Yesterday, Governor-Elect Ralph Northam announced his bipartisan Transition Committee, consisting of Virginians from across the Commonwealth, tapping statewide LGBTQ leader James Parrish of Equality Virginia and a few noted allies from Hampton Roads such as Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander and Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan. These leaders not only campaigned for Northam, but will join Governor-Elect Northam over the next two month to help ensure a smooth transition.
In his media release, Northam said, “this bipartisan group of community leaders reflects the diversity that makes our Commonwealth a wonderful and inclusive place to live,” said Governor-elect Northam.
“I am honored to have the help of such a great group of Virginians as we build an administration that reflects Virginia and takes our Commonwealth to the next level. We have a tremendous opportunity over the next four years to make a positive difference in the lives of Virginians, and to create opportunity for every Virginian, no matter who you are, no matter where you live. I look forward to hitting the ground running to do just that.”
Another member of the transition team of that will offer insight into the health issues affecting the LGBTQ community is Alexsis Rodgers, Director of Communications for Planned Parenthood Virginia. Beyond its work advocating for reproductive health and choice, Planned Parenthood provides a wide variety of medical services to LGBTQ persons, including STD testing/care and hormone therapy for those that identify as transgender.
Below is a full list of Northam’s transition team that hail from coastal Virginia/represent the LGBTQ interests.
- The Honorable Kenneth “Kenny” Alexander, Mayor, City of Norfolk
- The Honorable Andria McClellan, Member, Norfolk City Council
- James Parrish, Executive Director, Equality Virginia, Richmond
- The Honorable Evans Poston, Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Norfolk
- The Honorable Marcia “Cia” Price, House of Delegates, Newport News
- Jeffrey “Jeff” Breit, Attorney, Breit, Drescher, Imprevento, Virginia Beach
- Jay Ford, Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper, Norfolk
- Harry T. Lester, Chairman, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Beach
- The Honorable Mamie Locke, Senate of Virginia, Hampton
- The Honorable Ross Mugler, Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Hampton
- Arnold Outlaw, President, United Steelworkers Local 8888 – Newport News
- Jeff Rowe, President, Virginia Association of IBEW, Newport News
- Dr. Alan Wagner, Ophthalmologist, Wagner Macula & Retina Center, Virginia Beach
- The Honorable Molly Ward, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, Hampton
