoral role is driven by a lifelong desire to serve and inspire positive change. My background in community and economic development, along with my experience as a local resident, provides me with a unique perspective on how local government can either drive or hinder progress. These insights have only strengthened my belief in the crucial role that elected officials play in shaping our community’s future. This conviction not only motivated me to run for office years ago but continues to fuel my dedication to fostering healthy progress. Throughout my years on the council, I have gained a deep understanding of the tenacity and unwavering commitment needed to be a catalyst for change. I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for the greater good and promoting meaningful, sensible growth for our community.
• What makes you the best candidate?
I am confident that my work and volunteer experience equip me with a practical perspective for the council. My career includes extensive training and experience in finance, small business development, and community and economic development. Over the past two decades, I have worked across local, regional, and state government levels, gaining valuable insights into program development, administrative policy, and implementation. This background has prepared me to contribute effectively to the council with a well-rounded and informed approach.
• What is the most pressing issue facing the Town of Luray?
I recognize that we have our fair share of challenges, as do many rural communities. Through my travels across the Commonwealth for work and my participation in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, I have observed that our town’s challenges are not unique; in fact, we are ahead of many in addressing them. Striking the right balance between delivering high-quality public services, fostering new development, maintaining aging infrastructure, and addressing sustainability and revenue-generating strategies remains a significant challenge. This balance represents both a challenge and an opportunity. I am committed to doing more and doing better, but it is crucial that we manage costs effectively to prevent placing an undue burden on our citizens. This is where we have a real opportunity to innovate, lead, and collaborate more effectively with our local government partners.
• What is one thing that you would like to change or improve?
We have made significant strides, and I am excited about the promising future ahead. We stand on the brink of transformative opportunities, from revitalizing downtown properties and enhancing our parks and public spaces to fostering community engagement and supporting year-round events and entrepreneurial growth. As I mentioned during my last run for office, we need to further improve community awareness, communication, and advocacy. The concerns, ideas, and support of our residents are crucial to our progress. As elected representatives, our role is to serve and act on behalf of the majority. To fulfill this responsibility effectively, we need consistent and active community engagement and input. The voice of our constituency matters, and I am committed to listening and responding with a focus on bettering the beautiful place we are blessed to call home.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
Leadership is founded on integrity, empathy, and accountability, with our actions consistently reflecting these core values. I take great pride in my commitment to leading with excellence and strive to inspire future generations of leaders, including my own daughters. As a lifelong learner, I am dedicated to the belief that continuous self-improvement is essential for achieving better outcomes. My journey, shaped by a range of decisions — both personal and professional, challenging, and straightforward — has led me to where I am today: a lifelong, invested, tax-paying local parent who deeply values Luray and is committed to serving with determination and practical solutions for a healthy and prosperous future.
Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 20
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For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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November ballot set for town elections
Hello Ms. Lillard. Cutting past the management buzz phrases that all of the candidates have broadcast, I have a couple questions. What is your opinion of the US Constitution? What is one public thing you’ve resisted doing when under pressure to do otherwise? And you said a scary thing. You said you “were committed to advocating for the greater good.” What do you mean by that? I’ve included a link which shows some possible answers. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/W4rkBPvw5oLyAKDB/?mibextid=hBBs4f
How are the worms in your brain, Robert? Did the Ivermectin help at all?
“Jolly”. What is your opinion of the US Constitution?