Governor-elect Spanberger announces appointment of chief diversity officer

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) announced the appointment of the next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion on Tuesday.

In the morning on Tuesday, Dec. 30, Spanberger's office announced in a press release that Sesha Joi Moon would be the next chief diversity officer.

Spanberger's office said Moon has over 20 years of experience working for organizations throughout the U.S.

She reportedly served as chief diversity officer of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th and 118th Congresses, leading the U.S. House Office of Diversity & Inclusion under Speakers Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy and Mike Johnson.

Moon also served as chief impact officer with Girl Scouts USA and chief diversity officer with the National Institute of Standards & Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where Spanberger's office said she received the Commerce Bronze Award for Superior Performance and Commerce Spirit Award. 

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Moon is also is the co-founder and executive producer of The JXN Project, a research-based reparative historic preservation non-profit organization, which, in June, unveiled its "House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History" exhibition in June at the Library of Virginia.

Spanberger's office said Moon is from Richmond and lives in Fairfax County.

"When every Virginian has the opportunity to reach their full potential, it benefits all of us. Virginia deserves leaders who will make sure our work to grow our Commonwealth’s economy keeps the needs of all Virginians in mind," Spanberger said in the press release. "Today, I'm excited to announce that Dr. Moon is joining our administration. Her experience across government, education, and the nonprofit sectors gives her firsthand insight into the ways in which we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Virginia for every family."

"I am deeply honored by my nomination as the next Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Commonwealth of Virginia," Moon said in the press release. "As a proud Virginia native, I look forward to joining the cabinet of Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger as her historic administration works to advance a future in which all Virginians have access to opportunity — to include residents from some of the hardest-to-reach communities throughout the Commonwealth."