Former Richmond official to be Spanberger’s administration secretary

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Traci DeShazor, who previously served as the city of Richmond's deputy chief administrative officer for Human Services, has been chosen to be Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's administration secretary.

Spanberger's office announced the appointment in a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

DeShazor resigned from her position as Richmond's deputy chief administrative officer for Human Services in March, after which Amy Popovich was selected as her replacement.

"The Secretary of Administration is entrusted with overseeing critical functions in our Commonwealth — from making sure Virginians can exercise their right to vote to supporting the Virginians who have chosen to serve their neighbors across state government. Virginians deserve a knowledgeable leader who understands these operations," Spanberger said in the release. "Throughout her career, Ms. Deshazor has been focused on making Virginia’s government work better for the people at both the state and local levels — and that’s why I’m proud to have her join my administration."

"Throughout my career, I have worked across municipal and state government, and federal intergovernmental affairs to ensure that public institutions are effective, and centered on delivering results for the people they serve. I understand that strong administration is the foundation of good governance — supporting the workforce, modernizing systems, and ensuring accountability across every agency," Deshazor said, in part, in the release.

PREVIOUS: Republicans criticize Spanberger’s pick for Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary

During her time as a Richmond city official, Spanberger's office said DeShazor developed the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, established the Office of Homeless Services and the Office of Neighborhood and Community Services, and launched a community resource and training center to serve those experiencing homelessness and other hardships.