Spanberger Assembles Experienced Team for Virginia’s Leadership
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is strategically assembling a team of seasoned professionals to fill key positions in her forthcoming administration. Drawing from a mix of current state agency leaders, former state officials, and renowned external experts, Spanberger has announced appointments for 35 governmental roles.
Continuity appears to be a significant theme as Spanberger has opted to retain leaders from several state departments, including transportation, planning and budget, and more. Notably, she reinstated Duke Storen and John Maxwell, who previously served under former Governor Ralph Northam, as commissioners for social services and veterans services.
Promotions within the state government include Kristin Collins, who advances from deputy tax commissioner to commissioner at the Department of Taxation. Steve Koski is set to lead the Department of Elections as commissioner, and Charles Green will assume the role of commissioner of agriculture from his current deputy position. John Scrivani will transition from director of safety, security, and emergency management at the Virginia Department of Transportation to state coordinator at the Department of Emergency Management.
From outside state ranks, Spanberger has tapped Dr. Cameron Webb, a physician and attorney with a background in congressional candidacy, to be the health commissioner. Jeffrey Katz, formerly the Police Chief of Chesterfield County, will take on the role of superintendent of the Virginia State Police. Darryl Washington, currently leading the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services Board, is appointed as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, with clinical psychologist Alyssa Ward as the deputy commissioner.
James Frederick, who served as a deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor, will become commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. Mariia Zimmerman and Terrance Lasher will lead the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and serve as state forester, respectively.
Bob Holsworth, a political analyst in Richmond, commented on the appointments, saying, “It looks like a pretty competent list of people.” Spanberger taps former Hampton superintendent to be secretary of education
Spanberger has expressed confidence in her selections, stating, “Over the past two months, I have been working to make sure my administration is ready to begin serving Virginians on day one.” She emphasized building a capable team prepared to address the state’s challenges and foster economic growth.
In addition to these appointments, Spanberger has drawn from her congressional staff for roles in the governor’s office. Bonnie Krenz-Schnurman, Spanberger’s former chief of staff in Congress, will continue in that capacity at the state level. Karen Mask, who directed the transition, is set to become deputy chief of staff.
Other notable appointments include Rebecca Eichmann as policy director and Gerica Goodman as legislative director. Spanberger has also appointed Kandis Holley to direct strategic engagement and Marc Rabourdin for local government engagement.
While the entire cabinet is yet to be finalized, Spanberger has named key deputies for health and human resources, veterans and defense affairs, and finance, ensuring experienced leadership in these critical areas. The incoming governor is reappointing several agency heads from the previous administration, including those overseeing general services, transportation, and the milk commission.
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