The leadership of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys (VACA) has taken a noticeable Central Virginia bent lately.

At VACA’s 70th annual meeting in Virginia Beach earlier this month; Neil S. Vener, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Campbell County was elected president; David N. Grimes, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pittsylvania County was elected vice president, and Michael R. Doucette, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Lynchburg, was elected secretary/treasurer. These terms are for 2009/2010. Grimes eventually will become president in 2011 and Doucette in 2012.

Other VACA officers this year include Joel R. Branscom, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Botetourt County, as past president; and Robert B. Beasley, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Powhatan County as president-elect.

VACA is an association of the 120 Commonwealth's Attorneys throughout Virginia which strives: 1) for uniformity in the procedure and administration of justice; 2) for cooperation between law enforcement agencies; 3) to inform the people concerning crimes and criminals, their causes and remedies; 4) to seek enactment of legislation for the advancement of the general welfare of the Commonwealth; and 5) to promote the continuing education of prosecuting attorneys and other law enforcement officials.