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Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin announced the individuals who will be in charge of transitioning him from candidate to governor Wednesday evening.
The transition process will be led by Jeff Goettman and co-chaired by Kay Coles James and state Sen. Steve Newman.
Goettman most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer on Youngkin’s campaign. Prior to his role on the campaign, Goettman served as a Counselor for Domestic Finance at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
James is the president and founder of the Gloucester Institute, a leadership training center for young African Americans, and served as president of the Heritage Foundation between 2018 and 2021, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under President George W. Bush, and as Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources under Governor George Allen.
Newman is currently the senator for the 23 district, but he began his career over in the House of Delegates in the early 90s.
Youngkin will also be advised by former Republican Governors Bob McDonnell, George Allen, and Jim Gilmore. Additionally, former Democratic Governor Doug Wilder will be advising the Republican governor-elect.
Wilder did not endorse in the 2021 race and spoke out strongly against the Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe at times during the campaign.
Youngkin will also be advised by a list of 12 other people from elected officials to campaign activists. Some names from that list include Del. Kathy Byron (R-Bedford) and Aubrey Lane, a former cabinet secretary for the last two Democratic governors.
“In order to change the trajectory of our great Commonwealth, we can’t operate on government time,” Youngkin said, in his first official staffing announcement eight days after winning the race. “We’re going to do things differently. That’s why this incredible transition team represents various backgrounds—business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, healthcare providers, and most importantly, parents—who will bring an array of experience and fresh perspectives that will pave the way for a transformation where Virginia soars and never settles.”
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