With a new Chair and new members, the VCCS State Board is off and running for the new fiscal year

"I'm excited to lead such a talented and dedicated board." Terri Thompson presided over the VCCS State Board for the first time as Chair when the panel met in Richmond July 18. The citizen board is the governing body for Virginia's Community Colleges. "Having members from different regions, different professions and different points of view provides a strong team to lead our colleges as we pursue our new Strategic Plan," said Thompson.

"I'm particularly grateful to serve with members who are as committed, energized, and engaged as they are," said Thompson. "Our goal is to promote the vision of our 23 colleges as "One System" to serve every corner of the Commonwealth." Thompson has served on the Board since 2019 and chairs the Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Health Board. Retired federal government executive Michael Eric Wooton of Woodbridge (seen here on Thompson's right) will serve as the Board's Vice-Chair this year.

Virginia governors appoint Board members on a staggered basis for up to two four-year terms. Three new members appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin joined the Board as of July. Seen here (L.to R.) are Anthony "Tony" Miller of Damascus, Virginia, a retired utility executive and fishing guide, financial planning executive David Elmore of Waynesboro; and digital services/economic growth manager Jeremy Satterfield of South Boston. At the right, Alethea "AJ" Robinson, a communications and tourism director in Tazewell, was reappointed to a new four-year term.

The VCCS State Board meets on a regular basis six times per year, and as-needed when called by the VCCS Chancellor. Board members select a new Chair and Vice-Chair at their meeting in the spring. You can learn more about Board members and their responsibilities here.