From Concept to Creation: Managing the Magic of Illuminights

Ways of Working
 
Join Doug as he shares the behind-the-scenes project management that brings Illuminights: Winter Walk of Lights to life each year. Held at Explore Park, this beloved holiday tradition dazzles over 50,000 visitors annually with more than 650,000 lights along a half-mile wooded trail.  Doug will discuss the planning, logistics, and stakeholder coordination that make Illuminights a shining example of public sector project execution and community engagement.
 
Speaker Bio
Doug Blount serves as the Assistant County Administrator for Roanoke County, Virginia, a role he has held since February 2022. With over 26 years of experience in local government, Mr. Blount brings a wealth of leadership and operational expertise to his position. He oversees a broad portfolio that includes Economic Development, Parks, Recreation & Tourism, General Services, Development Services, Libraries, and Planning. He also manages the County’s capital program delivery and serves as the liaison to the Elections Office.
 
Mr. Blount began his tenure with Roanoke County in 2011, initially serving as Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and later as Director of General Services. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in various leadership roles with the Prince William County Park Authority.
 
A native of Roanoke County, Mr. Blount holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from East Tennessee State University. He represents the County on several regional boards and committees, including Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority.
 
 
Register for this event
Register for this event

Information

Type of category: Chapter Events

Type of activity: Ways of Working

Date: August 8th, 2025

Hour: 5:30PM to 7:30PM

# of PDUs: 1

Price

Students: $15.00

Members: $15.00

Non members and Guests: $20.00

Location

Explore Park Visitors Center

56 Roanoke River Parkway Road
Roanoke, VA, 24014

[Click here for Map and Directions]