Dana Harmeyer Named Acting Virginia Beach City Attorney
The city council appointed the veteran deputy to lead the office following the death of Mark Stiles.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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The Virginia Beach City Council has appointed Dana Harmeyer to serve as acting city attorney. The decision follows the death of longtime city attorney Mark Stiles, who passed away on September 25.
Why it matters
The appointment provides continuity for the city attorney office after the sudden vacancy left by Stiles, who held the position for 17 years. Harmeyer was selected due to her extensive tenure within the municipal legal department.
Dana Harmeyer assumes the role with an annual salary of $233,568, reflecting a 20% pay increase for the acting position. She brings 18 years of experience within the city attorney office to the new assignment.
The players
Dana Harmeyer
She is the newly appointed acting city attorney for Virginia Beach who has worked in the municipal legal office for 18 years.
Mark Stiles
He served as the city attorney of Virginia Beach for 17 years until his death at age 62.
Virginia Beach City Council
This is the local governing body responsible for legislative decisions and the appointment of municipal officials in the city.
The details
The City Council voted to name Harmeyer, who has served as deputy city attorney since 2024, to the post. A graduate of the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, she has been a fixture in the local government legal team for nearly two decades.
Timeline
Mark Stiles died at age 62 on September 25, 2026.
Harmeyer began her tenure as deputy city attorney in 2024.
The City Council appointed the new acting attorney on October 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition follows established municipal governance patterns where internal deputies fill leadership voids during unexpected vacancies. The move maintains institutional stability while the city prepares for a broader search for a permanent successor.
Residents and local businesses can expect continued access to municipal legal services without interruption during this leadership transition. The appointment ensures that city legal matters remain handled by experienced internal staff until a permanent successor is chosen.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced internal deputy helps mitigate operational delays following the loss of a long-term executive. Residents should monitor future council agendas for updates regarding the selection of a permanent replacement.
What happens next
The city council is expected to announce a formal search process for a permanent city attorney at a future date.
Further reading
For more on local municipal leadership, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
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