Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, an alumna of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been appointed Virginia’s chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Moon, a native of Richmond, Va., will join the governor-elect’s cabinet in mid-January. In the role, she will oversee statewide diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across state government.
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger cited Moon’s experience across government, education and the nonprofit sector in announcing the appointment, pointing to her leadership in senior roles at the federal level and within national organizations.
Moon most recently served as chief impact officer for Girl Scouts of the USA. From 2022 to 2024, she was the chief diversity officer for the U.S. House of Representatives, serving under multiple House speakers from both parties. Her earlier federal service includes time as chief diversity officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is also a co-founder of the JXN Project, a nonprofit focused on preserving and elevating the history of Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.
A three-time graduate of VCU, Moon earned a bachelor’s degree in African American studies, a master’s degree from the Wilder School, and a graduate certificate. She later completed a Ph.D. in public administration and policy from Old Dominion University. Moon has credited the Wilder School with helping prepare her for leadership in government and public service.
In 2024, Moon further deepened her connection to VCU by establishing the Dr. Sesha Joi Moon Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial support to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated need in both the Wilder School and the Department of African American Studies in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences.
In a statement following her appointment, Moon said she was “deeply honored” to serve.
“As a proud Virginia native, I look forward to joining the cabinet of Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger as her administration works to advance a future in which all Virginians have access to opportunity,” Moon said.
Her appointment follows the selection of Nick Donohue, also a Wilder School alumnus, as Virginia secretary of transportation.
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