In The News

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2023 Contacts: Office of the Governor: Macaulay Porter, Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Youngkin Announces New Virginia Management Fellows

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the 2023-2025 cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. A collaboration between the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tech, the program addresses the Commonwealth’s need for talented, trained, and prepared government leaders.

“We are pleased to welcome these 10 individuals as members of the sixth cohort of Virginia Management Fellows,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These Fellows represent the best and brightest who have committed themselves to service in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At a critical time in our history, the VMF program’s unique approach is helping us make important improvements in leadership, management, and succession planning of our state workforce.”

The General Assembly first approved the program in 2017.

“The success of this program, now in its sixth year, would not have been possible without the volunteer efforts of our active mentors who model the values of public service, share their expertise, and play an advisory role in helping the program find and train Fellows to be Virginia’s future leaders,” said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid.

The Office of the Secretary of Administration oversees the program with program management provided by DHRM and curriculum management by the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The 10 Fellows are guided by 10 state agency mentors in each of their three 8-month rotations while in the program. These rotation experiences offer hands-on agency work and research opportunities to help the Fellows put theory to practice and make a lasting contribution to the effectiveness of state operations and programs.

“We have emphasized both maintaining long-term relationships with partner agencies and recruiting new agencies to host our Fellows in rotations. This has been key to our high success rate in helping Fellows find full-time leadership roles in state agencies after their VMF experience,” said DHRM Director Janet Lawson.

During the two-year leadership and management development certificate program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies. Virginia Tech SPIA faculty designed the original program and continually improve learning elements to meet Virginia’s need for high-performance public service.

“Over the two-year program, Fellows receive both the soft skill and technical training that are critical for being successful leaders and managers in the public sector environment,” said Andrew Sharp, Lecturer and Program Manager at Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs.

The 2023–2025 Virginia Management Fellows are:

Tatiana Angulo, Virginia Commonwealth University
Jonathan Arnold, Virginia Commonwealth University
Max Berckmueller, The College of William and Mary
Melanie Cruz, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dara Hechter, Brandeis University
Fergus Johnson, Virginia Commonwealth University
Angela Orange, Virginia Tech
Kristen Ramey, University of Mary Washington and Virginia Commonwealth University
Gerald Stokes II, Old Dominion University and Regent University
Benjamin Wojcicki, Virginia Commonwealth University

Any questions about the program should be directed to Jasmine Scott, DHRM’s VMF Program Manager or to Virginia Tech SPIA’s Dr. Andrew Sharp, VMF Program Manager.

Virginia Management Fellows breathing new life into state government

_{By Kelsey Bartlett}

18 JUL 2023

The 2021-2023 Virginia Management Fellows pose on a set of stairs for a group photo.

The 2021-23 Virginia Management Fellows are (from left) Natima Jones, Conrad Faett, Payne Tarkenton, Joseph Dennie, LeGrand Northcutt, Matthew Jones, David Cohn, Madelyn Lent, Claire Mairead, and Celeste Chalkley. Photo by RVA Imaging for Virginia Tech.

Ten of Virginia’s best and brightest are poised to climb the commonwealth’s leadership ladder.

They are the members of the Virginia Management Fellows 2021-23 cohort, and on June 9, they participated in a pinning ceremony that marked their completion of the two-year competitive program that prepares graduates for careers in state government.

The program, a collaboration between Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs and Virginia’s Department of Human Resource Management, was founded in 2017 with the support of then Gov. Terry McAuliffe. It aims to serve as Virginia’s management and leadership succession planning pipeline and was created in anticipation of the large percentage of Virginia’s state agency leaders who will be retiring in coming years.

The current Virginia governor is responsible for announcing each new cohort. Applicants who are chosen for the fellowship receive a full-time salary and benefits as they navigate the program, which typically includes three rotations at any of the 36 participating state agencies, mentorships with state agency leaders, learning modules, and lectures and seminars held at the school’s Richmond campus. Following the program, fellows typically apply to and often land jobs with state government.

Small, round gold and blue pins are engraved with the state of Virginia and the VMF acronym. — The Virginia Management Fellows pinning ceremony marks the completion of the two-year competitive program meant to prepare graduates for careers in state government.

Andrew Sharp, the Virginia Management Fellows program manager, said cohorts are made up of fellows with a range of educational backgrounds.

