2022 A. ROBERT CHERIN
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING DEPUTY
OR ASSISTANT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY           

          THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEYS OF VIRGINIA proudly honors RODERICK R. INGRAM with the A. ROBERT CHERIN AWARD for his exemplary public service and his unwavering commitment to the highest ethical and professional principles, a commitment which enhances the image of every attorney in our organization.

          ROD HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE LEGAL CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE. He began his local government journey with a summer clerkship in the Virginia Beach City Attorney’s Office while in law school. That experience created a lasting impression and, following judicial clerkships with the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the Western District, he returned to the City Attorney’s Office. Rod has served the citizens of Virginia Beach faithfully for almost 25 years, holding the post of Deputy City Attorney since 2008. In this role, Rod mentors and supervises attorneys and paralegals on a variety of legal issues including public finance, procurement and contracting, public safety, and human resources.

          WIDELY REGARDED AS AN EXPERT in the Virginia Conflict of Interests Act and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Rod drafted and annually edits the LGA Handbook chapter on the Conflict of Interests Act. In 2002 he participated in the General Assembly Joint Subcommittee Studying the State and Local Conflict of Interests Act, earning him the Walter C. Erwin III Special Project Award. Rod has supervised the Virginia Beach Freedom of Information Office, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth, since its inception in 2003. Rod drafted the City’s FOIA policy and often takes a lead role in the drafting of COIA opinions issued by the City Attorney’s Office. He personally provides training to all Virginia Beach public officials, appointees, and departments regarding the requirements of COIA and FOIA. In addition, Rod leads the City Attorney’s First Amendment Team, addressing critical issues regarding the interplay between city regulation and constitutional rights.

          ROD IS ESPECIALLY DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE in the practice of local government law and to LGA. He sat on the board of the Virginia State Bar’s Local Government Attorneys’ Section and served as its chair in 2011-2012. Most notably, Rod served as a director or officer on the LGA’s Board of Directors from 2008-2016, holding the position of President from 2015-2016 during a time of a critical transition in our organization. His leadership and commitment to improving this organization was instrumental in LGA’s continued growth.

          ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, ROD is a great friend, colleague, counselor, and mentor. Rod is highly respected by his fellow attorneys and his clients not only for his legal expertise, but because he is a practical and innovative problem solver who is adept at proactively identifying issues and proposing workable legal solutions. Rod is meticulous and works tirelessly to ensure that his work is precise, clear, and organized.

          Rod is devoted to his family and enjoys traveling the globe with his husband Dan, who has been a constant support to Rod and encourages his involvement in LGA. Rod serves his community as an active member of Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where he has served on the vestry, the finance committee, and as junior warden.

          THEREFORE, in recognition of his many achievements, his laudable service to our profession, and his admirable character, the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc., on this 22nd day of April, 2022, enthusiastically, proudly, and gratefully bestows the 2022 A. ROBERT CHERIN AWARD upon RODERICK R. INGRAM.