Meet the City Staff

Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Whitley is directly responsible for the oversight of the Human Resources, Finance, and Budget departments for the City.

Mr. Whitley joined the City in November 2004, after serving as Director of Municipal Services in South Hill, Virginia. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. Originally from eastern North Carolina, he is married to his lovely wife Berkeley and blessed with two wonderful daughters. Email Mr. Whitley

Brenda Martin, Special Assistant to the City Manager and Deputy Clerk of Council

Ms. Martin serves as the City Manager’s Special Assistant, and Deputy Clerk of Council. She works closely with all the city departments.  She also serves as the staff support to the various Sister Cities that are partnered with the City.  Ms. Martin has been a member of the City family since 1997. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Education from George Mason University. Email Ms. Martin

Sonja Cantu, Public Information Officer

Sonja works to facilitate the communication of information internally and externally for the City of Fredericksburg. Her duties include working with all city departments to help deliver accurate and timely information to the public. She first joined the City with the Parks and Recreation Department in 1991 and has served in several positions working with the public since that time. A graduate of Mary Washington College, she’s passionate about arts, communications, her family and this city. Email Mrs. Cantu

Brenna Erford, Budget Manager

 Ms. Erford joined the City in January 2020 and serves to support the City Manager’s Office with all aspects of the budget process.  She brings more than 17 years of public and private sector leadership experience to the City. See Media Release  for more details.  Email Ms. Erford