VPMA Sets Course for Year Ahead with Board Meeting

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) convened its board of directors, committee chairs and invited guests for a board planning meeting designed to build on the successes of 2025 and illuminate a strong path forward for 2026, the organization said. The meeting was guided by the newly installed VPMA President Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE.

Harlow-Ellis opened the meeting by reaffirming VPMA’s commitment to its mission and vision — promoting ethical, environmentally responsible pest management and serving as the resource supporting the industry statewide, said VPMA. At the meeting, leaders evaluated committee charters, re-engaged both seasoned and emerging contributors and established organizational goals for the year ahead.

Reflecting on a Year of Achievement: 2025 Highlights. VPMA said it celebrated a series of accomplishments in 2025:

• Virginia Pest Management Summit Success. The 2025 summit marked the 20th presentation of this meeting, bringing together professionals from across the state for an engaging program. VPMA said many attendees shared that they received practical, immediately applicable information to strengthen both their business operations and technical work. 
• Spring Recertification Webinars Meet Industry Needs. VPMA said its spring recertification webinars delivered high-quality, timely training serving both members and non-members across Virginia.
• Petition for Rulemaking Gains Support. VPMA said its petition to revise Category 8 certification received strong backing, including support from the current commissioner of agriculture and 27 public comments from industry members.
• Cat 8 Prep Course Achieves Success. VPMA collaborated with VDACS to deliver comprehensive study materials and expert-led instruction to 45 course participants — all of whom successfully passed the Category 8 exam, said VPMA. The association said the the typical Cat 8 pass rate is in the low 30% range.
  

Strategic Areas of Focus for 2026:

1.  Education. VPMA said it will continue expanding core educational programs, including WDI certification, master technician training, recertification webinars, the annual summit and the Jeffrey M. Johnson ACE Prep Course. New for 2026, VPMA will launch a WDI inspector recertification course, designed not merely as a refresher but as an advanced “201-level” program that will renew voluntary WDI certification for an additional two years.  
2. Legislative & Regulatory Affairs. VPMA said it will maintain strong engagement with VDACS, state and federal lawmakers, and EPA partners to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for the profession. With many newly elected or re-elected Virginia state legislators, 2026 provides an important opportunity to introduce VPMA to leadership and position the association as a trusted resource on small business and pest-related issues that representatives and senators may encounter, said VPMA. 
3. Professional Development. Programs such as the STM Admin Conference, ACE Prep Course, and the Leadership Excellence & Action Program (LEAP) will continue to advance leadership and professional excellence within the industry, said VPMA. The association said these initiatives help PMPs build personal and professional skills that support career advancement, strengthen communities and expand business opportunities.
4. Connections & Community Growth. Recognizing significant opportunities to reach thousands of commercial applicators and registered technicians across Virginia, VPMA said it will prioritize outreach and engagement efforts statewide. In 2026, VPMA said it will host regional spring hands-on training events in each of the four geographic areas of the state, along with fall 4x4 social events to encourage networking and relationship building.

Reinvigorated Committee Engagement. A defining focus of the board planning meeting was the effort to re-energize committee membership by blending experienced leaders with fresh perspectives, said VPMA.  

This initiative aligns with VPMA’s five pillars to improvement — staff, board of directors, committees, members, and community. 

Looking Ahead. “Our brightest minds came together to envision an extraordinary year ahead,” said President Shannon Harlow-Ellis. “With renewed enthusiasm, clear goals and the combined strength of experienced leaders and new voices, VPMA is poised to shine even brighter in 2026.”

VPMA said it will continue developing its 2026 action plan, focusing on elevating member value, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening advocacy and fostering a thriving community of pest management professionals across Virginia.