Virginia Silveira Gills “Ginny” is a recently retired elementary school principal and the newest team member at Successful Innovations, Inc.. A proud Longwood University Alumna, Ginny served on the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors as the Central Zone Representative. Additionally, she represents Region 8 on the WELV Board, serves on the Southside Virginia Community College Local Board, and is on the VDOE Principal Advisory Board. Ginny is a UVA SCOPE 13 “graduate”, a 2019 VASCD Impact Award Recipient, the 2022 Longwood University Graduate Alumni of the Year, and was a guest in the VASCD podcast series “Deeper Insights Episode 6 – Deeper Voice.” She was also named 2022 VAASL Administrator of the Year, and the WELV 2023 Rising Star. Ginny was featured in the November/December 2023 issue of NAESP’s Principal magazine as the “In the Spotlight” Principal. Her work around recruitment and staffing was published in the May/June 2024 issue of NAESP’s Principal magazine, “How a Rural, High-Poverty School Keeps Staffing Steady.” Ginny has presented at various schools, universities, and conferences on School Culture & Climate, Recruitment & Retention, and her work around VTSS and the 5C’s.
Ginny Gills is most known for her work around school culture and climate, and creating a space where students want to learn and in which staff can explore, take risks, and innovate. Despite the current teacher shortage crisis, Mrs. Gills’ rural, Title 1 school remains fully staffed with a highly qualified team. Before becoming an administrator, Ginny Gills was a high school Spanish teacher in Powhatan County where she served as department chair, NHS advisor, SCA Advisor, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Cheer Coach, and was an active participant on many committees. She resides in Cartersville,Virginia, with her husband.