This year, about 50 people applied for the program from universities across the commonwealth. People with undergraduate or graduate degrees are eligible for the fellowship. Those chosen for the 2023-25 cohort will be announced in August.

The 2021-23 cohort included three Virginia Tech graduates.

“We try to, as much as we can, diversify the pool in terms of talent, skills, majors, and backgrounds,” Sharp said. “That just makes for a stronger cohort.”

One of the recent cohort’s Hokies was Conrad Faett, a 2021 graduate. He said he was unsure what he wanted to do with his political science degree as he approached graduation. The program provided an ideal transition from school to a professional setting, Faett said, while still providing ample learning resources.

Standing in front of a Virginia flag, a woman fastens a pin to a fellow's lapel as they smile for the camera. — Conrad Faett (at left), a 2021 Virginia Tech graduate, receives his pin from Margaret "Lyn" McDermid, secretary of administration in Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office, during a Jun. 9 Virginia Management Fellows pinning ceremony. Photo by RVA Imaging for Virginia Tech.

He spent his first rotation at the Virginia Department of Elections, learning the inner workings of voter processing and election result tracking. After his second rotation with the Virginia Department of Health, the Department of Elections offered him a job as an elections and registration specialist, which he accepted but continued the program as a “hybrid” fellow — meaning he completed the program’s requirements, but not a third rotation.

“It’s given me opportunities that I didn't know were possible,” Faett said of the fellowship. “The networking and shared passion for public service has been really cool to experience. This is definitely a lifelong connection that we’ll have as a group. We’ll always remember this experience because it was so unique.”

Fellows also participate in the Virginia Public Sector Leader program, one of the school’s leadership certificate programs, and are eligible to receive three hours of Virginia Tech graduate credits for a budgeting course. In addition to their work, the fellows fund, design, and implement a public-private partnership with a local organization or nonprofit that benefits an underserved community each year.

One of this year’s fellows, Madelyn Lent, graduated from the University of Richmond in 2021 with a degree in philosophy, politics, economics, and law. During her first rotation, Lent was assigned to the Department of General Services’ communications team.

After her second rotation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, she accepted a job offer to become the department’s policy manager. Like Faett, she stayed with her cohort as a hybrid fellow.

Lent said she feels as though she is exactly where she is meant to be.

“I had been intentional about coming to the agency,” Lent said. “I have a younger sibling with autism and Down syndrome. I grew familiar with the developmental disability community and was interested in that policy area. I knew I wanted to go into one of the agencies that touched the world.”

She said her favorite part of the fellowship was the seminars given by seasoned professionals as well as the relationships she built with her mentors. She said she also appreciates that the variety of rotations gave fellows opportunities to explore career paths before committing.

“I think it gives you a lot more autonomy to make informed decisions about how you want your career to move forward,” Lent said. “It gives you the information and then the autonomy to act.”

Speakers at this year’s pinning ceremony included Margaret “Lyn” McDermid, the secretary of administration in Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office, and Janet Lawson, director of Virginia’s Department of Human Resource Management.

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2022 Contacts: Office of the Governor: Macaulay Porter, Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces New Virginia Management Fellows

_{Program in Fifth Anniversary Year Helps Develop Virginia’s Future Leaders}

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced the 2022-24 cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. A collaboration between the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tech, the program addresses the Commonwealth’s need for talented, trained, and prepared government leaders.

“We welcome the 10 members of the Virginia Management Fellows fifth cohort,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These Fellows come from across the Commonwealth bringing strong educational background and readiness for rigorous technical training and leadership development programs. The distinctive VMF program allows Virginia to bolster our state workforce helping to develop future leaders of the Commonwealth.”

The General Assembly first approved the program in 2017.

“This cohort marks the fifth anniversary of the VMF program, an important milestone for the state. We are demonstrating our commitment to Virginia’s future leaders,” said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid.

“Our success is evident through the growing interest of state agencies in the Fellows program and in the successful transition of Fellows into roles in state agencies,” said DHRM Director Janet Lawson.

During the two-year leadership and management development certificate program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies.

“As a former Fellow in the inaugural cohort, I know first-hand the depth, knowledge, and experience the VMF program provides to the state and its Fellows. The opportunity to work and learn from some of the Commonwealth’s best and brightest employees is truly like no other,” said Legislative Liaison for the Governor Travis Rickman.

Three 8-month agency rotations give Fellows day-to-day work experience, and they also learn financial management, public budgeting, and other key competencies needed in state government.

