2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102722D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 67

Offered January 20, 2026

Commending Kaj Dentler.

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Patron—Martinez

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WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler, an esteemed civil servant who has admirably served the Town of Leesburg for nearly 30 years, including most recently as town manager for the past 11 years, will retire in October 2026; and

WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler earned a bachelor's degree in recreation and leisure services from what is today Virginia Wesleyan University and a master's degree in urban affairs and public administration from Norfolk State University in preparation for his career in civil service; and

WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler worked for several years with the Town of Herndon and the City of Chesapeake before joining the Town of Leesburg as the director of the Parks and Recreation Department in 1996; and

WHEREAS, over his 12-year tenure as head of the Parks and Recreation Department, Kaj Dentler oversaw the expansion of the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, the opening of the original Catoctin Skatepark, Ida Lee Park Tennis Center, and Freedom Park, the acquisition of 86 acres for what will be Veterans Park, and the development of a 20-year comprehensive master plan for the department; and

WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler next served as deputy town manager of the Town of Leesburg beginning in 2008, and he also supported the locality at various times thereafter by serving as acting director of the Planning and Zoning Department, the Capital Projects Management Department, and the Leesburg Executive Airport; and

WHEREAS, since Kaj Dentler became town manager of the Town of Leesburg in 2014, the locality has continued to grow and thrive, achieving a Triple-A credit rating from all three rating agencies for the first time in the locality's history while promoting economic development through endeavors such as the annexation of Compass Creek; and

WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler placed great value in the staff he led and instilled in them a passion for providing exceptional customer service to the residents and businesses of Leesburg; and

WHEREAS, Kaj Dentler has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and vision as he has helped to make the Town of Leesburg a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Kaj Dentler, town manager of the Town of Leesburg, on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kaj Dentler as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his service with the Town of Leesburg and best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling retirement.