In collaboration with Virginia Tech, the VMF program aims to develop next generation of government leaders 

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the selection of the seventh cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Program, a prestigious initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders in state government. This cohort consists of nine talented and dedicated individuals selected to participate in this competitive program. The VMF is a collaboration between the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG). 

“We are thrilled to welcome the seventh cohort of Virginia Management Fellows,”?said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This extraordinary group of individuals demonstrate a remarkable commitment and readiness to serving the Commonwealth and I commend the VMF program for their distinctive role in developing the future leaders of Virginia."

The Virginia Management Fellows Program gives recent graduates the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public sector management and develop their leadership skills. During their two-year placement in various state agencies, Fellows will work on critical projects, analyze policies, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the challenges facing our state. The General Assembly first approved the program in 2017. 

The Office of the Secretary of Administration oversees the VMF with management provided by?DHRM?and educational programming and coordination provided by VTIPG. During the two-year leadership and management development program, Virginia Management Fellows learn and practice technical and generalist skills that are important to state agencies. "I am thrilled to welcome the new cohort of Virginia Management Fellows to state government," said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid. "These individuals represent the best and brightest of our next generation of public servants, and I am confident that their dedication and talent will contribute to the betterment of our Commonwealth."  

Faculty at Virginia Tech designed this two-year program so that Fellows receive the skills and technical training critical for being successful leaders and managers in the public sector. Fellows are mentored by state agency partners in each of their three 8-month rotations while in the program. These rotation experiences offer hands-on agency work and research opportunities to help the Fellows put theory to practice and make a lasting contribution to the effectiveness of state operations and programs. “A fellowship program like the VMF offers invaluable opportunities for professional development, networking, and cross-sector collaboration to enhance the effectiveness and impact of individuals serving the public,” said Founding Director of Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) Dr. Max Stephenson.  

Along with agency rotations, Fellows will build or strengthen skills in self-awareness, team development, leadership, and project management as members of the Virginia Public Sector Leader program. Fellows complete graduate school course work in financial management and public budgeting processes. Additionally, each cohort works with a local nonprofit to complete a project for which they research, plan, organize, budget, fund, implement, and evaluate.  

The 2024–2026 Virginia Management Fellows are: 

• Katie Brown, Virginia Commonwealth University?and UNC Chapel Hill 

• William Dantini, Washington and Lee University 

• Toni Heo, University of Virginia and College of Arts and Sciences 

• Todd McDonald, Virginia Tech, University of Texas at Dallas, Texas State University, Kilgore College 

• McKinley Mihailoff, James Madison University 

• Matthew Nwaneri, The College of William & Mary 

• Cleve Packers Jr., Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia 

• Jacob Sztraicher, Virginia Commonwealth University?and the University of Virginia

• Deondre Wise, Old Dominion University 

The Governor extends his congratulations to each Fellow selected for this prestigious program and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on state government during their time as Virginia Management Fellows. 

Any questions about the program should be directed to Jasmine Scott, DHRM’s VMF Program Manager or Dr. David Moore, Virginia Tech IPG Principal Investigator.