Virginia Tech SPIA faculty designed the original program and continually improve learning elements to meet Virginia’s need for high-performance public service. “From data analytics and financial management to leadership habits of practice, Fellows learn critical skills needed now and for the future,” said Leisha LaRiviere, VMF Program Director and Associate Director of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs.

The 2022 –2024 Virginia Management Fellows are:

Negus Assefa, George Washington University and Old Dominion University
Anna Isler, The College of William and Mary
Edward Cronin, James Madison University
Karli Foster, James Madison University and Virginia Tech
Peter Gregory, Virginia Tech, Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University - Hawaii
Cole McAndrew, The College of William and Mary
Anya Pfeiffer, The University of Virginia
Sean Sukol, Virginia Commonwealth University and The College of William and Mary
Liam Orr, Christopher Newport University
Evan Price, George Mason University

Any questions about the program should be directed to Sarah Frame, DHRM’s VMF Program Manager or to Virginia Tech SPIA’s Dr. Andrew Sharp, VMF Program Manager.

# # #

Governor Northam Encourages Aspiring Public Servants to Apply for the Virginia Management Fellows Program

Developed with Virginia Tech, program aims to preparing next generation of state government leaders.

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today encouraged people to apply for the 2022-2024 Virginia Management Fellows program cohort. Applications are due on Monday, January 3, 2021 by 11:59pm.

The Commonwealth developed the management-training program in partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs to meet the state’s succession planning goals for future leaders. The program is unique in the country.

“The Virginia Management Fellowship program is essential to attracting a diverse, intelligent, and driven workforce of young professionals in Virginia state government,” said Governor Northam. “Each cohort works together and learns together—building our agency leadership teams of the future.”

The Virginia Management Fellowship is a two-year salaried position that connects participants with multiple state agencies, public administrators, and elected officials. The cohort gains day-to-day work experience through technical seminars and three 8-month agency rotations. Fellows will also take a graduate school course in financial management and public budgeting. They will gain a greater understanding of fiscal concepts, budgeting processes, and how to work with web-based applications for fiscal analysis. Each Fellow is also assigned a mentor to help them with projects, hands-on agency work, and research efforts.

Virginia Management Fellows will build or strengthen skills in self-awareness, team development, appreciative leadership, and project management as members of the Virginia Public Sector Leader program. Program topics include emotional intelligence, management functions, leadership and decision-making, team building and influence, and strategic processes.

“The Department of Human Resource Management works hard to improve workforce development programs, and we are proud of the continued successes of the Virginia Management Fellows,” said Secretary of Administration Grindly Johnson.

“The Virginia Management Fellowship meets state needs by growing the talent pool to fill vulnerable positions, providing operational and strategic support to state agencies, and building on equity and inclusion efforts to address diversity and eliminate disparities in state careers,” said Department of Human Resource Management Director Emily Elliott.

“Our team is also excited about the Virginia Management Fellows cohort approach that creates coalitions of the future and helps early career talent acclimate more quickly to public service,” said Department of Human Resource Management Workforce Development and Programs Director Deanna Goldstein.

“Prepared and trained leaders enable a productive Virginia in a vibrant and connected world,” said Virginia Management Fellowship Director Leisha LaRiviere.

Apply for the Virginia Management Fellowship here.
More information on the program is available here.

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2021/december/headline-916639-en.html

Researcher focuses on succession, employee management in government agencies

“For some citizens, government agencies provide their only access to life sustaining services. A weak leadership bench — one that is not populated with a pool of trained, prepared employees — negatively impacts the continuity of operations and services,” said Leisha LaRiviere, associate director of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) in Richmond. “So building and sustaining a strong leadership bench is imperative.”

In the past three-and-a-half years, LaRiviere has garnered, and serves as principal investigator on, more than $4 million in sponsored research grants that focus on strategic succession management and employee engagement in organizational planning. Her research portfolio enabled the development and building of the new Richmond academic campus and continues to sustain it.

Read the entire article published in Virginia Tech Daily.

News Release: SCHEV Insights: Historic Trends in Distance Learning

Contact:
Laura Osberger
lauraosberger@schev.edu
(804) 387-5191 (cell)

_{February 23, 2021}

RICHMOND — The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today released a new analysis on historic trends in distance learning.

