Virpi Sailas

Virpi Sailas has extensive work experience in the education sector and municipal governance. Virpi is currently serving as the Executive Director, Education and Culture for Tuusulan kunta. Prior to this, they held positions such as District Manager (Education) in both City of Vantaa and Helsingin kaupunki. Virpi also worked as the Director of Education in Mäntsälä municipality and Lemi municipality. Additionally, they have experience as a Principal in Vantaan kaupunki - Vanda stad - City of Vantaa and Längelmäki municipality. Virpi Sailas has also worked as a Chairman of the Board for Opetus- ja sivistystoimen asiantuntijat, OPSIA ry. In 2023, they will be assuming the role of Kunnanjohtaja in Kirkkonummen kunta - Kyrksläts kommun - Municipality of Kirkkonummi.

Virpi Sailas has a diverse education history. In 1996, they obtained a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and a Master's Degree in Education (Kasvatustieteen maisteri) from the University of Lapland. Virpi furthered their education at Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development from 2015 to 2016, completing the KuntaJOKO - ohjelma (Executive Education).

Sailas also attended various training programs. Virpi participated in the Kuntajohdon valmennusohjelma KJ (Municipal Management Training Program) at Suomen kuntaliitto in 2018-2019. In 2012, they completed the Verkostokonsulttikoulutus (Network Consultant Training) at Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare). Furthermore, Sailas completed the Maanpuolustuskurssi (National Defense Course) at Etelä-Suomen lääninhallitus (Regional State Administrative Agency) in 2004.

Sailas has also acquired skills in leadership and educational management. Virpi completed the Johtamisen erikoisammattitutkinto (Specialist Degree in Leadership) at Johtamistaidon opisto ja Opetusalan koulutuskeskus (Management Institute and Educational Training Center) in 2004. Additionally, they received training in Opetusalan johtajakoulutus, ennakointi ja arviointimenetelmät (Educational Leadership, Anticipation, and Evaluation Methods) at Opetusalan koulutuskeskus (Educational Training Center) in 2004. Virpi also holds a diploma in Opetushallinto (Educational Administration) from Opetushallinnon tutkinto (Degree in Educational Administration) obtained in 2002.

Sailas has pursued further education in recent years. Virpi will be completing an Executive MBA (eMBA) program at the University of Jyväskylä in 2022. Additionally, they are enrolled in the Uudistuja (Innovator) program at Valtion koulutus- ja kehittämistalo HAUS (National Training and Development Center) in 2022. Furthermore, Sailas expanded their educational experience as a visiting student at Lakehead University, focusing on Education, starting in 1998. Virpi is currently an eMBA student at the University of Jyväskylä.