Cheryl Yowell

Cheryl Yowell is an experienced municipal administrator with a strong background in public service, financial management, and organizational operations. She currently serves as the Town Administrator, Clerk, Zoning Administrator, and Treasurer for the Town of Madison, where she oversees daily government functions, manages all financial activity, and supports the work of Town Council, the Planning Commission, and multiple public‑facing departments.

In her role, Cheryl prepares and analyzes financial reports, manages payroll and accounts payable, administers tax filings, and ensures compliance with state and local regulations. She coordinates zoning and permitting processes, maintains official records, prepares meeting agendas and minutes, and supervises staff across administrative and DMV Select operations. Cheryl also works closely with the Town Attorney, Planning Commission, and community stakeholders to support responsible development and effective local governance.

Before joining the Town of Madison, Cheryl served as a Public Assistance Investigator with the Madison Department of Social Services, where she conducted fraud investigations, managed collections, and prepared cases for administrative and legal action. Her earlier experience includes operating her own small business right in the heart of Madison for 9 years and holding administrative and data‑management roles at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine and Human Resources for more than 17 years.

Cheryl is active in the community and has been a lifelong volunteer, taking part in youth sports events, the Relay for Life, and other school-centric activities. She is also a member of the Madison Tourism Committee, Madison County Library Board, and Blue Ridge Cigarette Tax Board.

Cheryl brings more than three decades of experience in administration, financial oversight, customer service, and regulatory processes. Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to public service, she plays a key role in supporting the Town’s operations and long‑term planning. 

She is a graduate of Madison County High School and a lifelong resident of Madison County.

Jennifer Held

Jennifer Held brings more than three decades of administrative, organizational, and customer‑service experience to her work with the Town of Madison. Before joining the Town, she built a diverse career that included serving as an administrative specialist at the University of Virginia Medical Center, operating her own licensed childcare business for over twenty years, and supporting a wide range of community organizations through extensive volunteer leadership. Her background reflects a consistent commitment to accuracy, service, and helping complex operations run smoothly.

Jen joined the Madison DMV Select office in 2024, where she quickly mastered the full range of DMV transactions and procedures. Her strong attention to detail, calm professionalism, and ability to learn intricate systems made her an immediate asset to residents and staff alike. As her responsibilities grew, she stepped into the role of Deputy Town Clerk, supporting daily municipal operations, assisting with records and administrative processes, and ensuring that residents receive timely, knowledgeable service.

A natural communicator and dedicated public servant, Jen is known for her reliability, resourcefulness, and genuine care for the community. Whether coordinating logistics, managing records, or assisting residents at the counter, she brings the same level of diligence and integrity that has defined her entire career. Jen is proud to serve the Town of Madison and contribute to the smooth, welcoming, and efficient experience residents expect from their local government.

Town Council

Mayor Jennifer Campbell

As a dedicated leader with over 24 years of experience in business development, marketing, and community engagement, Mayor Jennifer Campbell brings a wealth of expertise to Madison, VA. Having successfully driven strategic growth in industries ranging from agriculture and healthcare to media and telecommunications, she is committed to fostering economic development, enhancing public services, and strengthening the town’s close-knit community.

Her career includes serving in upper-management and decision-making positions that generated significant revenue growth. She has also been instrumental in business planning, customer relations, and event coordination, skills that will be invaluable in promoting the Town of Madison’s local businesses and tourism.

A champion of collaboration, Mayor Campbell is dedicated to ensuring transparent governance, improving infrastructure, and preserving Madison’s rich history while embracing new opportunities for progress. With a strong background in leadership, problem-solving, and civic engagement, she is eager to work alongside residents, businesses and council members to build a better future for the town.

Deborah Byram

Ms. Byram is a paralegal/firm administrator for a law firm in Charlottesville. She and her husband have resided in the Town of Madison for 20 years, lovingly remodeling their historic 1890's home year by year. Ms. Byram has four children and one grandchild. Ms. Byram attended Longwood College (now University) and earned a bachelor's degree in education. She also attended Piedmont Virginia Community College (associate's degree in design and drafting) and James Madison University (certificate of paralegal studies).

Charles A. Carter, Sr.

Mr. Carter is a lifelong educator, teaching English at Madison High School for 30 years, and he has been retired since 1999. He has also served on the Town Council for 30 years and the Board of Directors of the Madison County Library for four years. Mr. Carter has a love of animals, reading, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, family, and playing poker with friends. He is married and has a son and daughter, as well as three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a black Lab.

Nancy Hawkins Knighting

Ms. Knighting has resided in Madison County her whole life, spending the last 30 years in the Town of Madison. She has a love for the historical and picturesque town and has enjoyed serving on the Town Council. Her hobbies include quilting, scrapbooking, and interacting with people.

