Leadership

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Collective Bargaining and Organizing Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to building bargaining capacity and organizing. The committee will:

1. Monitor legislative and policy developments affecting collective bargaining and recommend priorities to the president and Board.
2. Recommend statewide strategies that strengthen organizing and collective bargaining.
3. Recommend training, resources, and technical assistance for local bargaining teams.
4. Promote bargaining readiness by recommending model governance, organizing, and bargaining practices.
5. Review successful bargaining strategies and recommend statewide best practices.
6. Recommend model contract language and bargaining resources.
7. Develop coordinated bargaining plans to advance contract language to move contracts forward.
8. Support member engagement and transparency throughout organizing and bargaining efforts.

• Kaitlyn Seidemann, Chair
• John Ashley
• Elizabeth Ayorinde
• Hannah Clayman
• Darryl Dawson
• Nick Green
• Alison Haverty
• Amanda Kimball
• Karl Loos
• Amy McCarthy
• Rosa Navas
• Rosina Simmons

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Communications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to VEA communications plan and incorporating Objective 4 – Communications from the Strategic Plan. The committee will:

1. Advise on strategies to improve communication with members, locals, and the public.
2. Recommend methods to strengthen the public image of VEA and public education.
3. Review emerging communication tools and technologies and recommend their effective use.
4. Promote local communications best practices and member engagement.
5. Provide feedback on major communication campaigns and publications.
6. Ensure that all communications use a social justice lens to promote VEA values.
7. Infuse that VEA communications with information about collective actions and improving employees working conditions.

• Ramon Moore, Chair
• Allison Batty
• Lisanne Boddye
• Robb Hammel
• April Insley
• Jeanine Osther
• David Paladin-Fernandez
• Cherone Small
• Todd Starkweather
• Barbeta Terry
• Angela Trerotola
• Carla Wallace
• Tyrone Weems

To advance the goals of the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to VEA’s governance and governing documents. The committee will:

1. Assist the executive office in maintaining a record of VEA governing documents.
2. Recommend amendments to the VEA Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules.
3. Review local governing documents for compliance with VEA and NEA requirements.
4. Maintain model governing documents for affiliates.
5. Recommend governance practices that strengthen local affiliates, including bargaining readiness.
6. Advise on parliamentary procedure and governance questions.
7. Maintain guidance and FAQs regarding VEA governing documents.
8. Perform such duties as requested by the president

• June Prakash, Chair
• Trinity Bea
• Christina Bohringer
• Debbie Jesse
• Joan Quigley
• Jennifer Rokasky

This committee certifies delegates to the VEA Delegate Assembly and assist during business sessions during the Assembly.

• Gwen Edwards, Chair
• Angela Dews
• Mary Gaddis
• Jenny Higginbotham
• Laura Riggan
• Raychelle Williams
• Alia Zaro

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Education Support Professional Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to public education employees working conditions and recognition of valuable and varied job categories of non licensed staff. The committee will:

1. Recommend policies and programs that advance the interests of Education Support Professionals. (ESPs)
2. Promote ESP leadership, visibility, and engagement throughout the Union.
3. Recommend professional learning opportunities for ESPs
4. Recommend resources, programs, and speakers for statewide conferences.
5. Recommend strategies to increase ESP membership and organizing.
6. Recommend initiatives that improve compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
7. Support and promote member engagement around the of ESP Bill of Rights

• Jessica Branch-Tutt, Chair
• Roslyn Anderson
• Connie Coates, VEA Retired
• Anthony Fields
• Adam Florence
• Chris Foreback
• TJ Jones
• Kimberly Mason
• Catrice Mayo
• Jose Nava
• Karen Tyrrell
• Tina Watson
• Shirlita West

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Education Support Professional Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to VEA elections and campaign practices.  The committee will:

1. Administer statewide VEA elections in accordance with governing documents.
2. Review election procedures and recommend improvements.
3. Review statewide candidates’ campaign practices and expenditures and report to the VEA Board of Directors.
4. Investigate election concerns as requested by the President or Board.
5. Provide election oversight during the Delegate Assembly and other VEA facilitated elections.
6. Report findings and recommendations to the President and Board.

