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

Doug Fawcett, Assistant City Manager

In January 2017 City Manager Tim Baroody named Mr. Doug Fawcett as the newest Assistant City Manager. Mr. Fawcett previously was the City’s Director of Public Works since joining the City in 1997. He oversees the departments of Public Works, Public Facilities, Parks, Recreation & Events, and FREDericksburg Regional Transit as well as all City capital and transportation projects.

Mr. Fawcett’s local government career includes service as a department director, City Manager and County Administrator in a total of five communities in West Virginia and Virginia over a thirty nine year period. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia. In his spare time, he is a runner, golfer and local high school football official. Email Mr. Fawcett

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