RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the Virginia Board for Contractors, a regulatory board under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), at its most recent meeting on August 2, 2022, took steps to reduce several regulatory barriers in the construction and building related trades.

The Board for Contractors board voted to:

• Reduce the years of experience requirement by 50%, from four to two years, for skilled workers to become licensed as a journey-level tradesman for the most in-demand construction labor fields such as electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation & air conditioning, and gas fitting.
• Add additional license qualification pathways allowing entry for skilled workers to become licensed with various combinations of experience and training.
• Eliminate the regulatory mandate for continuing education in the trades.

“This is a major win for all Virginians," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Increasing opportunities for people to become licensed in high-demand, high-paying jobs while also helping businesses find the talent they desperately need will strengthen our Commonwealth. Since day one my administration has been working to reinvigorate job growth and make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. I'm confident that these actions will move us closer to that goal.”

“Construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to meet consumer needs and contribute to economic growth,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “Not enough people are entering training programs for these types of jobs. There isn’t one solution to this problem, we are working to increase awareness and opportunities for apprenticeships and combined with making it easier for these skilled workers to become licensed and start working, we’ll begin to see a turnaround.”

“Our boards are composed of practitioners, business owners, as well as citizens, and as part of Governor Youngkin’s Day One commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and citizens across the Commonwealth, DPOR boards are evaluating the education and experience requirements of occupations to ensure we are not requiring more than is necessary to protect the public,” said DPOR Director Demetrios Melis.

Throughout the U.S. workforce, with Virginia being among states with the highest demand, there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople. This problem, persisting both before and after the pandemic, inhibits job creation and economic growth. Skilled trades shortages contribute to higher housing prices and decreased housing supply, increased costs for consumers and businesses in a variety of sectors, and other cascading effects across commerce and the economy.

In addition to expanding opportunities to enter these skilled trades, the board voted to eliminate regulatory-mandated continuing education in select trades. Continuing education has not shown to decrease disciplinary actions. Government-mandated continuing education with no clearly identifiable public protection benefit is a burden on businesses and individuals requiring time, money, and energy for compliance.

DPOR is an executive branch agency under the Secretary of Labor, overseeing 18 regulatory boards comprised of practitioners and citizens appointed by the governor. Policy boards determine the minimum standards necessary to enter a profession and the standards of conduct for licensees.

All Virginians to Honor Military and Veteran Caregivers

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially recognized August as Hidden Heroes Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia to honor the millions of military and veteran caregivers in Virginia and throughout the United States who care for those wounded, ill, or injured who have served our nation throughout wars and conflicts.

“Virginia is proud to partner with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and their Hidden Heroes program to support and acknowledge caregivers that receive little support or acknowledgment for their selfless sacrifices,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “In fact, most of these Hidden Heroes simply consider the challenging work they do as unconditional love or carrying out their civic and patriotic duty, without realizing they should be categorized as caregivers. I call on all my fellow Virginians to join me in thanking and supporting them. They deserve nothing less.”
“As a veteran, I have seen the devotion that these caregivers provide every day to their loved ones who sacrificed so much for our Nation,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw. “If Virginia is going to remain the best state for veterans and their families to live, work and thrive, we must never forget how important these Hidden Heroes are and provide them with the support they need and deserve. This we pledge to do today and always.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the tremendous impact 5.5 million young spouses, mothers, dads, siblings, and other loved ones make in the lives of wounded warriors every day, in neighborhoods large and small, in states like Virginia and across the country,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Today we are one step closer to ensuring that these caregivers are woven into the fabric of our nation’s appreciation of the military. My heartfelt thanks to Governor Youngkin and his team for their strong support of military caregivers, America's hidden heroes.”
“For those Hidden Heroes throughout Virginia who would like to know what resources are available for them in their community and for others who wish to help these caregivers, all of us at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) stand ready to assist,” said Daniel Gade, Commissioner of DVS.
In the Certificate of Recognition, Governor Youngkin recognizes that many of these caregivers are the parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of these wounded, ill, or injured men and women. Their daily tasks can include bathing, feeding, dressing, and dressing grievous injuries, administering medications, providing emotional support, caring for the family and home, and working outside the home to earn essential income.

To read Governor Youngkin’s Certificate of Recognition of August 2022 as Hidden Heroes Month in Virginia, click here.

For more information about the Hidden Heroes Program and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, go to www.HiddenHeroes.org or www.elizabethdolefoundation.org.

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 40 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. VDVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

For questions regarding caregiver programs in Virginia, email info@dvs.virginia.gov, or visit your local DVS office.

Program in Fifth Anniversary Year Helps Develop Virginia’s Future Leaders

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the 2022-24 cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. A collaboration between the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tech, the program addresses the Commonwealth’s need for talented, trained, and prepared government leaders.  

“We welcome the 10 members of the Virginia Management Fellows fifth cohort,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These Fellows come from across the Commonwealth bringing strong educational background and readiness for rigorous technical training and leadership development programs. The distinctive VMF program allows Virginia to bolster our state workforce helping to develop future leaders of the Commonwealth.”

The General Assembly first approved the program in 2017.

“This cohort marks the fifth anniversary of the VMF program, an important milestone for the state. We are demonstrating our commitment to Virginia’s future leaders,” said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid.

The Office of the Secretary of Administration oversees the program with program management provided by DHRM and curriculum management by the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The 10 Fellows are guided by 10 state agency mentors who guide projects as well as offer hands-on agency work and research efforts.

