VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (JUNE 15, 2021) – Wynter Benda, Law ’02, loves people, well-oiled systems and opportunities to effect positive change. He is about to see all three of these passions fuse in exciting new ways as he takes a giant leap within the arena of public service. After serving as Chief Deputy City Manager, among other roles within the City of Norfolk for more than a decade, Benda assumed his new position as Lynchburg City Manager in August.
He was voted in unanimously by the City Council.
“It is an honor and privilege to take the helm of this organization and be part of a place so vibrant and full of potential,” said Benda. “Lynchburg is one of fastest growing cities in Virginia, and I see a tremendous opportunity to build on that momentum.”
Within his first hundred days as City Manager, Benda’s priorities will include “a lot of listening to the [City] Council and our residents and formulating first steps toward encouraging growth in the seven colleges and universities that comprise Lynchburg.”
He also hopes to leverage his extensive experience in city planning,
intergovernmental relations, public utilities, public works, transit,
real estate, resilience, and communications within various city
departments.
A graduate of Regent University’s School of Law,
Benda fondly reflects on his time in the law school and especially the
privilege of serving as president of the second- and third-year law
classes. “I got to fully enjoy both the academic and personal pieces of
going to law school. It’s always more meaningful to work together than
alone, and Regent certainly delivered an impactful experience,” he said.
“Wynter’s commitment to the infrastructure of our cities is a tremendous community asset,” said Regent Law Dean Mark Martin. “He is an excellent example of how our students graduate from Regent Law prepared to impact the communities they serve with innovative thinking and responsible administration.”
Benda was a finalist in the 2001 Regent University School of Law Negotiations Competition and competed in the 2001 ABA Regional Negotiations Tournament at Georgetown Law Center. As he completed his juris doctor, he secured a prestigious judicial clerkship with the 7th Judicial Circuit of Newport News, VA. Following his clerkship, he held the position of In-House Council for the Chesapeake Treasurer’s Office, then served as Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Hampton before returning to the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area.
Benda was born in Norfolk, raised in Virginia Beach and is a die-hard fan of the Commonwealth of Virginia and its great people.
Photo: Kendall Warner, The News Advance