Contact us

Membership

Why join?

A statewide home for local DSS leadership

VLSSE is the statewide association of local DSS leadership. Membership is agency-based: each local Department of Social Services is represented by its Director, with Assistant Directors designated as additional representatives by the Director.

Who can join

Membership is open to local DSS agencies. The Director serves as the primary representative, and may designate Assistant Directors to participate as additional representatives. This keeps discussion focused on executive leadership while ensuring continuity across teams.

Membership benefits

As a member, you’re not doing this work alone. VLSSE connects directors across Virginia, amplifies your voice in policy decisions, and gives you structured ways to learn, contribute, and stay aligned throughout the year.

Statewide peer network to problem-solve and share what works

A collective voice on policy, guidance, and system improvements

Committee participation to shape recommendations to the League

Twice-yearly conferences (May & November) and member updates

How to join

1

Confirm annual agency dues (membership year: July 1–June 30; due by June 30)

2

Designate representatives (Director + Assistant Directors)

3

Get access to members-only materials once dues are posted.

Questions about dues or eligibility? Contact the Membership Committee (Fourth Vice President) or the Treasurer.

Already a member?

Head to the member area to access publications, committee updates, and event materials. Need to renew? Renew your membership for the upcoming term.

Member Area

Meet our leadership

Preston Sellers

Director

  • preston.sellers@lynchburgva.gov
  • Work:(434) 455-5656

99 Ninth Street., P.O. Box 6798, Lynchburg, VA 24504

  • FIPS: 680
  • DISTRICT: 11

Kathy Johnson

Director II

  • kathy.johnson1@dss.virginia.gov
  • Work:(276) 645-5064
  • Mobile:(276) 791-0211

15068 Lee Highway, Suite 100

  • FIPS: 191
  • DISTRICT: 2

Andy Crawford

Director

  • andrew.crawford@dss.virginia.gov
  • Work:(540) 586-7750
  • Mobile:(540) 871-0471

Post Office Box 1187 119 East Main Street

  • FIPS: 019
  • DISTRICT: 11

Jon Martz

Director

  • jon.martz@dss.virginia.gov
  • Work:(540) 635-3430
  • Mobile:(804) 761-3401

465 W 15th Street Suite 100 Front Royal VA 22630

  • FIPS: 187
  • DISTRICT: 7

Abe Rutherford

Director

  • A.Rutherford@dss.virginia.gov
  • Work:(276) 679-2701
  • Mobile:(276) 325-2576
  • Fax:276-679-0607

831 Park Ave SW. Suite 1 Norton, VA 24273

  • FIPS: 720
  • DISTRICT: PD1