Committee members are expected to be a delegate to the VEA Delegate Assembly as the committee will meet during the VEA Delegate Assembly. Additionally, the Committee will meet with flexibility, outside of the Delegate Assembly, when the needs of the Committee arises.

• Alisa Downey, Chair
• Patrick Barry
• Nancy Bassett
• Kathy Butler
• Cory Foster
• Amy Gibson
• Stephanie Lovelace
• Angela Moss
• Hannah Russell-Hunter
• Shaniqua Williams

This committee advises the VEA president and the VEA Board of Directors on critical Association and education issues. The committee prepares the annual VEA budget to be recommended to the VEA Board of Directors.

• Carol Bauer
• Dr. Jessica M. Jones
• Dr. Kimberly Archer
• Melissa Brace
• Kathline Butler
• Andy Cason
• Kevin Hickerson
• Alynn Parham
• Dot Walton, VEA Retired

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the VEA Fitz Turner Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to organizational civil rights and social justice. The commission will:

1. Review VEA programs and policies through a human and civil rights lens.
2. Recommend actions that advance equity, justice, and human dignity.
3. Monitor emerging civil rights issues affecting educators and students.
4. Act as the vanguard, monitoring behaviors of extremists and hate groups within the education environment and recommend action as needed to the VEA President and VEA Board of Directors.
5. Recommend professional learning supporting culturally responsive education.
6. Administer awards and scholarship responsibilities assigned by the Board such as the Fitz Turner Awards Program.
7.  Serve as officers and committee members on the Beblon G. Parks Scholarship Fund.
8. Review implementation of VEA and NEA Human and Civil Rights resolutions.
9. Promote VEA governance equity, justice, and learning programs.

• Dr. Brandon Fincham, Chair
• Kim Anderson-Hasty
• Dr. Milondra Coleman
• Monann Davis
• Tammy DeHaven
• Lorraine Dresch
• Anthony Fields
• Starr Hargrove
• Melodie Henderson
• Kenara Jackson
• Christie Jones
• Dr. Elizabeth Larson
• James Parker
• Nicola Ross
• Christina Schmitt
• Anthony Swann
• Dr. Andrea Trotter
• Charisse Woodward

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Instruction and Professional Development Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to instruction and professional learning. The committee will:

1. Recommend professional learning priorities aligned with member needs.
2. Review instructional trends and recommend professional development opportunities.
3. Promote innovative instructional practices and educator leadership.
4. Engage members in advanced certifications such as National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and CTE certifications.
5. Recommend recognition programs that celebrate instructional excellence including the NEA Teaching Excellence Award.
6. Support educator growth through conferences, communities of practice, and other learning opportunities.
7. Recommend programs, resources, and speakers for VEA instructional conferences such as EPIC.

• Esther Johnson, Chair
• Amy Brown
• Andrea Bryant
• Paul Clark
• Maggie Connors
• Pamela Donaldson
• Stephanie Harry
• Amanda Jenkins
• Melissa King
• Matt Neale
• Deborah Wesley
• Avanti Yamamoto
• Bernard Zdancewicz

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Instruction and Professional Development Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to member and student support in LGBTQIA+ issues. The committee will:

1. Recommend policies that promote safe, inclusive schools and workplaces for students and staff.
2. Recommend professional learning supporting LGBTQIA+ public education employees and students.
3. Review emerging issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.
4. Promote partnerships that strengthen advocacy and member engagement.
5. Advise the President and Board regarding implementation of LGBTQIA+ priorities.
6. Recommend partnerships and alliances with other committees, organizations, and community groups to amplify LGBTQIA+ rights and influence policy at local, state, and national levels.
7. Recommend resources, programs, and speakers for VEA member awareness events addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in education as well as celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Emily Cherry, Co-chair
• Cory Brunet
• Jessika Crance
• Jaim Foster
• Tracie Lane
• Patrice Gantt
• Jennisen Hatton
• Danny Higgins
• Brad Hutchinson
• Lyndsay McCabe
• Roshad McPherson
• Katie Morgans
• Fabiana Parker
• Peter Pisarek

