Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has named a distinguished group of Wilder School alumni and faculty to serve as co-chairs of her gubernatorial transition team—an influential body that will help shape the incoming administration’s priorities, policy agenda and leadership framework. Their appointments reflect the depth of expertise, public service commitment and statewide impact that define the Wilder School.

Spanning housing, health care, emergency management, veterans affairs, education and arts and cultural policy, these appointees embody the school’s legacy of preparing professionals who lead at every level of government.

Nichele Carver (M.S. ’98), Co-chair

Principal, NJC Strategic Planning and Consulting, LLC; former Associate Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Bill Shelton (M.U.R.P. ’79), Co-chair

Former Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development; former Commissioner of Virginia Housing.

Dietra Trent (M.P.A. ’95; Ph.D. ’07), Co-chair

Former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs; former Virginia Secretary of Education.

David Cary (B.S. ’12), Co-chair

Director of Government Relations, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Karen Kimsey (M.S.W. ’96), Co-chair

Former Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services; owner of Walela Health Consulting.

Curtis Brown (M.A. ’11), Co-chair

Term Faculty Instructor, VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; former State Coordinator of Emergency Management.

Carlos Hopkins (M.B.A. ’24), Co-chair

Former Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs; partner at Gentry Locke.

Together, their leadership represents a powerful cross-section of public service in Virginia — and a testament to the Wilder School’s role in cultivating professionals who address the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges with skill, integrity and purpose.

Dean Susan T. Gooden noted that the appointments reflect both the individual accomplishments of these leaders and the Wilder School’s long-standing commitment to public service.

“The Wilder School has long been committed to developing public service leaders who understand the complexities of governing and the importance of serving with integrity. We are tremendously proud to see so many of our alumni and faculty entrusted with shaping the vision and priorities of the next administration. Their appointments reflect not only their individual remarkable achievements but also the strength of the Wilder School community and its enduring commitment to advancing Virginia’s future.”

We congratulate each of these appointees and celebrate the experience and service they bring to their roles.