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Gubernatorial Appointments

Gubernatorial appointments are an ongoing process, with appointments occurring throughout the year.

Additional information about specific boards and commissions may be found in the Report of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Also known as the "Blue Book," the Report details the purpose, powers and duties of each board and also lists each board's current membership.

The Governor makes appointments to three types of boards and commissions:

Advisory — An advisory board, commission or council serves as a formal liaison between the agency and the public, ensuring that the agency understands and responds to public concerns and that the activities of the agency are communicated to the public. Advisory boards provide advice and counsel to an executive branch agency.

Policy — A policy board, commission or council is specifically charged by statute to promulgate public policies or regulations. Policy boards may also be charged by statute with adjudicating violations of those policies or regulations.

Supervisory — A supervisory board, commission or council is responsible for agency operations, including approval of appropriations requests. Supervisory boards appoint the agency director, and the board ensures that the agency director complies with all board and statutory directives. Agency directors serve at the pleasure of the board.

Factors to Consider

Serving the Commonwealth of Virginia on a board or commission is both an honor and a privilege. Public service, however, is not for everyone. Individuals applying for a board or commission should be aware of the following:

As expected in an open and democratic government, the activities of boards and commissions are subject to public and press scrutiny.

Successful applicants may be required to complete a financial disclosure statement as a condition of serving on the board or commission.

Unless otherwise specified by law, most boards and commissions meet quarterly each year. However, some boards may meet more frequently due to the responsibilities and functions of the board.

Service on boards and commissions is generally voluntary, and unless otherwise specified by law, members of boards and commissions are not paid a stipend. Members of boards and commissions are reimbursed for their expenses.

Applying for a Position

To apply, fill out the application below and submit a cover letter, résumé and letters of recommendation to the appropriate staff persons listed at page bottom. You may also nominate others for an appointment.

Please Note:  If you applied for an appointment prior to January 2007, we encourage you to submit an updated application and resume for consideration.

Document Name	Format
2008 Term Appointments List	PDF (613k)
Current Vacancy List	PDF (35k)
Pre-Appointment Application Note:  If you want to fill out the application on your computer, use the fillable PDF version. The others are designed for hard copy use only.	PDF (94k) fillable PDF (247k) Word (119k)
Nomination Form	Word (30k) PDF (18k)

Note:  Many boards and commissions have certain qualifications of appointment that must be met as set forth in the Code of Virginia.

For further information, contact:

Kathryn DeFilippo Paxton, Director
804-692-2539

Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Post Office Box 2454
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2454

or use our Inquiry Form