“Our success is evident through the growing interest of state agencies in the Fellows program and in the successful transition of Fellows into roles in state agencies,” said DHRM Director Janet Lawson.

During the two-year leadership and management development certificate program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies.

“As a former Fellow in the inaugural cohort, I know first-hand the depth, knowledge, and experience the VMF program provides to the state and its Fellows. The opportunity to work and learn from some of the Commonwealth’s best and brightest employees is truly like no other,” said Legislative Liaison for the Governor Travis Rickman.

Three 8-month agency rotations give Fellows day-to-day work experience, and they also learn financial management, public budgeting, and other key competencies needed in state government.

Virginia Tech SPIA faculty designed the original program and continually improve learning elements to meet Virginia’s need for high-performance public service. “From data analytics and financial management to leadership habits of practice, Fellows learn critical skills needed now and for the future,” said Leisha LaRiviere, VMF Program Director and Associate Director of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs.

The 2022 –2024 Virginia Management Fellows are:

• Negus Assefa, George Washington University and Old Dominion University
• Anna Isler, The College of William and Mary
• Edward Cronin, James Madison University
• Karli Foster, James Madison University and Virginia Tech
• Peter Gregory, Virginia Tech, Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University - Hawaii
• Cole McAndrew, The College of William and Mary
• Anya Pfeiffer, The University of Virginia
• Sean Sukol, Virginia Commonwealth University and The College of William and Mary
• Liam Orr, Christopher Newport University
• Evan Price, George Mason University

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin participated in the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Mecklenburg County Middle School and High School, a best-in-class joint school made possible by the community. The Governor also ceremonially signed HB 563 sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Israel O'Quinn, R-Washington, and SB 473 and SB 471 sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond.

“These schools demonstrate how a community can come together not only to build a state-of-the-art facility but to invest in their children and transform their workforce,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “And through the bipartisan coalition that unanimously advanced these bills, we are delivering on our commitment to support vibrant, 21st Century educational environments across the Commonwealth. This is what happens when we put our students first; we’re getting it done together.” 

HB 563 and SB 473, the School Construction Fund and Program, will support $400 million in grants distributed based on student enrollment and local needs. It will also support $450 million in competitive grants for high-need school's new construction, expansion, and modernization projects in partnership with local school boards. SB 471 will provide $400 million in school construction loans and make additional improvements to the administration of the Literary Fund Construction Loan Program.

“This year the Commonwealth was in a position to assist localities with the construction and modernization of their schools,” said House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach. “We were able to leverage $1 billion which was set aside to make a school construction and modernization fund of $3 billion. This marks a significant investment in the education and future of Virginia’s children and I believe it is a good deal that we can all get behind.” 

"I am thankful to have Governor Youngkin sign my HB 563 today, and I appreciate everyone who helped to get this bill across the finish line,” said Deputy Majority Leader Israel O’Quinn, R-Washington. “This shift in Virginia’s approach to school construction is a big deal for school divisions all across the Commonwealth, but particularly in Southwest Virginia. Having new schools built across the state ultimately means that the real winners are students.” 

“The new School Construction Fund and enhanced Literary Fund loans will lay the groundwork to fix Virginia’s crumbling school infrastructure,” said Senator Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond. “I’m honored to have worked with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make bipartisan progress on public school construction. I look forward to working with them in the years to come to continue to make crucial investments in the future. Our children cannot learn in crumbling schools, and Virginia’s investments in school modernization cannot wait.” 

“We are thrilled to host these bill signings as we celebrate our new school and the world-class career pathways students will access here,” said Mecklenburg Superintendent Paul Nichols. “Mecklenburg students will benefit greatly from the historic budget investments in school facilities and lab schools developed in partnership with K-12, postsecondary, and employers.” 

Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday Returns on Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced he has chosen additional key administration appointments

"I'm proud to appoint these dedicated individuals," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Their work will move our Commonwealth into the future and help create a best-in-class government."

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

ART AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

• Lynden Garland of Midlothian, Architect, Baskervill
• Donna Jackson of Aylett
• The Honorable Aimee Jorjani of Falls Church, preservation professional
• Jill Nolt of Richmond, Landscape Architect, Waterstreet Studio

AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD

• Kimberly Huskey of Yorktown, Vice President of Government Affairs, Cherrystone Aqua Farms
• Dr. Michael Schwarz of Virginia Beach, Director, Virginia Tech – Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center

BOARD OF AGRICULTURAL AND CONSUMER SERVICES

• Allyson Jones-Brimmer of Falls Church, Director of Operations, U.S. Beet Sugar Association

CATTLE INDUSTRY BOARD

• Perry J. Huffman of Lexington, Owner, Hufman Livestock, LLC.
• Julia B. Jones of Chilhowie, Assistant Vice President, The Bank of Marion
• Nick McNeil of Radford
• Cecelia Moyer of Amelia, Oakmulgee Dairy
• Walter H. "Buddy" Shelton, Jr., of Gretna, Owner/Operator, Shelton Angus Farm
• Bob Threewitts of Keezletown, Twin Oaks Farm

HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD

• Ernest M. Oare of Warrenton, Managing Partner, EMO Stables, LLC

MILK COMMISSION

• Dr. Jessica M. Jones of Gladys, Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor, Pittsylvania County Public Schools
• Dennis J. Sugumele of Chesterfield, President, D.J. Sugumele & Associates, LLC

SHEEP INDUSTRY BOARD

• Lee Wright of Glade Spring, Sheep producer; Superintendent, Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research Center

