Commonwealth of Virginia Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Commonwealth of Virginia has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative support, financial oversight, operational management, and communications.

Committed to public service excellence, Commonwealth of Virginia delivers essential government services while fostering economic growth and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents across the state.

Leadership Roles at Commonwealth of Virginia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Amy Smiley
  • ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator - Kathleen LaMotte
  • Chief Financial Officer - Craig Vanderland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Hinderliter
  • Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner - Kevin Hopkins
  • Chief of Staff - Holly Coy
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger - Grant Neely
  • Manager, Team Human Resources Business & Chief of Staff - Charles Newcomb
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Karen Schettino
  • Chief Communications Officer - Lauren Cunningham
  • Amy Smiley - Chief Executive Officer

    Amy Smiley, the Chief Executive Officer at Commonwealth of Virginia, directs the overarching strategic vision for state operations. Overseeing the integration of public services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between government agencies and the needs of residents. This leadership role involves managing complex policy initiatives that impact education, public safety, and transportation infrastructure across the state. By coordinating with department heads, Amy Smiley drives efficiency in service delivery and optimizes resource allocation. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that state programs meet the evolving demands of the population. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of accountability and transparency. Ultimately, Smiley secures the operational integrity of the state government, ensuring that all public initiatives support the broader mission of enhancing the quality of life for every citizen within the Commonwealth.

    Kathleen LaMotte - ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator

    Kathleen LaMotte, the ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator at Commonwealth of Virginia, manages critical administrative workflows for the executive office and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Coordinating high-level scheduling and board communications, the Administrator ensures that executive decision-making processes remain efficient and well-documented. This role involves facilitating interactions between the board and the executive leadership team to maintain regulatory compliance and operational consistency. Kathleen LaMotte organizes complex meeting agendas and tracks policy implementation, providing the necessary support to keep state operations running smoothly. By streamlining communication channels, the Administrator enables the executive team to focus on strategic priorities rather than administrative bottlenecks. The Administrator monitors board activities to ensure alignment with state mandates and public safety goals. Through meticulous attention to detail, LaMotte supports the effective governance of state resources, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the overall success of the Commonwealth.
    Kathleen LaMotte

    Craig Vanderland - Chief Financial Officer

    Craig Vanderland, the Chief Financial Officer at Commonwealth of Virginia, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of state operations. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all departments maintain compliance with state financial regulations and reporting standards. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to forecast revenue and optimize spending across critical sectors like transportation and public safety. Craig Vanderland directs the development of the annual budget, working closely with the executive team to prioritize investments that yield the highest public value. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and enhances the transparency of government expenditures. The Chief Financial Officer monitors the fiscal performance of various state agencies to ensure that resources remain aligned with the strategic goals of the Commonwealth. Ultimately, Vanderland secures the financial stability of the state, providing the necessary capital to support essential services for all residents.

    Daniel Hinderliter - Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Hinderliter, the Chief Operating Officer at Commonwealth of Virginia, directs the internal processes and service delivery mechanisms that support state government functions. Overseeing the operational efficiency of public-facing departments, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that services remain accessible and effective for all residents. This leadership role involves optimizing workflows within the government to reduce bureaucracy and improve response times for business and visitor inquiries. Daniel Hinderliter manages the integration of technology into state operations, driving digital transformation to modernize service delivery. By analyzing performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for improvement and implements solutions that enhance the overall productivity of state agencies. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other leaders to ensure that operational capacity matches the strategic demands of the Commonwealth. Through rigorous process management, Hinderliter secures the reliability of state services, ensuring that the government operates as a high-performing entity for the benefit of the public.

    Kevin Hopkins - Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner

    Kevin Hopkins, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner at Commonwealth of Virginia, manages the logistical and regulatory frameworks that govern state service delivery. Overseeing the implementation of operational policies, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner ensures that state programs comply with legal requirements while maintaining high standards of service. This role involves directing the day-to-day activities of departments responsible for public safety and infrastructure, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively. Kevin Hopkins monitors the performance of these departments to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost reduction. By coordinating with the Commissioner, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner aligns departmental activities with the strategic objectives of the state. The Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner manages the complexities of inter-agency cooperation to ensure that services remain seamless for residents. Through diligent oversight, Hopkins drives the operational success of the Commonwealth, ensuring that state functions remain efficient, compliant, and focused on public needs.
    Kevin Hopkins

