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

David Brown, P.E. Assistant City Manager

Mr. Brown is directly responsible for the oversight of the Departments of Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Events, Transit, Transportation, as well as assisting with capital projects.

Mr. Brown joined the City in October 2021. He is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states with more than three decades of public service in local and state governments.  His career includes serving as a City Engineer, as a VDOT Resident Engineer, and as a Public Works Director (Ohio, Texas, and Virginia).  Mr. Brown graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and also earned a Certification in Municipal Administration from the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Government. Email Mr. Brown

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. Brenda loves the City and enjoys working with all the various departments, City Council members and citizens. 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