Gubernatorial Appointments

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About Board and Commission Appointments

Gubernatorial appointments are an ongoing process, with approximately 900 appointments being made throughout the year.

Please note that the majority of boards and commissions have certain qualifications of appointment that must be met as set forth in the Code of Virginia. Additional information about the boards and commissions may be found in the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Also known as the "Blue Book," the Report details the purpose, powers and duties of each board, seat qualifications or requirements by Code, and a listing of current board members.

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.

Applicants who are selected by the Governor to serve will 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 sometimes reimbursed for their expenses.

Applying for a Position

The online application system will allow you to submit your own application or provide nominations for boards and commissions. We would like for all service-minded Virginians to consider submitting their application or recommending others for consideration to serve in these positions.

The majority of board/commission seats come due on June 30 each year. While applications are taken year round, we strongly recommend having your application submitted online by March 15 to be fully considered for the upcoming round of appointments.

Click here to submit your APPLICATION for a board/commission appointment.

Click here to submit a NOMINATION for a board/commission appointment.