From Ralph Northam’s transition team:
Governor-Elect Ralph Northam Announces Administration Appointments
RICHMOND — Governor-elect Ralph Northam today announced key appointments for senior leadership positions within his administration.
Stacey Brayboy will join the Northam administration as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. She previously served as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she has had a number of leadership roles in the areas of Economic & Community Development as well as Food and Nutrition Services. Ms. Brayboy’s prior service in Virginia includes a role as Deputy Director for the Council on Human Rights during the Kaine Administration.
Joe Flores will become the Deputy Secretary of Finance for the Northam administration. He is currently serving as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources; a position he has held since 2014. Mr. Flores spent 12 years as a Legislative Fiscal Analyst for the Senate Finance Committee in Virginia where he specialized in fiscal policy issues concerning all areas of health care. Prior to coming to Virginia he spent a number of years with the legislatures of both Minnesota and Texas.
Jaime Areizaga-Soto will continue in his current position as Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. Mr. Areizaga-Soto is a Colonel in the Army National Guard and has served as Deputy Secretary since 2014. Prior to serving as Deputy Secretary in Virginia, he served at the U.S Agency for International Development and as a White House Fellow.
Joe Damico will serve as Director of the Department of General Services. He has served as Deputy Director since 2002 where he has advanced the agency’s service support to public bodies, businesses, and citizens of the Commonwealth in a wide array of services. In addition, he has been involved in historic building renovation, new construction, and maintenance and operation of executive buildings and grounds at Capitol Square.
Shannon Dion will serve as Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services. She has served in various leadership roles within the department since 2014. Prior to coming to the department she spent seven years with the Office of the Attorney General. Ms. Dion was an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the City of Richmond as well as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Department of Justice in the Eastern District.
Mark Flynn will join the Northam administration as Director of the Department of Aviation. Currently in private practice, he is an accomplished local government attorney with extensive experience in aviation matters and is a licensed single engine aircraft pilot engine with instrument, commercial and instructor ratings.
Erik Johnston will serve as Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. He has served as Deputy Director since January of 2017. Prior to joining the department, he served as Deputy Policy Director in the McAuliffe administration and spent a number of years with both the National Association of Counties and the Virginia Association of Counties.
Tim Williams will be reappointed as Adjutant General of Virginia. He has served in the role since June of 2014.
Adrianne Bennett will be reappointed as Chairwoman of the Virginia Parole Board. She was appointed to serve as a full-time Parole Member in October of 2015 and as chairwoman in January of 2017
Clyde Cristman will be reappointed as Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. He has served as Director since 2014. He has served in various senior roles in both executive and legislative agencies for more than 20 years.
Ray Davenport will be reappointed as Director of the Department of Labor & Industry. He has served in his current position since 2014. Additionally, Mr. Davenport held this position under both Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine.
Evan Feinman will be reappointed as Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. He has been at the Tobacco Commission since 2015. Prior to that appointment he served as the Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources under Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Manju Ganeriwala will be reappointed as State Treasurer. Manju has served in the role since January of 2009.
Ellen Marie Hess will continue serving as Director of the Virginia Employment Commission. She has served as commissioner since 2013.
Rick Holcomb will be reappointed as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. He has served in his current position since 2010. Additionally, Mr. Holcomb held this position under both Governor George Allen and Governor Jim Gilmore.
David Von Moll will be reappointed as State Comptroller. He has served in the role since 2001.
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