When most Virginia colleges and universities transitioned to remote learning, either fully or via a hybrid model of instruction, for the fall 2020 semester because of the COVID-19, SCHEV sought to analyze distance learning trends prior to the pandemic using SCHEV’s “Distance Education Trends at Virginia Institutions” report. These data provided a baseline of “face-to-face” (F2F) learning trends from 1995-2019.

Key Takeaways

Even before COVID-19, the percentage of F2F students was decreasing across the Commonwealth.
Less than half of FTE students in 2019 were F2F with some sectors, institutions and programs experiencing more change than others.
The fastest growing mode of instruction is among hybrid students who take a mixture of F2F and distance learning courses. Two thirds of hybrid students take six credits or fewer distance learning courses.
Some institutions are rapidly switching to distance learning (Liberty) while others have been almost 100% F2F since 1995 (VMI, W&M).
As decreases in F2F and increases in distance learning continue, closing the digital divide becomes even more important. A previous Insight post on Virginia’s Digital Divide in Education found that one in five Virginia students (K-12 and college) lack either high speed internet or a computer in their home. Governor Northam convened a COVID-19 Education Work Group that addressed this divide through increasing access and making technology and broadband more affordable. On an institutional level, schools can ensure all students have access to the distance learning they need. Virginia State University (VSU) leveraged CARES funds and private donations to provide $500 technology stipends to students so they could buy a computer with technology that worked best for them.
It remains to be seen exactly how greatly COVID-19 will affect F2F learning for the 2020-2021 school year.
“It will be interesting to revisit these data a year and even five years from now,” said Elizabeth Spach, a Virginia Management Fellow interning at SCHEV and the Insights author, “when the long-term effects of COVID on distance learning are realized.”

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The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is the state’s coordinating agency for higher education. With Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, SCHEV is dedicated to making Virginia the best state for education by 2030. For more on this statewide strategic plan, visit schev.edu/TheVirginiaPlan.

For Immediate Release: October 8, 2021

Contacts: Office of the Governor: Alena Yarmosky, Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Announces New Virginia Management Fellows

_{In collaboration with Virginia Tech, program aims to develop next generation of government leaders}

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced the newest cohort of Virginia Management Fellows, a program that works with Virginia Tech to train and prepare government leaders.

“Today, we welcome the 19 new Virginia Management Fellows to the start of their public service careers in our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “Through the Fellows program, this group of aspiring agency leaders will put their diverse education and experiences to work as we plan for Virginia's future by training them to be even stronger leaders.”

The General Assembly first approved the Virginia Management Fellows program in 2017. The Office of the Secretary of Administration oversees the program. The Department of Human Resource Management provides additional support and infrastructure.

“We are welcoming the largest group of Fellows to date, with recruitment gearing up for the 2022-2024 Virginia Management Fellows cohort,” said Secretary of Administration Grindly Johnson. “The Virginia Management Fellows program is an essential element for attracting and developing a diverse, early career workforce in Virginia state government.”

“The proof that the program works is the ease in which we are able to graduate Fellows from the program into full time positions within our state entities,” said Department of Human Resource Management Director Emily Elliott. “Together, the Department of Human Resource Management and Virginia Tech work with the Fellows to build skills in customer service; operations; legislation, regulation, and compliance; and analytics. But we’re also building critical workplace skills in accountability and performance evaluation. Deanna Goldstein, Workforce Development Director, and Sarah Frame, Virginia Management Fellows Program Coordinator, are key to the program’s continued success.”

“This service-learning project helps to model one of the most important public service employee traits—that is a commitment to Virginia’s people—both in and outside of the workplace,” said Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs Associate Director and Virginia Management Fellows program director Leisha LaRiviere.

During the two-year program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies. Each Fellow is assigned a mentor to help them with projects, hands-on agency work, and research efforts.

The cohort gains day-to-day work experience through technical seminars and three 8-month agency rotations. This summer, Fellows will also take a graduate school course in financial management and public budgeting. They will gain a greater understanding of fiscal concepts, budgeting processes, and how to work with web-based applications for fiscal analysis.

The cohort selects a local nonprofit for which they will research, plan, organize, budget, fund, implement, and evaluate. Last year, the Fellows wrote curriculum, packed and mailed supplies, and led online leadership sessions for youth ages 9-13 for The Next Star Arts program.

The ultimate goal at the end of the program is to have the Fellows hired in all branches of Virginia state government.

See Governor Northam News Release Here.

The 2021 –2023 Virginia Management Fellows are:

_{Researcher focuses on succession, employee management in government agencies}

Read the entire article published in Virginia Tech Daily.

