ROANOKE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Virginia Association of School Superintendents has selected Doug Straley as its Virginia Superintendent of the Year.

Straley, the superintendent of Louisa County Public Schools, was recognized Monday during the VASS Awards Luncheon in Roanoke.

According to a release, nearly 400 people were in attendance to celebrate and Straley was picked by VASS officers and the presidents of several state education organizations.

“Doug's recent honor as Virginia Superintendent of the Year truly reflects his outstanding leadership,” said VASS President and Brunswick County Superintendent Kristy Somerville-Midgette. “From my perspective, his innovative methods and genuine connection with the Louisa County Public Schools community have always been inspiring. Doug's relentless advocacy for every student's needs and his servant leadership have left a lasting impression on me and many others. His innovative approach has brought about positive changes across our state. Doug's commitment to improving our educational system is both admirable and deeply personal.”

Straley, a Louisa County native, has been the superintendent at LCPS since 2016.

He began his educational career there 29 years ago and has filled a variety of roles within the schools, including athletics director and assistant superintendent.

The release highlights his efforts to create a team-centered culture through the school division and the county community, including the Team LCPS MVP Award video series and the #Kindness initiative.

During Straley’s tenure as the LCPS superintendent, he is credited with developing one of the most state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education programs in the country, for which the division has been recognized nationally.