Spanberger Announces New Appointments to Virginia Parole Board, Higher Education Commission, and Racing Commission

Richmond, VA – Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced a series of appointments to key Virginia boards, including the Virginia Parole Board, the Virginia Commission on Higher Education, and the Virginia Racing Commission. The appointments, announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, aim to strengthen oversight and bring expertise to these critical areas of state government.

Virginia Parole Board Appointments

Governor Spanberger emphasized the importance of fair parole decisions and public safety in her selection of new Parole Board members. The following individuals have been appointed:

• Shannon Dion (Richmond): Nominated as Chair of the Parole Board, Dion brings nearly twenty-five years of experience in Virginia’s criminal justice system. Her background includes serving as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, legal counsel to public safety agencies within the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, and as Director of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. She most recently served as Director of the Virginia Victims Fund [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Valerie Boykin (Suffolk): As President & CEO of Boykin and Associates, Consulting LLC, Boykin offers expertise in juvenile and criminal justice matters. She previously served as Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, leading a transformation focused on reducing youth incarceration and expanding community-based services [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Dr. Kecia N. Brothers Hayes (Chesapeake): Currently the Director of Reentry Services for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, Dr. Brothers Hayes has over two decades of experience in programs and policies supporting youth and families [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Reverend Tyrone Nelson (Henrico): Pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church and a member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, Nelson brings experience in both religious leadership and local government [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Bishop Kevin White (Portsmouth): Senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church, Bishop White has a long history of community service and leadership in the religious sector [Governor of Virginia Announcement].

Virginia Commission on Higher Education Appointments

Governor Spanberger likewise announced appointments to the Virginia Commission on Higher Education, focusing on reviewing and evaluating potential appointees to Virginia’s public institutions of higher education:

• Robert Hardie (Charlottesville): Co-Chairman and CEO of H7 Holdings, LLC and Level One Partners, LLC, Hardie has a background in investment and previously served as Rector of the University of Virginia [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Anne Holton (Richmond): A professor at George Mason University and former Secretary of Education, Holton is a lifelong advocate for children and families [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Lisa Roday (Henrico): Author and attorney, Roday has experience in family law and community service, including co-founding the Network for Women’s Services [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Todd Stottlemyer (Vienna): CEO of Acentra Health, Stottlemyer has experience in healthcare technology and previously served as Rector of the College of William & Mary [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Dr. Dietra Trent (South Boston): Executive Director of the Virginia HBCU Alliance, Dr. Trent has extensive experience in education and public service, including a role in the Biden-Harris Administration [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins (Fairfax): President of Wins & Associates, LLC and former Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Wins brings a background in military leadership [Governor of Virginia Announcement].

Virginia Racing Commission Appointments

The Governor also made appointments to the Virginia Racing Commission, ensuring integrity within the state’s horse racing industry:

• Martha Sedwick Mavredes (Midlothian): Former Auditor of Public Accounts, Mavredes brings a background in auditing and financial oversight [Governor of Virginia Announcement].
• Nancy Love Williams (New Kent County): Partner at Kleinbard LLC, Williams specializes in corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on finance and equine law [Governor of Virginia Announcement].

Governor Spanberger stated, “I recognize these Virginians will serve our neighbors with integrity, and I appear forward to their service.” These appointments are expected to address recent challenges faced by the Parole Board, which had been hampered by a lack of members following removals in January [PilotOnline]. The new board members will commence their terms later this year following confirmation by state officials.