Conference includes certification recognitions, training sessions, and board elections
From April 30 to May 2, 2025, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) welcomed sheriffs, deputies, and public safety leaders to Roanoke for its 2025 VSI Spring Conference, an annual gathering focused on training, leadership development, and professional recognition. The three-day event drew 480 attendees and 106 exhibitors to the Hotel Roanoke.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Roanoke City Sheriff Antonio Hash, an invocation by Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller, and the Presentation of the Colors by the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Sheriff Michael W. Taylor of Pittsylvania County, outgoing VSI President, presided over the general sessions and led the Pledge of Allegiance and opening remarks.
Notable speakers throughout the week included:
- Delegate Sam Rasoul, 38th House District
- Senator Travis Hackworth, 5th Senate District
- Attorney General Jason Miyares, Commonwealth of Virginia
- Colonel Matthew Hanley, Superintendent, Virginia State Police
- John Jones, Executive Director, Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
- Elizabeth Hobbs, Chief Legal and Policy Officer, Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
- Robyn de Socio, Executive Secretary, Virginia Compensation Board
- Angela Aufmuth, Executive Director, Analytical Programs, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Jacob Land, Attorney, Hatch Act Unit, Office of Special Counsel
Sessions featured presentations from state and federal partners on topics such as effective policy development, Medicaid services for incarcerated youth, law enforcement strategies for combatting human trafficking, forensic science updates, and the introduction of new tools like the Mobile ID program.
A highlight of the event was the Wednesday evening reception in the Garden Courtyard at Hotel Roanoke, where sheriffs’ office attendees and VSA Corporate Partners gathered for fellowship and a patch and challenge coin exchange.
VSI Certification Program Honorees Recognized
VSI formally recognized the 2025 class of the VSI Certification Program, which promotes and acknowledges the professional development of Virginia’s sheriffs and deputies. 25 individuals earned certification this year, and eight earned recertification.
“The VSI Certification Program is an exceptional opportunity for Virginia’s sheriffs and deputies to enhance their skills and deepen their commitment to public safety,” said Sheriff Mike Taylor, former President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute. “Their dedication strengthens the trust within our communities.”
Developed in collaboration with the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA), the Performance Management Group at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and the National Center for Policing Innovation (NCPI), the program continues to support leadership and excellence across the Commonwealth. Dr. Robyn McDougle of the VCU Wilder School joined Executive Director John W. Jones in presenting this year’s certificates.
VSI Elects 2025–2026 Officers and Board Members
During the annual meeting, VSI members elected the following officers and Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term:
Officers
- President: Sheriff Alisa A. Gregory, Henrico County
- Immediate Past President: Sheriff Michael W. Taylor, Pittsylvania County
- Vice President: Sheriff Jeremy D. Fleming, Dickenson County
- Secretary: Sheriff Mike W. Miller, Bedford County
- Treasurer: Sheriff Travis M. Sumption, Clarke County
Board Members
- Sheriff R. Tyrone Foster, City of Bristol
- Sheriff Darrell L. Hodges, Cumberland County
- Sheriff Eric B. Hess, Fluvanna County
- Sheriff Johnny A. Beauchamp, Northumberland County
“It is a profound honor to serve as President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute and to collaborate with such dedicated law enforcement leaders,” said Sheriff Alisa A. Gregory. “Together, we will continue VSI’s mission of providing education, training, and support to sheriffs and deputies across the Commonwealth.”
“The sheriffs elected to lead VSI represent the very best of law enforcement leadership in Virginia,” said Executive Director John W. Jones. “Their service and commitment to advancing public safety are deeply appreciated.”
Thank You
VSI thanks the sheriffs, deputies, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors who made this year’s conference such a meaningful experience. VSI is especially grateful to Sheriff Antonio Hash and the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office for their hospitality and support throughout the event. We hope all attendees found the presentations and networking opportunities valuable.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our VSI associate citizen members, now 30,000 strong from every corner of the Commonwealth.
Click HERE to view photos from the conference. Special thanks to photographer Sofia Owen of SO ATELIER for beautifully capturing the highlights.