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL

• Keith M. Dunn of Yale, Owner, Oak Hill Farms
• Rosalea Riley Potter of Lexington, Manager, Donald's Meat Processing, Buffalo Creek Beef and Cattlemen's Market
• Sarah Jane Thomsen of Richmond, Manager of Agriculture Education and Strategic Partnerships Program, State Fair of Virginia

VIRGINIA COTTON BOARD

• Joey G. Doyle of Emporia, Owner/Operator, Doyle and Doyle Farms

VIRGINIA EGG BOARD

• Ellen Baber of Cartersville, Owner, Ellen Baber Catering (retired)
• Hobart P. Bauhan of Harrisonburg, President, Virginia Poultry Federation
• Ken Risser of Hartfield, Owner, Risser Farms and Sales Consultant, Val-co
• Dr. Paul L. Ruszler of Blacksburg, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech
• W. Keith Sheets of McGaheysville, General Manager, Faraway Farms Inc.
• Rodney Y. Wagner of Abingdon, Owner/Manager of Green Valley Poultry
• W. Lake Wagner of Abingdon, General Manager, Dutt and Wagner of Virginia

VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

• Nathan Bussells of White Stone, Quality Control Manager, W. Ellery Kellum, Inc.
• Michael Congrove of Gwynn
• Taylor Deihl of Reedville, Marketing Manager, Omega Protein
• James R. Sowers III of Mathews, Owner, Chapel Creek Oyster Company, LLC

VIRGINIA WINE BOARD

• Stephen Barnard of Charlottesville, Winemaker, Keswick Vineyards
• James King of Crozet, Co-owner, King Family Vineyard
• Luca Paschina of Barboursville, General Manager, Barboursville Vineyards

AUTHORITY

FORT MONROE AUTHORITY

• Dr. Charletta Barringer-Brown of Chesterfield, Tenured Professor, Virginia State University
• Dr. Rex Ellis of Williamsburg, Retired, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution
• Brian K. Jackson of Richmond, Partner, Hirschler Law Firm

HAMPTON ROADS SANITATION DISTRICT

• Frederick N. Elofson, CPA, of Newport News
• Vishnu K. Lakdawala, PhD, of Virginia Beach, Associate Professor

COMMERCE AND TRADE

COAL SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION FUND ADVISORY BOARD

• Gregory F. Baker of Wise, Technical Services Manager, Virginia Department of Energy

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

• Michael Karmis of Blacksburg, Stonie Barker Professor Emeritus of Mining Engineering, Virginia Tech

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION

• Amanda Cox of Franklin County, External Affairs Manager, Appalachian Power Company
• Watt R. Foster, Jr., of Gladys, President and CEO, Foster Fuels, Inc.
• The Honorable William Pace of Chatham, Mayor of Chatham
• Gary D. Walker of Charlotte Court House, Cornerstone Insurance Agency

VIRGINIA GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY BOARD

• John A. King II of Harrisonburg, President, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative

VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

• Ms. Kathleen P. Owens of Virginia Beach, President, Beach Development Group; Flight Operations Representative, Boeing Test and Evaluation
• Howard Shafferman of Richmond, Founder and Principal, The Haswell Group, LLC

VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING AUTHORITY

• Ron Bew of Chesterfield County, former Associate Deputy Administrator for Capital Access for the U.S. Small Business Administration

COMMONWEALTH

VIRGINIA LGBTQ+ ADVISORY BOARD

• Phil Kazmierczak of Virginia Beach, President of Log Cabin Republicans of Hampton Roads
• Preston Main of Hanover County
• Thomas N. Turner of Suffolk City

EDUCATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION

• Charles E. James, Sr., of Midlothian
• Gloria Marrero Chambers of McLean, President, Greater McLean Republican Women's Club

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA

• Kathy Lu of Blacksburg, Professor, Virginia Tech
• Denise Walters, PhD, of Henrico, Stability Lead, Haleon

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

• Jeffrey Davis of South Boston, Director of Human Resources, Halifax County Public Schools
• Stanley L. Jeffress, Jr., of South Boston, Funeral Director and President, S. L. Jeffress Company, Inc.
• Grey P. Watson of Halifax, Executive Director, Sentara Healthcare

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY

• George L. Hayth III of Botetourt County, President and CEO, Bank of Botetourt
• Shatenita Horton of Roanoke, Senior Vice President, Freedom First Credit Union
• Tracy Harper Nester of Roanoke County

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

• Sophie Chafin Vance of Lebanon, Chief Branch Operations Officer/SVP, First Bank and Trust Company
• Dr. Keith Perrigan of Bristol, Division Superintendent, Bristol City Schools

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

• Rooz Dadabhoy of Richmond, CEO, Data Concepts Inc.; Chair of the Board, Richmond World Affairs Council; President, Rally Virginia
• Melinda Culvahouse Hardy of Richmond
• Ann H. Goettman of McLean
• William A. Keyes IV of McLean, President of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

• Thomas R Benzing of Augusta County, Professor, James Madison University
• Nathan T. Sanford of Roanoke, Executive Director, RADAR
• Lauren Woodson of Roanoke, Recreation Coordinator, City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation

BOARD OF VISITORS FOR GUNSTON HALL

• James Burnham of Alexandria, Virginia, Partner, Jones Day
• Charles Hurt of Chatham, Opinion Editor, The Washington Times
• D'Andrea Wooten of Woodbridge, Office Manager, Well Stone Properties

BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE VIRGINIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND

• Carolyn Berry of Charlottesville, Participant Coordinator, Independence Resource Center
• Daphne Cox of Staunton, Retired
• Ronald Lanier of Henrico, Retired
• Vera Wilson of Fincastle, Founder and Director, The Road Less Traveled Homeschool Academy

