Alexandria Appoints Vanetta Pledger Deputy City Manager
City Manager Jim Parajon selected the long-time IT leader to oversee major municipal operations.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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The city of Alexandria has appointed Vanetta Pledger to serve as deputy city manager, transitioning her from her previous role leading the city's information technology department. This position involves managing essential functions, including finance, planning, and community engagement.
Why it matters
The city manager selected Pledger for this promotion due to her extensive experience and proven track record within the organization. Her new leadership role centralizes oversight of critical municipal departments to streamline innovation and social equity efforts.
Vanetta Pledger brings two decades of public sector experience to the role, including 10 years leading Alexandria Information Technology Services. Ryon Saenz has stepped in as the interim CIO following this leadership transition.
The players
Vanetta Pledger
She is the newly appointed deputy city manager for Alexandria who previously led the city's IT department.
Jim Parajon
He currently serves as the city manager of Alexandria and is responsible for executive municipal appointments.
Ryon Saenz
He is the deputy CIO who has transitioned into the position of interim CIO for the city.
The details
As deputy city manager, Pledger will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes technology, finance, tourism, race and social equity, and community engagement. Ryon Saenz, who formerly served as deputy CIO, has assumed the responsibilities of interim CIO.
Timeline
Pledger served as CIO for Bowie, Maryland, from 2014 to 2016.
Pledger began her tenure as Alexandria CIO in September 2016.
Pledger officially began her new role as deputy city manager on October 13, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift reflects an organizational strategy to integrate technology and innovation deeper into core city management functions. It mirrors a broader municipal trend of leveraging internal tech experts to oversee multi-departmental administrative portfolios.
Residents may see a more centralized approach to municipal planning, finance, and community engagement under the new deputy city manager's oversight. The appointment ensures continuity in core services while the city manages the transition within its IT leadership team.
The takeaway
This appointment highlights the growing importance of technical expertise in high-level municipal governance. Residents interested in city management can observe how these departments integrate under the new administrative structure.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Government Technology.
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