Vola Therrell Lawson (September 14, 1934 – December 10, 2013) was an activist and Alexandria, Virginia's first female city manager.
[1][2] Lawson began her career with the government of City of Alexandria as Assistant Director for the Economic Opportunities Commission in 1971.
[3] Lawson was appointed Alexandria's Acting City Manager in 1985 and was officially named the City Manager eight months later making her the first woman to hold the position.
[3][4] Lawson was a civil rights activist and worked to diversify Alexandria's workforce.
[2] The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's animal shelter and the lobby of Alexandria's city hall are named in her memory.