FINANCE

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON REVENUE ESTIMATES

• Nancy Howell Agee of Salem, President and CEO, Carilion Clinic
• Neil Amin of Henrico, Chief Executive Officer, Shamin Hotels
• Tom Barkin of Richmond, CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
• William G. Crutchfield, Jr., of Albemarle County, Founder and CEO of Crutchfield Corporation
• J. Morgan Davis of Virginia Beach, CEO, TowneBank
• Chad Eisele of Mechanicsville, SVP and CFO, Card at Capital One
• Rob Estes of Richmond, CEO, Estes Express Lines
• Bryan H. Fairbanks of Winchester, President and CEO, Trex Company
• B.K. Fulton of Richmond, Founding Chairman and CEO, Soulidifly Productions
• Mark J. Hourigan of Richmond, CEO and Founder, Hourigan Group
• Howard Kern of Virginia Beach, President and CEO, Sentara Health
• J.W. “Bill” Kirk of Roanoke, Chairman, Associated Asphalt
• Thomas Ransom of Glen Allen, EVP, President, Truist Virginia Region
• Jeff Ricketts of Richmond, Virginia President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Mr. Warren Thompson of Vienna, Chairman and President, Thompson Hospitality Corporation
• Kathy Warden of Falls Church, Chair, CEO, and President, Northrop Grumman

SPECIAL ADVISORS TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON REVENUE ESTIMATES

• Steven C. Smith of Bristol, TN, President and CEO, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.
• Holly Sullivan of Rockville, MD, Vice President, Worldwide Economic Development, Amazon Corporate

JOINT ADVISORY BOARD OF ECONOMISTS

• Dr. David Brat of Lynchburg, Dean, School of Business, Liberty University
• Edwin T. Burton of Charlottesville, Professor of Economics, The University of Virginia
• Christine Chmura, PhD, of Hanover, CEO, Chmura Economics & Analytics
• David Kohl of Blacksburg, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
• Dr. Fletcher Mangum of Henrico County, Founder and CEO, Mangum Economics
• Ryan Price of Alexandria, Chief Economist, Virginia REALTORS®
• Kenneth D. Simonson of Washington, DC, Chief Economist, Associated General Contractors of America
• Michelle Albert Vachris of Virginia Beach, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics Virginia Wesleyan University
• Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan, PhD, of Alexandria, business owner and economist
• Mark Vitner of Charlotte, North Carolina, Managing Director and Senior Economist, Wells Fargo
• Sonya Ravindranath Waddell of Richmond, Vice President and Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR THE DEAF AND HARD–OF-HEARING

• Carl Thomas Cline, Jr., of Roanoke, Vice President/Administrator, Carilion Clinic, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
• Kristin Karmon of Richmond, Speech-Language Pathologist, Aveanna Healthcare

BOARD OF COUNSELING

• Benjamin Allison of Forest, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Christian Counselors
• Matthew Scott of Lynchburg, Marriage and Family Therapist, Light Counseling
• Terry R Tinsley, PhD, LPC, LMFT, NCC, CSOTP, of Gainesville, Vice President of Residential Services, Youth For Tomorrow

BOARD OF DENTISTRY

• William C. Bigelow, DDS, of Staunton
• Emelia H. McLennan of Virginia Beach, CDA, RDH, BSDH, Beach Dental Center

BOARD OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS

• S. Jonathan Hines of Staunton, Assistant Manager/FSL/CCO, Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory

BOARD OF NURSING

• Carol Cartte of Glen Allen, Registered Nurse
• Dr. Helen Parke of Lynchburg, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Community Access Network

BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Rebecca Duff of Roanoke, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Radford University Carilion
• Melissa Fox of Charlottesville, Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Virginia Health System

BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK

• Elke Cox of Lynchburg, LCSW, Associate Professor, Liberty University

BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

• Richard Bailey, D.V.M., of Fincastle, Veterinarian, Botetourt Veterinary Hospital

RADIATION ADVISORY BOARD

• Christopher Kondorossy of Richmond, Dentist, Drs. Rossetti, Myers & Kondorossy

VIRGINIA BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

• Jennifer Greene of Potomac Falls, Disability Advocate
• Karen Wood Grizzard of Richmond, Family/Consumer Representative, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services Board
• Jennifer Fierro Kelly of Moseley, Senior Manager, Altria Client Services LLC
• Nadia Rauhala of Strasburg
• Gina Ryan of Great Falls
• Nicholas Sladic of Henrico, Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel, Capital One, Services, LLC
• Mary G. Vought of Arlington, Business Owner, Vought Strategies

INDEPENDENT

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Steven DeLuca of Richmond, Vice President, Head of State and Local Government Affairs, Capital One
• Dr. Wally R. Smith of Richmond, Professor of Medicine

LABOR

BOARD FOR BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGY

• Marques Blackmon of Ashburn, Master Barber/Owner, Parlor Twenty-Three
• Oanh "Tina" Dang of Virginia Beach, School Director
• Gregory L. Edwards of Hampton Roads, Licensed Tattoo Instructor and Artist, Greg’s Tattoos LLC.
• Claudia Espinoza of Woodbridge, Owner, My Bellas Beauty Salon

FAIR HOUSING BOARD

• Amanda Buyalos of Botetourt County, Property Manager, The Reserve at Daleville
• Gray Gilchrist of Goochland, President, Parkstone Management LLC
• Morton “Tracy” Marks III of Moseley, CEO of LenderSelect Mortgage a DBA of Blue Ridge Bank NA.