    Holly Coy - Chief of Staff

    Holly Coy, the Chief of Staff at Commonwealth of Virginia, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office and facilitates communication across all state agencies. Managing the flow of information to the executive leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy priorities receive immediate attention and resources. This role involves bridging the gap between various departments to foster collaboration on complex government projects. Holly Coy oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring that all teams remain focused on the core mission of serving the public. By managing the executive agenda, the Chief of Staff optimizes the time and focus of the leadership team, allowing for more effective decision-making. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key legislative and operational goals, providing guidance to ensure that all efforts align with the broader vision of the Commonwealth. Through proactive management, Coy drives organizational efficiency and maintains the momentum of critical state programs.

    Grant Neely - Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger

    Grant Neely, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger at Commonwealth of Virginia, supports the executive office by managing specific policy portfolios and inter-agency relations. Overseeing the execution of the Governor's agenda, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all initiatives align with the administration's commitment to public service. This role involves coordinating with legislative bodies and community stakeholders to advance key policy goals. Grant Neely facilitates communication between the Governor's office and various state departments, ensuring that strategic directives are implemented effectively. By managing high-priority projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff helps the administration navigate complex political and operational landscapes. The Deputy Chief of Staff monitors the impact of state policies on residents, providing the necessary data to inform future decision-making. Through strategic coordination, Neely drives the success of the administration's mission, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people across the Commonwealth.

    Charles Newcomb - Manager, Team Human Resources Business & Chief of Staff

    Charles Newcomb, the Manager, Team Human Resources Business & Chief of Staff at Commonwealth of Virginia, directs the human capital strategy and administrative operations for the workforce. Overseeing talent management and organizational development, the Manager ensures that state agencies attract and retain the personnel necessary to deliver high-quality public services. This role involves aligning human resources policies with the broader strategic goals of the government to foster a productive and inclusive work environment. Charles Newcomb manages the administrative functions that support staff performance and professional growth across the state. By implementing modern HR practices, the Manager improves the efficiency of internal operations and supports the well-being of the public sector workforce. The Manager coordinates with other leaders to ensure that staffing levels and skill sets remain adequate for the evolving needs of the Commonwealth. Through effective leadership, Newcomb secures the operational readiness of the state government, ensuring that the workforce remains capable of meeting public demands.

    Karen Schettino - Chief Administrative Officer

    Karen Schettino, the Chief Administrative Officer at Commonwealth of Virginia, directs the internal infrastructure and support services that enable government operations. Overseeing facilities management, procurement, and administrative systems, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all state agencies have the resources required to function effectively. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to reduce overhead and improve the speed of service delivery. Karen Schettino manages the implementation of enterprise-wide policies that govern the use of state assets and the maintenance of public facilities. By optimizing the administrative framework, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the productivity of the entire government workforce. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that administrative support remains aligned with the strategic priorities of the Commonwealth. Through proactive management of internal resources, Schettino secures the operational foundation of the state, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the successful delivery of public services.

    Lauren Cunningham - Chief Communications Officer

    Lauren Cunningham, the Chief Communications Officer at Commonwealth of Virginia, directs the public messaging and outreach strategies for the state government. Overseeing the dissemination of information to residents, businesses, and visitors, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the public remains informed about government services and policy changes. This role involves managing media relations and digital communication channels to maintain transparency and build public trust. Lauren Cunningham develops comprehensive communication plans that highlight the impact of state initiatives on the community. By coordinating with various agencies, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that all messaging remains consistent and aligned with the administration's goals. The Chief Communications Officer monitors public sentiment and provides strategic advice to the executive team on how to effectively engage with the population. Through clear and proactive communication, Cunningham drives public awareness and support for the mission of the Commonwealth, ensuring that the government remains connected to the people it serves.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Commonwealth of Virginia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Commonwealth of Virginia?
    Commonwealth of Virginia is led by Amy Smiley (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kathleen LaMotte (ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator) and Craig Vanderland (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Commonwealth of Virginia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Commonwealth of Virginia includes leaders such as Amy Smiley (Chief Executive Officer), Kathleen LaMotte (ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator), Craig Vanderland (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Commonwealth of Virginia have?
    Commonwealth of Virginia has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Commonwealth of Virginia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Commonwealth of Virginia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, ABC Board and Chief Executive Officer Support Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Commissioner.