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan, and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values,the VEA Legislative Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to policy and legislative issues. In accordance with VEA bylaws the Legislative Committee shall be composed of four Members appointed by the President and four elected from the Board of Directors The committee will:

1. Recommend VEA legislative priorities in collaboration with the President, VEA Board, Delegate Assembly, and other VEA Committees.
2. Monitor legislation affecting public education and labor to include initiating and supporting legislation to promote safe and just public schools and that protect workers rights.
3. Advise the President and Board during General Assembly sessions.
4. Recommend legislative advocacy strategies that advance the VEA Strategic Plan and VEA priorities.
5. Review legislative outcomes and recommend future priorities.

• Carol Bauer, Chair
• Dr. Jessica M. Jones (non-voting)
• Ernest Chambers
• Belina Folb
• Amanda Lambert
• Benjamin Sizemore
• Darrell Turner

(UniServ Council Chairs)
(UniServ Standards Advisory Committee – USAC)
The committees makes recommendations regarding strategies to increase and maintain a high level of VEA membership.

The committee reviews documentation concerning the level of knowledge and participation in organizing and negotiations activities on the state and local level, and makes recommendations for expanding activities as appropriate.

The committee also reviews unit composition and UniServ operation standards and makes recommendations to the VEA Board of Directors.

Members of this committee serve as a vehicle for UniServ units to discuss joint concerns and goals, and screen applications for the A+ Awards for Membership Growth and make recommendations to the VEA President.

Members work to help develop engagement in New Ed.

• Loudoun – Kris Countryman, Chair
• Henrico – Jennifer Andrews
• Norfolk – Patrick Barry
• Rockingham – Nancy Bassett
• Spotsylvania – Melissa Brace
• Portsmouth – Benjamin Brown
• Richmond City – Andrea Bryant
• Prince William – Linda Cook
• Yorktown – Sam Eure
• Lynchburg – Connie Finney
• Chesterfield – Rob Hammel
• Pittsylvania – Dr. Jessica M. Jones
• Albemarle – Vernon Lechti
• Franklin County – Stephanie Lovelace
• Bristol – Travis Maxwell
• Fairfax – Carla Okouchi
• Falls Church City – Amanda Ronco
• Sussex – Tammy Stith

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Minority and Women’s Concerns Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to representation and leadership of diverse members. The committee will:

1. Recommend strategies that strengthen representation and participation of historically underrepresented groups.
2. Advise the President and Board on issues affecting women and minority educators.
3. Recommend leadership development opportunities to engage diverse educators.
4. Serve as a resource regarding concerns raised by members.
5. Identify and recommend trainings, programs, and resources that meet the diverse needs of all students and education professionals using a social justice lens.
6. Promote inclusive practices throughout VEA governance.
7. Promote Emerging Leaders and Leaders for Just Schools

• Dr. Andrea Trotter, Chair
• Tyron Barnes
• Anna Demeria
• Laura Hamilton
• Ronica Harris
• Terry Jones
• Nicole Kee
• Dawn Lucas
• Dr. Camona Murray
• Carolyn Riley
• Heather Salberg

This commission is charged with reviewing and recommending action regarding the legal rights of members.

All terms begin September 1 and end August 31.

• Kathleen Slinde, Chair
• Reuben Adams
• Dr. Kimberly Archer
• Tyron Barnes
• Angela Dixon
• Dr. James Graves
• Jenny Higginbotham
• Leslie Houston
• Lamar Lewis
• Vashti Mallory
• Travis Maxwell
• Eric Payne
• Danielle Sheppard
• Benjamin Sizemore

This committee reviews, edits, and proposes amendments to the VEA Resolutions. Members conduct an open hearing on proposed Resolutions and present proposed Resolutions to the VEA Delegate General Assembly.