LEGISLATIVE

CAPITOL SQUARE PRESERVATION COUNCIL

• Jamie Bosket of Richmond, President & CEO, Virginia Museum of History & Culture

NATURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES

ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION

• Troy Magee Lyons of Alexandria
• Penny Nance of Alexandria, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America

BOARD OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

• Chief Walt "Red Hawk" Brown of Southampton County, Chief, Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County Virginia
• The Honorable Jim Cheng of Charlottesville, Chief Strategy Officer, Pamunkey Indian Enterprises
• COL Eric A. Hoggard of Fort Leavenworth, KS, Director of Training, Mission Command Center of Excellence
• Hunter H. Ihrman of Herndon, Associate Director of Policy Communications, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
• J. William Inge IV of Roanoke

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VIRGINIA OUTDOORS FOUNDATION

• Elizabeth Copeland of King William County, Senior Director, Juul Labs, Inc.
• V.B. “Tack” Richardson III of Alexandria, Principal, The MITRE Corporation, former staff, Senator John W. Warner

BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

• Jon Cooper of Botetourt, Director of Content and Audience, College Sports, XL Media PLC
• George J. Terwilliger III of Delaplane, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

CAVE BOARD

• Jason Carter of Staunton, Director of External & Member Relations, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
• Allen L. Louderback of Luray, former Virginia Delegate and President, Louderback Enterprises

STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD

• The Honorable Jerry Kilgore of Henrico County, Partner, Cozen O'Connor

VIRGINIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD

• Charles Newton of Page County, Director of Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation
• Adam D. Wilson of Abingdon, Owner and Operator, Wilson Cattle Company

VIRGINIA WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD

• Dan Ciesla of Chesterfield County, Municipal Sales Manager, Republic Services
• Jennifer Payne Johnson of Richmond, Vice President and Director of Waste & Recycling, LaBella Associates

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE AND PREVENTION

• The Honorable Stephanie M. Ayers of Goodview, Judge, 24th Judicial District, Bedford and Lynchburg J&DR Courts
• Erik Conyers of Richmond
• Cecilia Gomez-Brown of Mineral, Probation and Parole Supervisor (Retired), Department of Juvenile Justice
• Julianna Herbek of Bristow, Director of Executive Administration, Youth For Tomorrow
• James E. Laster of Virginia Beach, Realtor, Howard Hanna
• Alex White of Luray, Volunteer, Page One of Page County
• Marie-Clare Matricardi of Culpeper, University of Virginia
• Dr. Brooke Rudis of Chesapeake, Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Support, Chesapeake Public Schools
• Olivia G. Saunders of Hanover

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• Randall Beaty of Austin, Texas, Forensic Toxicologist
• Christopher Bommarito of San Diego, CA, President and Chief Scientist, Forensic Science Consultants
• Dr. Marc A. LeBeau of Fairfax, Senior Forensic Scientist, FBI Laboratory
• Richard P. Meyers of Herndon, Forensic Chemist, USDOJ

STATE CRIME COMMISSION

• Bill Cleveland of Alexandria, former Vice-Mayor, City of Alexandria
• Robert Neira Tracci of Albemarle, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Louisa County
• The Honorable Patricia L. West of Virginia Beach, Judge (ret.)

VIRGINIA CANNABIS CONTROL AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• John F. Keohane of Chesterfield County, Police Chief, Retired

VIRGINIA SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM PROFESIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE

• Shel Bolyard-Douglas, LCSW, of Fauquier County, Director, Fauquier County Social Services
• Judy Casteele of Buena Vista, Executive Director, Project Horizon, Inc.
• Cori Davis of Amherst, Program Director, Bedford Domestic Violence Services
• Elvira G. De la Cruz Macedo of Colonial Heights, CEO, Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
• Leonard Hall, Jr., of Floyd, Director, Millstone International Logistics
• Tamy Mann of Giles County, Director, Victim Witness Assistance Program
• Teresa D. McKensie of Radford, Assistant Director of Victim Witness, Radford City/Floyd County
• Jennifer Quitiquit of Hanover County, Director, Chesterfield Victim Witness
• Heather Sellers of Bedford County, Director, Bedford Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Michelle Strain of Chincoteague
• Ellen Wheeler of Rockbridge County, Assistant Director, Project Horizon

TRANSPORTATION

AEROSPACE ADVISORY COUNCIL

• David Bowles, PhD, of Northampton County, Executive Director, Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy at Old Dominion University
• Nicholas Devereux of Alexandria, Policy & Government Affairs, Wing
• Christopher Goyne of Charlottesville, Associate Professor, University of Virginia
• Major General Roosevelt Mercer, Jr., USAF (retired), of Virginia Beach, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority
• Tom Michels of Washington, DC, Director, Government Affairs, United Airlines
• Michael A. Stoltzfus of Bridgewater, President & CEO, Dynamic Aviation
• Todd M. Yeatts of Arlington, Senior Manager Government Operations, The Boeing Compan

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE VIRGINIA PORT AUTHORITY

• Shaza Andersen of Great Falls, CEO, Trustar Bank
• James C. Burnett of Newport News, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, W.M. Jordan Company
• Michael W. Coleman, Sr., of Virginia Beach, President and CEO, CV International, Inc.
• J.W. “Bill” Kirk of Roanoke, Chairman, Associated Asphalt

COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD

• Darrell R. Byers of Fluvanna
• B. Wayne Coleman of Norfolk, Virginia, Chairman and Owner of CV International, Inc.
• H. Randolph Laird of Staunton
• Thomas Moore "Ty" Lawson of Winchester, Attorney, Thomas Moore Lawson, P.C. and Of Counsel, Williams Mullen
• Laura A. Sellers of Stafford County, Counterintelligence Policy, JMark Services

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

• Susan R. DiGiovanni, MD, of Midlothian
• Dr. Mark Sochor of Charlottesville, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia

MOTOR VEHICLES DEALER BOARD

• Charles G. Barker of Virginia Beach, Chairman, Charles Barker Automotive
• Thomas M. Bates of Virginia Beach, CEO and Chairman, RK Chevrolet Inc. & Protecting Children Foundation
• Trevor Coley of Mechanicsville, Dealer Operator & General Manager, Camping World RV Sales
• Dennis Ellmer of Virginia Beach, Owner, Priority Automotive
• Ronald F. Kody of Rockville, President, Richmond Ford
• David Lynn of Richmond, City Wide Auto and Truck Sales
• Chris Maher of Winchester, President, Car Credit Nation
• Roman “R.J.” J Robinson, Jr., of Glen Allen, Managing Partner, Parks Chevrolet Richmond
• Nick Rush of Montgomery County, former Virginia Delegate

VETERANS AND DEFENSE AFFAIRS

BOARD OF VETERANS SERVICES

• Joe Campa of Arlington, 11th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (Retired); CEO, Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated
• Jamie Inman of Richmond, Global Logistics Director, Afton Chemical Company
• Carlton Kent of Woodbridge, 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (Retired); President, Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated

JOINT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ON VETERANS SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS

• Ann L. Crittenden of Stafford, LtCol (Retired)
• Jose R. Ramos of Great Falls, Vice President, Government and Community Relations, Wounded Warrior Project

VETERANS SERVICES FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• Brad Williamson of Yorktown, CEO, MVSEA, LLC

Governor Welcomes Walmart As Newest Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer at Ceremony in Glen Allen 

Glen Allen, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today officially welcomed Walmart as a Certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer at a special National Hire a Veteran Day ceremony and presentation at the Walmart Supercenter at 11400 West Broad Street in Glen Allen. 

The Governor was joined by Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw, Virginia Commissioner of Veterans Services Daniel Gade, and representatives of Walmart to announce the retailer’s commitment to hiring Virginia veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses as a V3 program partner.

“Our Commonwealth is home to more than 700,000 men and women who have served in our armed forces and more than 150,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard members. This makes it vitally important to bring attention to the importance of National Hire a Veteran Day and to partners like Walmart and hundreds of other employers – large and small – to ensure this valuable pipeline of skilled and talented people stay in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "Walmart has shown its dedication to hiring these veterans at its 149 retail locations and six distribution centers throughout our state and today, strengthens its commitment by becoming a Certified Partner Employer in our Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. My administration is reimagining the way we provide veteran benefits, we have relieved veterans of unnecessary taxing on their retirement pay, and we are focused on creating further employment opportunities. Hiring Virginia Veterans is not only the right thing to do – it is the smart thing to do."

“Since its creation in 2013, the Department of Veterans Services’ V3 Program has trained and certified more than 2,000 Virginia businesses and other employers on how to best recruit, hire and retain Virginia Veterans in their workforces. The program has resulted in over 96,000 veteran hires,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw. “With more than 46,000 sales associates statewide and their own corporate “Find A Future” national program dedicated to hiring veterans and military spouses, we are exceptionally pleased to have Walmart partner with our V3 program.”

“Walmart is proud to partner with the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program to provide opportunities for veterans and military spouses to learn and grow,” said Brynt Parmeter, Walmart’s Senior Director of Military Programs. “Our partnership will help advance the economic opportunity and well-being of our veterans, building on our focus to help them achieve their goals in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.”

The program also included introductions and remarks from Walmart Regional Senior People Director and veteran Kirsten Frey and Baron Dixon, a veteran and Asset Protection Operations Lead.

“Welcoming Walmart as a Certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer is especially meaningful on this National Hire a Veteran Day,” said DVS Commissioner Daniel Gade. “One of our most important missions at DVS is to assure that our Virginia veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find successful employment in our civilian workforce. This is one reason Virginia continues to be recognized nationally as the #1 state for military veterans and retirees. Virginia is for veterans.” 

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Virginia ended the fiscal year 2022 with a $1.94 billion general fund revenue surplus. On a fiscal year-to-date basis, total revenue collections rose 16.3 percent, based on preliminary data.  

“While I am pleased that our additional revenue can be reinvested in Virginia, the Commonwealth’s general fund revenue surplus confirms that Virginians have been overtaxed for way too long,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As inflation hits another 40-year high, I’m proud that our budget provides almost $4 billion in tax relief to Virginians, the largest tax relief in the Commonwealth’s history. We have a lot of work left to do to recover from the pandemic, but Virginia’s economy is demonstrating promising economic and company growth with major companies such as Boeing, Raytheon, and LEGO moving their headquarters to Virginia.”  

“Fiscal 2022 was an extraordinary year for revenues and finished strong. However, there are a number of critical economic issues that we will continue to watch very closely as we put our plan together for the future. We are encouraged by the continuing strength of payroll withholding and retail sales taxes, which increased by 9.5 percent, indicating that Virginia’s underlying economic foundation is strong,” said Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings.  