News Release: SCHEV Insights: Historic Trends in Distance Learning

Contact:
Laura Osberger
lauraosberger@schev.edu
(804) 387-5191 (cell)

_{February 23, 2021}

RICHMOND — The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today released a new analysis on historic trends in distance learning.

Key Takeaways

###

Governor Northam Launches Application for Second Cohort of Virginia Management Fellows

_{~Developed in conjunction with Virginia Tech, program aimed at preparing next generation of government leaders~}

For Immediate Release: November 26, 2018

Contacts: Office of the Governor: Ofirah Yheskel, Ofirah.Yheskel@governor.virginia.gov | Office of the Secretary of Finance: June Jennings, Deputy Secretary of Finance, June.Jennings@governor.virginia.gov

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced the application launch for the second Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) cohort. The program is an initiative of the Commonwealth of Virginia developed in partnership with Virginia Tech to meet the state’s needs for future leaders. Recent (or May 2019) undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. graduates who are dedicated to serving the citizens of Virginia are eligible to apply.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that applications for the second class of Virginia Management Fellows are now open,” said Governor Northam. “Virginia is fortunate to have a smart and dedicated state workforce that is recognized for its excellence across the nation, and we are committed to cultivating the next generation of public servants to grow our leadership capacity. Knowing the strengths of the current Virginia Management Fellows, I look forward to the many contributions that this second cohort will bring to the Commonwealth as they work, learn, and serve during their fellowship.”

The General Assembly approved the learning program, salary, and benefit structure of the VMF. The program aims to create a succession pipeline for leadership and management jobs in all branches of state government that will be in high demand as current employees begin to retire. According to recent data from the Commonwealth, 42 percent of general managers, 39 percent of financial managers, and 30 percent of compliance and safety officers will be eligible for retirement within the next five years.

“The VMF program is comprehensive in its approach,” said Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne. “A general concept of the VMF is future leaders learning from current leaders. We have a great roster of agencies participating in this program who deploy multiple leaders to support and encourage the professional growth of our Fellows.”

The program’s state liaison, Deputy Secretary of Finance June Jennings, works with finance colleagues, state agencies, executive cabinet members, legislators, and faculty members from Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs in support of the program implementation.

“This second cohort of the VMF program is an important next step in Virginia’s efforts to develop management and leadership talent,” said Deputy Secretary June Jennings. “The contributions, energy, research and direct service of the current VMF demonstrate the value of investment in these next-generation leaders who are learning and getting things done for the state.”

Fellows are employed in a two-year leadership and management development certificate program with a cutting-edge approach to state leadership learning. The position includes salary and full benefits. At the end of the fellowship period, fellows will be able to apply for high-demand positions within state government.

“Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is honored to be a partner in this innovative program to develop public service leadership for the Commonwealth through hands-on learning, coursework, mentoring, outstanding faculty, and more,” said Leisha LaRiviere, associate director for the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech (Richmond campus).

The program features four major learning components: customer service; operations; legislation, regulation, and compliance; and analytics. Each fellow is assigned to and embedded within a state agency for a rotation around these learning areas. A special feature of the rotation is the support and guidance of a mentor-leader.

Participating agencies include Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Criminal Justice Services, Virginia Department of Health, Department of Human Resources Management, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Planning and Budget, Department of Taxation, Department of the Treasury, Senate Finance Committee, State Corporation Commission, State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, and the Virginia Retirement System.

In addition to the agency rotations and mentor training, Virginia Management Fellows will research, study, and understand public administration theories and processes through seminars and lectures designed specifically for the Commonwealth. Fellows learn public administration management and leadership theory and practice in a leadership development program certificate earned across the two-year fellowship program. The educational elements of the program are designed, researched, tested, and implemented by faculty from the School of Public and International Affairs in Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies.

The Virginia Management Fellows application can be found here. The deadline to complete the online application is December 7, 2018.

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Virginia Management Fellows

_{~Program prepares next generation of government leaders; developed in conjunction with Virginia Tech~}

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2018
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Brian Coy, (804) 225-4260, Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the inaugural cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows program. The program is an initiative of the Commonwealth of Virginia developed with Virginia Tech to meet the state’s needs for future leaders.

