The City of Alexandria announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Wendy Ginsberg as its new Legislative Director, bringing nearly two decades of federal government experience to a demanding role that will require her to shuttle between Alexandria, Richmond, and Washington to advocate for the city’s interests.
Ginsberg, a long-time Alexandria resident, most recently served as Director of Congressional Affairs at the National Archives and Records Administration. Her extensive Capitol Hill background includes leadership roles as Director of Subcommittees for the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and Staff Director for the late Representative Gerald E. Connolly.
The Legislative Director position represents one of the city’s most critical advocacy roles, requiring temporary relocation to Richmond during General Assembly sessions and frequent travel throughout the year. The city funds these relocations and travel expenses as part of the position’s comprehensive approach to government relations.
“Wendy brings a great combination of experience, policy insight, and a deep personal connection to Alexandria,” said City Manager James Parajon. “Her understanding of how government works means she’ll be a powerful advocate for our city’s interests in Richmond and Washington.”
In her new role, Ginsberg will serve as Alexandria’s primary liaison with the Virginia General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and federal policymakers. Her responsibilities span from developing the city’s legislative agenda during General Assembly sessions to managing Alexandria’s federal lobbying program and coordinating advocacy efforts for federal funding opportunities.
According to a job posting for the position, this position requires exceptional political acumen and the ability to build relationships across multiple levels of government. Ginsberg will be responsible for monitoring legislation, analyzing budget proposals, and providing strategic recommendations to city leadership on policy developments that could impact Alexandria.
Her track record suggests she’s well-equipped for these challenges. During her federal service, Ginsberg secured an unprecedented $1 billion investment in federal IT modernization, ensuring communities could better access Social Security benefits, IRS returns, and Department of Agriculture grants. She also led efforts to stabilize the U.S. Postal Service’s finances and secure crucial funding for Metro improvements through WMATA.
The appointment comes as Alexandria faces significant infrastructure challenges, including ongoing flooding issues and the need for affordable housing solutions. Ginsberg will be tasked with advocating for state and federal funding to support these priorities while fostering partnerships with other local governments and regional organizations.
“Whether it’s securing funding for flood mitigation, supporting affordable housing policy, or championing infrastructure investments, her work will directly shape the services and support that impact Alexandrians every day,” Parajon added.
Beyond advocacy, Ginsberg will manage the city’s legislative team and consultants, ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements, and communicate the city’s legislative efforts to residents and businesses. She’ll also be responsible for preparing reports and briefings for the City Council and department heads on legislative matters.
Ginsberg holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Rutgers University. She is also a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, a distinction that recognizes excellence in public service.
