From Gov.-elect 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.
Rita Davis will join the Northam administration as Counsel to the Governor.
Jessica Killeen will join the administration as Deputy Counsel to the Governor.
“It is critically important to have sound legal counsel when making decisions that impact the lives of over 8.4 million Virginians,” said Governor-elect Ralph Northam. “I trust Rita and Jessica will do a wonderful job ensuring this administration governs with the utmost integrity and under full compliance with the laws of our Commonwealth. Two vital ingredients in good governance are transparency and trust, and I firmly believe that having these dedicated professionals on my team will help solidify that foundation.”
Appointee Biographies
Rita P. Davis, Counsel to the Governor
Rita Davis has served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Attorney General Mark Herring since August of 2016. In her role of Section Chief over the Trial Section, Rita supervises a team of 31 lawyers and administrative staff tasked with defending the interests of the Commonwealth and all of its agencies, institutions, and officials in civil law suits. Prior to that, she was a litigator at Hunton & Williams LLP for over 15 years, representing a portfolio of numerous domestic and international Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Rita clerked on the Eighth Circuit and holds a law degree from the University of Richmond. Rita received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Washington and Lee University.
Jessica R. Killeen, Deputy Counsel to the Governor
Jessica R. Killeen previously served as Voter Protection Deputy Director for the Virginia Democratic Coordinated Campaign. Prior to that, she worked as a litigator in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia. She has also served as a staff attorney at Legal Services of Northern Virginia, where she represented low-income populations in civil legal matters. A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Jessica earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science and Spanish from James Madison University. She earned a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Additionally, Jessica is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and recently named a 40 under 40 honoree by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.
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