“I am pleased to introduce the eleven new Virginia Management Fellows to the Commonwealth today,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Virginia is fortunate to have these talented and dedicated Fellows serve in continuance of our success building the new Virginia economy. I look forward to seeing this first class of fellows work with their agencies, mentors, and professors to grow into leaders who will share their talents and new skills to help ensure Virginia’s strong future.”

The General Assembly approved the learning program, salary, and benefit structure of the VMF. The program’s principal leader, Secretary of Finance Ric Brown, worked with finance colleagues, executive cabinet members, legislators, and faculty members from Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs to design a comprehensive learning program for the new fellows.

“Over my career in state government I have seen the need for strong succession planning in state government. The VMF program successfully addresses this concern through the development of next-generation leaders,” said Secretary of Finance Ric Brown. “At the end of the 2-year program period, these fellows will enter government leadership roles uniquely qualified to tackle the ‘bigger picture’ issues and practical challenges of state strategic management and leadership. Deputy Secretary of Finance, June Jennings, has been a critical partner in readying the state infrastructure in preparation for arrival of the Fellows today.”

The VMF program aims to create a succession pipeline for leadership and management jobs in all branches of state government that will be in high demand as current employees begin to retire. According to recent data from the Commonwealth, 42 percent of general managers, 39 percent of financial managers, and 30 percent of compliance and safety officers will be eligible for retirement within the next five years.

“The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at Virginia Tech is honored to work with the Governor’s Office, Finance Secretariat and state leaders in the development and implementation of the VMF program benefiting this Fellows cohort, and future cohorts. The design of the program is both cutting-edge and thoughtful in its approach,” said Associate Director of SPIA and VMF Director, Leisha LaRiviere.

The VMF program features four major learning components: customer service; operations; legislation, regulation, and compliance; and analytics. Each fellow is assigned to and embedded within a state agency for a rotation around these learning areas. A special feature of the rotation is the support and guidance of a mentor-leader in each agency supporting a fellow.

In addition to the agency rotations and mentor training, Virginia Management Fellows will research, study, and understand public administration theories and processes in seminars and lectures designed specifically for the Commonwealth. The fellows learn public administration management and leadership theory and practice via a leadership development program certificate earned across the two-year fellowship program. The educational elements of the program are designed, researched, tested, and implemented by faculty from the School of Public and International Affairs in Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies.

Participating agencies include the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Criminal Justice Services, Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, Virginia Department of Health, House Appropriations Committee, Department of Human Resources Management, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Planning and Budget, Senate Finance Committee, State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, State Corporation Commission, Virginia Retirement System, Department of Taxation, and Department of the Treasury.

Twenty-two state agency leaders participated in the multi-tiered process to select the Fellows.

Below is a list of the new Virginia Management Fellows:

Jordan Burns, with a Master’s in political science from James Madison University and a Bachelor’s from Virginia Tech
Nathan Conquest, with a Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Virginia
Mary Feamster, with a Master’s in Counseling from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Virginia
Jacoby Harper, with a Master’s in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor’s from Virginia State University
Bernadette LeMasters, with a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s from Virginia Commonwealth University
Taylor Melton, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University
Conor O’Donnell, with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy and International Relations from The College of William & Mary
Laura Pearson, with a Bachelor’s in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health from Yale University
Travis Rickman, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Old Dominion University
Tyler Williams, with a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor’s from University of Virginia
Connor Winstead, with a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s from Hampden-Sydney College

ANNOUNCING THE VIRGINIA MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM:

Virginia Management Fellows in the News

From the Newsroom of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
CLICK HERE: https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/newsarticle?articleId=21492

CBS 19 NEWS – Charlottesville news item
CLICK HERE: http://www.newsplex.com/content/news/New-program-to-train-tomorrows-leaders-in-state-goverment-450646283.html

News Release from Virginia Tech
CLICK HERE: https://www.spia.vt.edu/mcauliffe-announces-commonwealth-leader-cultivation-program-developed-virginia-tech/

CLICK HERE: https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2017/10/CAUS-VMF.html

Augusta Free Press News Story
CLICK HERE: http://augustafreepress.com/mcauliffe-announces-launch-new-virginia-management-fellows-program/

UVA Career Center Announcement
CLICK HERE: https://career.virginia.edu/blog/2017/oct/apply-virginia-management-fellows

University of Virginia Department of Economics
CLICK HERE: http://economics.virginia.edu/virginia-management-fellows-program?width=700px&height=600px&inline=true

Virginia Jobs Posting
CLICK HERE: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/91289