• Dr. Jessica Jones, Chair
• Kaitlyn Abdale
• Jessica Bailey
• Connie Finney
• Joshua Folb
• Elizabeth Goodson
• Dr. James Graves
• Laura Hamilton
• Jenny Higginbotham
• Debbie Jessee
• Francis Kelly
• Rob Kendzie
• Nate Lawrence
• Vashti Mallory
• Michelle Moses
• Angela Moss
• Kyle Nathanson
• Amanda Ronco
• Katie Rosenbrook
• Myra Rowan
• Marco Sardi
• Danielle Sheppard
• Bethany Shilan
• Anthony Swain
• Darrell Turner
• Taylor Vecchia
• Amy Verner
• Joann Walton
• Carolyn Waters
• Tyrone Weems
• Mikayla Young

To advance the VEA Strategic Plan and promote the Association’s vision, mission, and values, the Special Education Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President, Board of Directors, and staff in matters related to supporting members and students with special education issues. The committee will:

1. Recommend policies and legislation affecting educators serving students with disabilities.
2. Review legislation and policies passed at the state and federal level and provide feedback on the impact on students with disabilities
3. Recommend professional learning related to special education laws and instructional practices.
4. Review state and federal developments affecting special education.
5. Promote member engagement among special education professionals.
6. Promote best practices for all educators working with students with disabilities
7. Recommend resources that improve equitable educational opportunities for students with disabilities.

• Juanzel Cardonza-Felder, Chair
• James Benn
• Elizabeth Davis
• Tammy DeHaven
• Clesta Foor
• Kammie Lee
• Riya Medley
• Tom Nagle
• Claudette Pierre
• Kristen Young
• Nevine Youssel

They assist at the VEA Delegate Assembly in recognizing members who wish to be recognized.

• Lois Switzer, Chair
• Sylvia Hutto
• Amy Lamb
• Catherine Malley
• Melissa Peters

• Dr. Jessica M. Jones
• Kevin Hickerson
• Alynn Parham

• Carol Bauer
• Gerry Collins
• Mustaq Ahman
• Taisha Steele
• Kevin Shaver
• Bethany Bizick
• Earl Wiman

• Lola McDowell
• Malia Huddle
• Kathy Davis
• Dot Walton
• Dennis Pfennig
• Meg Gruber
• Sid Neighbors
• Angela Peterson
• Stella Johnson
• Barbara Wilson
• Nena Koch
• Jamila Darwish
• R. Edward Fifer
• Cindy Kennedy
• Allison Batty

• Carol Bauer, Chair
• Dr. Jessica M. Jones, Vice-Chair
• Frederica Hill
• Jennifer Rokasky
• Meg Gruber
• Andy Cason
• Reilly Goldsmith
• Amanda Lambert
• Katina Harris
• Mary McIntyre
• Alisa Downey
• Gwen Edwards
• June Prakash
• Dustin Keith
• Sandy Sullivan
• Christina Bohringer

• Alynn Parham, Chair
• Dr. Adriane Bradley-Gray
• Gwen Edwards
• Charlotte Hayer
• Cheri James
• Leslie Jones
• Ruthann Kellum
• Lola McDowell
• Caroline Samuels
• Valerie Smith

• Mikayla Young
• Margaret Cary
• Gabrielle Franklin
• Kinsey Knox
• Grace Lawson
• Ramiyah Long
• Nyia McCall
• Yasmeen Quinones
• Saniyah Thomas

This team reviews the NEA Convention process and makes appropriate recommendations to the VEA Board.

• Alynn Parham
• Connie Blose
• Monann Davis
• Dr. Jessica M. Jones
• Chuck Ronco
• Heather Sipe
• Dot Walton
• Shaniqua Williams