The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI) within VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs proudly celebrates the accomplishments of alumni who are continuing to lead and serve across the Commonwealth of Virginia under Governor Abigail Spanberger’s 2026 administration.
GEHLI alumni have recently been elected to public office, appointed to influential leadership positions across state government, and selected to serve on key transition committees helping guide the future of Virginia policy and administration. Their achievements reflect the Institute’s longstanding mission to develop ethical, effective, and visionary leaders committed to public service and civic engagement.
Among those recently elected to office are Debra D. Gardner, a Virginia Executive Institute (VEI) alum, who was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 76th District, and Delores L. McQuinn, a HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program alum, who was elected to represent Virginia’s 81st District in the House of Delegates. Molly Angevine, a Certified Planning Commissioner (CPC) Program alum, was also elected to serve as a Town of Scottsville Council Member.
Several alumni played significant roles on Governor Spanberger’s transition and policy leadership teams, helping shape priorities for the incoming administration. These leaders include Carlos Hopkins, JD, MBA; Basil I. Gooden, Ph.D.; Grindly Johnson; Jae Davenport; Jennie O'Holleran; and Karen Kimsey, all alumni of the Virginia Executive Institute (VEI).
Additional alumni were appointed to leadership positions across state government and public boards. We are extremely proud of this list of GEHLI Alumni:
- Molly Angevine - Elected as Town of Scottsville Council Member.
- Amy Bridge MNS - Appointed as Director of the Executive Mansion, Office of the Governor.
- Tamarah Christian Holmes, PhD - Appointed to Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
- Kristin Collins - Appointed to Tax Commissioner with the Virginia Department of Taxation.
- Jae Davenport - Served on Governor Spanberger's Transition Team as Safety & Homeland Security, Co-Chair.
- Traci J. Deshazor - Appointed to the Virginia Secretary of Administration.
- Debra D. Gardner - Elected to the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates, 76th District.
- Basil I. Gooden, PhD - Served on Governor Spanberger's Transition Team as Agriculture & Forestry, Co-Char.
- Charles Green - Appointed to 19th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
- James Heo - Appointed Deputy Secretary of Finance.
- Carlos Hopkins, JD, MBA - Served on Governor Spanberger's "United for Virginia's Future" Transition Committee.
- Grindly Johnson - Served on Governor Spanberger's Transition Team as Administration Policy Committee, Co-Chair.
- Karen Kimsey - Served on Governor Spanberger's Transition Team as Health & Human Resources, Co-Chair.
- Robert W. (Bobby) Mathieson - Appointed to the Virginia Lottery Board.
- Michael Maul - Appointed to Director of Virginia's Department of Planning and Budget (DPB).
- Delores L. McQuinn - Elected to the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates, 81st District.
- Jennie O'Holleran - Served on Governor Spanberger's "United for Virginia's Future" Transition Committee.
- Dietra Trent, PhD - Appointed to the Board of Virginia Commission on Higher Education.
“These accomplishments demonstrate the extraordinary impact GEHLI alumni continue to make throughout Virginia and beyond,” the Institute shared. “From elected office to executive leadership roles in state government, our alumni are helping strengthen communities, shape policy, and lead with integrity and purpose.”
The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, housed within the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, provides leadership development programs designed to cultivate diverse and effective leaders prepared to address the challenges facing organizations, communities, and government.
As GEHLI alumni continue to lead at every level of public service, their work stands as a testament to the Institute’s enduring legacy and its commitment to developing the next generation of changemakers across the Commonwealth.
Help congratulate them on the GEHLI LinkedIn announcement:
GEHLI Alumni Leadership Announcement on LinkedIn