Kimberly (Kim) A. Pumphrey

Ms. Pumphrey is the Administrative Director for Associates in Emergency Care (EMS Education). She retired from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, where she served as Battalion Chief. Ms. Pumphrey is passionate about giving back to the community and has been involved in various community activities throughout her life. She has one daughter - a Madison High School graduate - and two grandsons. Ms. Pumphrey graduated from Madison High School and went on to study at George Washington University, earning a paramedicine certificate. She has also attended Keiser University (associate's in science, magna cum laude) and the University of Phoenix (undergraduate certificate in medical records).

Planning Commission

Shannon Johnston

Shannon has served on the Town Planning Commission since 2012 and currently chairs the Commission while also serving as vice chair of the Board of Zoning and Appeals. A dedicated educator for twenty‑four years, including twelve in the Madison County public school system, she brings a thoughtful, balanced approach to community service and local decision‑making.

She studied at the University of Richmond, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Education, and later completed a Master’s degree in Education at George Mason University. Her background in teaching and her long commitment to public service reflect her belief in preserving Madison’s unique history while supporting its continued growth.

William M. Pattie

Bill is a lifelong resident of Madison County whose deep roots in the community shape both his work and his service. He has spent his career in the construction field. His hands‑on experience and long familiarity with the county give him a grounded perspective that residents and colleagues value.

In addition to his professional work, Bill serves as the Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, contributing thoughtful insight and a long‑term understanding of Madison’s needs and character. His approach is marked by fairness, common sense, and a genuine desire to support responsible growth while preserving the qualities that make the county unique.

Family and faith are central to Bill’s life. He is married with one child, and he takes great pride in his four grandchildren and two great‑grandchildren. He has attended the Presbyterian church in Madison for his entire life, a constant source of community and connection.

Dustyn Hickman

Dustyn has been a resident of the Town of Madison since 2019, though his connection to the community goes back much further. A 2008 graduate of Madison County High School, he later attended Ferrum College before returning to the area he has long considered home.

Known for his easygoing nature and love of the outdoors, Dustyn enjoys spending his free time with his dogs and appreciating the quiet pace of small‑town life.

Kimberly (Kim) A. Pumphrey

Ms. Pumphrey is the Administrative Director for Associates in Emergency Care (EMS Education). She retired from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, where she served as Battalion Chief. Ms. Pumphrey is passionate about giving back to the community and has been involved in various community activities throughout her life. She has one daughter - a Madison High School graduate - and two grandsons. Ms. Pumphrey graduated from Madison High School and went on to study at George Washington University, earning a paramedicine certificate. She has also attended Keiser University (associate's in science, magna cum laude) and the University of Phoenix (undergraduate certificate in medical records).

Board of Zoning Appeals

Zane Byram

Zane has called the Town of Madison home for more than 20 years, a place he values for its close‑knit community and access to the outdoors. His professional background centers on highly technical field service work, specializing in the maintenance and support of sterilization equipment used in scientific research and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Outside of his professional life, Zane is an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors in any season.

Zane is proud to be part of the Madison community and values the opportunity to contribute to the place he has called home for more than two decades.

Shannon Johnston

Shannon has served on the Town Planning Commission since 2012 and currently chairs the Commission while also serving as vice chair of the Board of Zoning and Appeals. A dedicated educator for twenty‑four years, including twelve in the Madison County public school system, she brings a thoughtful, balanced approach to community service and local decision‑making.

She studied at the University of Richmond, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Education, and later completed a Master’s degree in Education at George Mason University. Her background in teaching and her long commitment to public service reflect her belief in preserving Madison’s unique history while supporting its continued growth.

Stephen Chambers

Stephen brings a diverse background in mechanical work and technical problem‑solving to his role with the Town of Madison. A former military mechanic with multiple overseas postings, he developed strong expertise in maintaining complex equipment and working in demanding environments. Since 2021, he has been self‑employed, continuing to apply the same discipline, adaptability, and attention to detail that defined his military service.

Outside of work, Stephen is an avid runner and marathon participant, and he also enjoys writing. His steady presence, broad experience, and commitment to his craft make him a valued part of the Madison community.

Jane Lamar

Jane was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Northern Virginia, where frequent moves took her through seven schools in four different states. After graduating from James Madison University, she moved to the Town of Madison, the place she has proudly called home for the past 35 years. It was at JMU that she met her husband, Willie, and together they raised two children and now enjoy their role as grandparents to one granddaughter.

Jane spent 15 years teaching vocational and special education at Madison County High School and Greene County Technical Education Center, where she supported students with patience, structure, and a genuine commitment to helping them succeed. She later transitioned into small‑business ownership and work as a pharmacy technician before entering semi‑retirement.

Her long tenure in Madison, combined with her varied professional background and deep family ties, reflects a life rooted in service, adaptability, and community connection.