Virginia’s strong labor market has produced 79,818 jobs since January, driving growth in payroll withholding. There were 124,878 more Virginians employed in May 2022 than there were in May 2021, an increase of 3.5 percent year-over-year. Although recent trends are encouraging, Virginia has yet to recover more than 133,000 jobs that were lost during the pandemic (now at 96.9 percent of pre-pandemic levels) while our key competitor states have all exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels. While the Commonwealth underperformed the nation in jobs recovered since the pandemic, ranking 47th overall, momentum is building and Virginia is now ranked 15th among the states in employment growth for the first four months of 2022.  

Analysis of Fiscal Year 2022 Revenues 

Based on Preliminary Data 

• Based on preliminary data, Fiscal Year 2022 ended with a $1.94 billion general fund revenue surplus. General fund revenues, excluding transfers, rose 16.3 percent for the year compared to fiscal year 2021, exceeding the forecast of 8.5 percent growth. 
• Payroll withholding and sales tax collections, 69 percent of total revenues, and the best indicator of current economic activity in the Commonwealth, finished $193.5 million or 1.0 percent ahead of the forecast.  
• Payroll withholding grew of 9.5 percent, exceeding the forecast of 9.0 percent growth.  
• Sales tax collections increased 9.4 percent as compared to the annual forecast of 6.5 percent. 
• Nonwithholding income tax collections finished the year ahead of expectations, up 30.5 percent. This was mainly due to a 40.9 percent increase in final tax payments to the Department of Taxation.  
• Individual income tax refunds were a positive to the forecast as the average check size decreased. Tax refunds were $280.2 million below expectations, a positive to the bottom line. 
• Corporate income tax collections increased 30.5 percent for the year, behind the annual forecast of 32.6 percent. 
• A complete accounting of all final revenue sources will be available after final year-end close and will be released on August 19 when the Governor speaks at the Joint Money Committee Meeting. 

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, a regulatory board under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), at its most recent meeting on July 11, 2022, voted to reduce the number of hours required to obtain a cosmetology license by 33%, from 1,500 to 1,000. The board assembled a panel of advisors representing businesses, public schools, private career and technical schools, and subject matter expertise in infection control to conduct a comprehensive review of the education and training Virginia mandates to obtain a cosmetologist license.

“Reducing regulatory obstacles that get in the way of both businesses and talented Virginians from entering the workforce has been a priority of mine since day one. Not only will this allow individuals to get to work sooner and help businesses find skilled workers, but it even reduces the amount of student loans a graduate will have to take on,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On average, the education required for cosmetology licensure costs more than $16,000 and takes nearly a year to complete. Virginia’s 1,500-hour training requirement was put in place in 1963. The change to 1,000 hours will undergo several regulatory steps which will include public comment, before becoming final. While the overall hours are being reduced, greater focus within the training program is placed on topics related to public protection—particularly infection control and chemical safety.

“We’re taking a hard look at the requirements to get and keep a license. The right to earn a living without unnecessary government obstruction is a fundamental right. This is just the first step in reforming occupational licensing in Virginia and ensuring the government works for all citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Youngkin. "We are ensuring our licensing requirements are focused on protecting the public and provide opportunities for out-of-state skilled workers such as military spouses or dislocated workers, to get licensed in Virginia. These measures are common-sense solutions to strengthen our economy."

“Since day one we have been executing the Governor’s commitment to reduce 25% of Virginia’s regulatory burdens on the 40 plus occupations and professions regulated by DPOR boards,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “We obviously still have a lot of work ahead of us—Virginia’s workforce and businesses will benefit substantially by the elimination of unnecessary regulatory obstacles to jobs and economic opportunities.”

DPOR is an executive branch agency under the Secretary of Labor, overseeing 18 regulatory boards comprised of practitioners and citizens appointed by the governor. Policy boards determine the minimum standards necessary to enter a profession and the standards of conduct for licensees. Governor Youngkin signed Executive Directive One on his first day in office, directing agencies to reduce regulatory burdens by at least 25%.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced updated guidance on quarantine procedures following exposure to COVID-19 in school, child care and camp settings. This revised guidance outlines that quarantine is no longer routinely recommended after exposure to COVID-19 infected individuals in child care, K-12 schools, and camp settings.  

Earlier in the year, individuals were encouraged to consider their own risk tolerance and determine what precautions made sense for them and their families. Today, vaccines, tests and treatments continue to be readily available and, at the same time, hospitalization rates are low and the number of Virginians with natural immunity has increased. As such, it is again timely for individuals, families and employers to re-evaluate which precautions are appropriate to them.   

“From the first days of my administration, I have supported parents in making informed decisions for their own families, whom they love and know best,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As Virginians continue to return to the office and social settings, the pandemic is disrupting workplaces and family life when entire child care facilities, camps and classrooms shutter in response to as few as two cases. Today marks a shift in my administration’s recommendations to optional quarantine for exposure to COVID-19 in child care and school settings as the severity of the disease decreases.”  

While our communities and Commonwealth are learning to live with the pandemic, we recognize that COVID-19 continues to impact many individuals. We are encouraged by our health systems’ continued advancement in both the understanding of, and treatment for, the virus. We will continue to be vigilant about surges or new variants and any impact to our healthcare system.  While maintaining that prudence, Virginia’s communities can, and should, continue on a path to normalcy. 

View the updated COVID-19 guidance here.

RICHMOND, VA – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin was joined by Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and Virginia Tech President Tim Sands to announce a public-private partnership uniting industry, government, and academia to drive talent development and increased labor force participation in Virginia.

The partnership builds upon Boeing’s $50 million, multi-year commitment that helped jump-start the development of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, which offers a new model for graduate education in computer science and engineering, and aims to create the most diverse technology campus in the United States. 

