‘Deeply grateful for his service’: VSP superintendent to retire after over 3 decades in law enforcement
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police (VSP) superintendent Col. Matthew D. Hanley is retiring after over three decades of working in law enforcement.
Hanley initially joined VSP as a state trooper in 1993. Since then, he has climbed the ranks and held several leadership positions, from training officer to director of the Bureau of Field Operations.
According to VSP, Hanley took on the role of interim superintendent in November 2024 after his predecessor, former superintendent Gary T. Settle, retired. He was then officially chosen to lead VSP in February 2025.
In a Jan. 12 press release, VSP emphasized the significant impact Hanley had on the agency during his time as superintendent.
Outgoing VSP superintendent Col. Matthew Hanley. (Photo: Virginia State Police)
"Colonel Hanley’s tenure has been defined by transformational leadership, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to the people of the Commonwealth," VSP said in the release. "Through strategic investments in personnel, technology and intelligence, he strengthened VSP’s capacity to meet today’s public safety challenges while positioning the Department for long-term success. His legacy is a more resilient, modern and mission-ready agency that stands as a model of excellence at both the state and national levels."
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Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) had similarly positive things to say about Hanley during a Jan. 12 visit to VSP.
“The leadership of Colonel Hanley is remarkable," Youngkin said, speaking to the 144th Basic Session. "I asked him to step into a role that he was incredibly qualified to do, and I challenged him to bring change … to bring growth … to reinvigorate … to do things that hadn’t been done. Colonel Hanley [has] done an exceptional job, and I am deeply, deeply grateful for his service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
In a statement, Hanley thanked those at VSP for supporting him during his time with the agency.
“It has been an honor to serve this great Commonwealth as a longstanding member of the Virginia State Police," he said. "I am proud of the incredible work the agency has accomplished and am grateful for the commitment that our sworn and professional staff provide daily. Virginia is in a better place today because of their dedication and I will greatly miss serving alongside them.”
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Jeffrey Katz, former chief of the Chesterfield County Police Department, will become VSP's superintendent effective Jan. 17 following his appointment by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D).
