The Town of Herndon has identified a new town manager, more than a year after the office’s last permanent occupant stepped down.
The Herndon Town Council voted unanimously last night (Tuesday) to appoint Daniel Hoffman as town manager, starting Nov. 10. The vote came as part of a larger consent package, so there was no discussion during the meeting.
Hoffman will succeed Bill Ashton, who resigned on Sept. 10, 2024 to take a job in Stafford County. The town manager role was initially filled on an interim basis by former Prince William County executive Christopher Martino before he left on April 30, leaving acting deputy town manager Kirstyn Jovanovich to step in.
Hoffman will bring over 25 years of public service experience to his new role as Herndon’s chief administrator, town officials emphasized in a press release.
“By selecting Dan Hoffman as Herndon’s next Town Manager, we’re welcoming a leader with a proven track record of strengthening organizations, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation,” Mayor Keven LeBlanc said. “His deep experience in local government and ability to turn vision into action will help Herndon thrive as a community where residents, businesses, and visitors feel supported and engaged.”
Hoffman has most recently served as city manager for Winchester, where he oversaw a number of significant developments, including initiatives to boost affordable housing, overhaul the city’s public bus system and reinforce the police and fire departments, according to the Winchester Star.
According to the Town of Herndon, Hoffman also “digitized key services, strengthened financial management, modernized community engagement, and led major economic development projects” during his five years in Winchester.
Hoffman announced last week that he would resign as Winchester’s city manager, effective Oct. 17, to accept a job with another locality in Virginia, though he was unable to publicly identify his new employer at the time, the Star reported.
With the move to Herndon, Hoffman will encounter a slightly smaller but more diverse community.
Per Census data, Winchester has approximately 28,100 residents, nearly 80% of them English-only speakers. In contrast, more than half of Herndon’s 24,600-plus residents speak a language other than English at home, and 44% of the population was born outside the U.S.
However, becoming Herndon’s town manager won’t be Hoffman’s first experience in the D.C. region. According to the press release:
Prior to his role in Winchester, Hoffman served as Assistant City Manager for Gainesville, Florida, where he oversaw multiple departments and led initiatives that improved internal operations and enhanced community services. He also held leadership roles with Montgomery County, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Hoffman serves on the boards of the Virginia Municipal League and Virginia First Cities, and is a member of both the International City/County Management Association and the Virginia Local Government Management Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.
“The Town of Herndon is a vibrant community, rich in history and poised for an exciting future,” Hoffman said. “I look forward to serving Herndon’s residents and Town Council, and to being part of the community’s next chapter.”
Key questions facing Herndon in that “next chapter” include the future of its downtown, as a legal battle over the land that Comstock Companies backed out of redeveloping continues.
The town is also continuing to refine its vision for development near the Herndon Metro station and improve traffic safety and tree canopy coverage, among other initiatives.
“The Town Council looks forward to working with Mr. Hoffman to continue advancing Herndon’s strategic priorities and community values,” the press release said.
Screenshot via Town of Herndon