Boeing became the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus’ first foundational partner in 2021 to broaden its technology focus across Aerospace & Defense applications, bolstering Virginia as a global innovation hub. The campus will become an internationally recognized research center for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Software, Wireless Communications and Intelligent Interfaces.

Governor Youngkin also announced the formation of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families on Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, which will work in concert with the Commonwealth’s Veterans and Defense Affairs Secretariat. The new center will be a key part of his plan to establish a statewide network of resources for Veterans and their families. This initiative includes the creation of an integrated, best-in-class digital hub that seamlessly connects Veterans and their families to services and benefits provided across the Commonwealth. The State has also committed employees from the Department of Veterans Services to staff the Center on Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus. 

“Boeing’s recent announcement to move its headquarters to Virginia and reaffirm its commitment to building the next generation of tech talent is a timely development for the Commonwealth, and is made more exciting by their extensive partnership with Virginia Tech,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The relocation of a world-class company like Boeing to Virginia is testament to the wealth of talent and human capital in our state. Their pledge to create the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families ensures that the Commonwealth and its businesses continue to invest in diverse career pathways for veterans and students alike, all the while helping businesses thrive.”

“We know that Virginia and Northern Virginia particularly have a high concentration of service members and their families. When separating service members look for their next career step, we want them to choose Virginia. We are committed to making Virginia the best choice for Veterans and their spouses to live, work, and raise a family. This statewide network of resources and connectivity is a step in the right direction to make that a reality,” said Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs Craig Crenshaw.

As part of the Boeing-Virginia Tech partnership, the world renowned Aerospace & Defense company has committed to providing student scholarships, facilitating recruitment of world-class faculty, funding K-12 STEM pathway programs, and supporting programs for non-traditional undergraduates, including veterans, to enroll in its state of the art programs.

“I applaud Boeing for their long-term commitment to the Commonwealth and investments in Virginia’s human capital,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “This partnership in K-12 and higher education will further develop our talent pool to ensure we bolster Virginia's current workforce while also strengthening the pathways for our increasingly diverse citizenry to be prepared for the knowledge economy. Virginians will reap the benefits of this government-corporate-academic collaboration for generations.”

“Boeing has a long, proud history of supporting veterans and their families during and after their service. We’re also a leading employer of service members, with veterans representing more than 15% of our workforce. So we’re honored to join Virginia and Virginia Tech to build on Boeing’s commitment to veterans with this Center for Veteran Transition & Military Families,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “This initiative will unlock new career opportunities for veterans and their families and help develop leading technical talent while affirming our continued investment in Northern Virginia.”

“Virginia Tech has a long history of successful partnerships with Boeing and the Commonwealth, and we look forward to working with them to provide a home for this important initiative for veterans at the Innovation Campus,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “We know veterans bring unique talents and abilities to our campus, and the commonwealth’s workforce.” 

Boeing, Virginia Tech, and Governor Youngkin made the announcement today at an event at Boeing’s office in Arlington, VA.

RICHMOND,VA — Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support, a commission formed on his first day in office. This commission will serve as an advisory council to the Governor, and make recommendations to combat human trafficking in Virginia.  

“This Commission is proof that Virginia is committed to ending human trafficking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The conviction of human traffickers, empowerment of survivors, and prevention of others from becoming victims are top public safety priorities for the Commonwealth. That is why I signed the executive order for this commission on my first day in office. We must remain vigilant to ensure that those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and help survivors are equipped with the tools necessary to win this fight.”

"Human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is one of the most heinous, violent crimes our communities combat,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bob Mosier. “I am grateful to have such dedicated people lending their time and expertise to help bring an end to the repeated crimes of commercial exploitation. I am confident this team will make a difference in the lives of survivors and prevent others from becoming victims, making the Commonwealth safer for all. There will be no leniency in Virginia for those who engage in any form of human trafficking."

The Commission will be responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, the Office of Attorney General, as well as the State Trafficking Response Coordinator and any other federal, state, local, or private sector entities to increase law enforcement awareness, empower and support survivors, and enhance trafficking prevention education throughout the Commonwealth.

The new commission consists of the following members:

• Mike Lamonea, Chair, of Chesapeake, Director at Juniper Networks and Retired DHS/Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent
• Michael J. Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sheriff (Retired), Bedford County Sheriff's Office
• Brittany Dunn of Alexandria, COO & Co-Founder, Safe House Project
• Sarah-Beth Evans of Norfolk
• Keith Farmer of Roanoke Valley, Director, Straight Street
• Michael Y. Feinmel of Henrico, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Henrico County
• Pamela Hock, M.S. of Richmond, Educator, Advocate, Survivor
• Tyller Holden of Virginia Beach, Junior Board of Directors, EnJewel
• Michael Miller of Bedford, Sheriff, Bedford County
• Deepa Patel of Springfield, Virginia, Co-Founder and Clinician, Trauma and Hope
• Mea Picone of Richmond
• Susan Young of Fairfax, Executive Director and Founder, Parent Coalition To End Human Trafficking

The new commission consists of the following Ex-officio members:

• Secretary Robert “Bob” Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security 
• Secretary Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Education
• Secretary Bryan Slater, Secretary of Labor
• Angella Alvernaz, State Trafficking Response Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services
• Major Caren Sterling, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Lead of VSP Human Trafficking Unit, Virginia State Police
• Tanya Gould, Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Office of Attorney General

Hurricane Season Began June 1

~ Youngkin Administration to raise standards, improve transparency, and empower parents and teachers ~