Sanford B. Wanner, retired chief administrative officer of James City County, Virginia, was selected by the executive board of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, as a 2011 recipient of that organization’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Wanner is well known both for his devotion to nurturing the next generation of public servants and for his many community involvements. His contributions were commemorated during the 97th ICMA Annual Conference in Milwaukee, which took place September 18-21, and in a special insert to the October 2011 issue of ICMA’s Public Management (PM) magazine.

ICMA’s Distinguished Service Award is presented to a manager who has retired from the profession and made an outstanding contribution to local government and the management profession.  Rather than focusing on longevity, ICMA’s DSA recognizes a manager whose service in his or her community(ies) has been evaluated by his or her peers as strong or exceptional, and who has made major contributions beyond direct service to local government. 

"My success was directly related to the opportunities the elected leadership gave me to develop the organization and enhance the community’s quality of life,” said Wanner.

Wanner, who served as James City County chief administrative officer from August 1996 until he retired on August 1, 2010, recognized the need for seasoned employees who were approaching retirement to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of managers. In 2003, he established a succession management program to ensure a smooth transition when senior staff retired and identify individuals who could lead the organization into the future. As part of the program, a senior staff member was given the opportunity to serve six months as acting assistant county administrator while the assistant county administrator rotated to another position. Wanner also ensured that all employees had career development action plans and opportunities to participate in other county workforce development initiatives.           

Wanner began his public service career with the U.S. Marine Corps. In his 21-year career with the Marines, he received the Bronze Star with Combat V, 18 Strike-Flight Air Medals, and a Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

Following his retirement from the Marines, Wanner became director of business affairs for the Fredericksburg (Virginia) City Public School System and then served as director of finance for the Williamsburg-James City County Schools from 1981 to 1985.

In July 1985, Wanner was appointed general manager of James City Service Authority, where he managed a number of projects, including the Ware Creek Reservoir and construction of the James City-Williamsburg Recreation Center. From 1990 to 1996, Wanner served as James City County assistant county administrator and became the acting county administrator in April 1996.

During his tenure as acting county administrator, Wanner instituted an internship program to give talented young employees experience working in his office and bring fresh perspectives to county government.

Wanner held many leaderships positions with the Virginia Local Government Management Association, including president (2007-2008), president elect (2006 – 2007), firMore...first vice president (2005 – 2006), second vice president (2004 – 2005), third vice president (2003 – 2004), and secretary (2002 – 2003).

Wanner was involved with a long list of community organizations, including the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail Authority, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority, Peninsula Sports Facility Authority, Historic Triangle Funders Forum, and Board of Trustees for the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation, First Colony District Colonial Virginia Council Boy Scouts of America. He was a founding member of the Crossroads Project, which mobilized community support for successful initiatives, such as development of the New Town project and plans for the future of Eastern State Hospital. The Sanford B. Wanner Stadium is named for him.

He has served on the boards of directors of the Greater Williamsburg United Way Board, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Williamsburg, and Colonial Chapter American Red Cross. Additionally, he also served as president of the Jamestown 4-H Center and of the Board of Directors of Child Development Resources.

In January 2009, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution commending Wanner for his outstanding service as county administrator, when James City County was ranked as one of Virginia's fastest growing areas. The resolution cited his leadership of the county through the Jamestown 400th Anniversary celebration and in bringing new economic opportunities to the community. In May 2009, Wanner also received the College of William & Mary's Prentis Award for his civic service.

A native of New Jersey, Wanner received his bachelor's degree in education from Trenton State Teachers College and his master's degree in administration from George Washington University.  

About ICMA

The mission of ICMA is to create excellence in local governance by developing and advancing the professional management of local government. In addition to supporting more than 9,000 members, ICMA provides publications, data, information, peer and results-oriented assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of individuals living in thousands of communities, from small villages and towns to large metropolitan areas.