Happenings

Virginia Cider Week is celebrated across the Commonwealth, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin toasts the growers, makers, and small businesses who keep this agricultural tradition thriving. From family orchards to innovative cideries, Virginia’s cider industry reflects our rich heritage, local craftsmanship, and the bounty of our land.

 Learn more about Virginia Cider Week here: https://virginiacider.org/cider-week/

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined On the Square to host this year’s Boots on the Square event at the Executive Mansion, celebrating Virginia’s equestrian heritage and state employees alike.

From line dancing with K95 Richmond, to meeting mini horses from the Triple Crown Equine Club, and enjoying kettle corn and country tunes, the day was full of laughter, community, and a little western flair!

A big thank you to VDACS, DGS, and all partners who made this boot-scootin’ celebration possible — showing once again that there’s nothing quite like the Spirit of Virginia!

This week, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed winemakers, growers, and vineyard owners to the Executive Mansion to celebrate Virginia’s flourishing wine industry — contributing over $1.7 billion to the economy and supporting more than 10,000 jobs statewide.

Guests enjoyed a toast with Cornus Virginicus IV — the First Lady’s newest blend crafted with King Family Vineyards, with proceeds benefiting Wheatland Farm.

Discover Virginia’s 350+ wineries and plan your visit: VirginiaWine.org | Virginia.org/wineries

Purchase Cornus Virginicus here: https://pages.virginiawine.org/cv/

As part of Virginia Agriculture Week, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the Jones family of Dark Leaf Farm to the Executive Mansion for a special delivery of their homegrown pumpkins — a festive start to Virginia Pumpkin Month! During the visit, the First Lady and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr presented the Governor’s official proclamation recognizing October as Pumpkin Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Jones family’s third-generation farm in Appomattox County grows wheat, corn, soybeans, berries, and pumpkins, reflecting the heart and heritage of Virginia agriculture.

The visit was especially meaningful, as the Jones’ daughter, Savannah Jones, was recently named the first recipient of the Suzanne S. Youngkin Scholarship for Female Leadership in Agriculture, presented by Governor Youngkin at the State Fair.

The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome community leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and members of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board to the Executive Mansion for a vibrant celebration of Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month.

Virginia is home to more than 800,000 Hispanic and Latino residents whose culture, service, and spirit enrich our Commonwealth every day.

Grateful to VLAB and all who continue to build bridges and strengthen communities across Virginia.

Consistent with a determined focus on Virginia’s children with disabilities, Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin honored National Service Dog Day by welcoming 12 year-old Charlie Kreitz, Wendy, and the Kreitz family to the Executive Mansion and presented an official proclamation.

Canine Companions is a national leader in facility and service dog training and has trained Wendy who performs 50+ tasks that help Charlie live with confidence and independence. 

Proclaiming today Martin “Tutti” Townes Day, the Governor alongside First Lady, cabinet secretaries, family and friends, celebrated the remarkable legacy of the Executive Mansion’s Head Butler.

To honor his decades of service and painted by Richmond artist Stanley Rayfield, the portrait now hangs in the Mansion’s foyer — a lasting reminder of Tutti’s spirit of hospitality that defines the People’s House. The Townes family’s legacy of service extends across generations.

The portrait joins the Art Experience exhibition, “America: Made in Virginia,” as yet another way this home tells Virginia’s diverse and delightful story ahead of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin & Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed guests for the unveiling of America: Made in Virginia—the 4th ‘Art Experience’ at the Executive Mansion. The first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. At a time when America continues to strive for a more perfect union, the more than 70 works on loan from more than 30 art partners, highlight Virginia’s role in shaping America and remind us that our country’s greatness must be rooted in goodness.

Thank you to our 2025 Governor’s Fellows for the talent and dedication you’ve brought to our administration. As your fellowship comes to a close today, know that your extraordinary contributions have enriched our Commonwealth. We look forward to seeing all you will accomplish in the years ahead!

Recently, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed Doro Bush Koch, Tricia Reilly Koch, Lynn Mento, and Lacey Tilley of Conservation Nation to the Executive Mansion for a meaningful discussion on advancing conservation education in Virginia.

Together with Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon, the group explored ways to expand Conservation Nation’s mission—supporting wildlife champions in the field and inspiring the next generation of students through scholarships, educator training, and in-school STEM programs.

The First Lady also recently joined Doro and Tricia on their Health Gig podcast to discuss youth engagement in a digital age. Listen here.

Hosted by the Virginia Council on Women, and supported by businesses across the Commonwealth, the STEAM-H Essay Contest provides an opportunity for high school senior girls to compete annually to earn scholarships toward college. Focusing their writings on educational and career aspirations in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics or healthcare, these remarkable young women made #homehistory at a celebratory reception at the Executive Mansion – congratulations!

Learn more about the scholarship contest on the Virginia Council on Women’s website.

The Executive Mansion recently celebrated Stoner Winslett, Founding Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet, for over four decades of visionary leadership in dance.

Governor Glenn Youngkin proclaimed May 31 as “State Ballet of Virginia Day,” and the Richmond Ballet honored Lori Klinger with its Lifetime Achievement Award for her impact in arts education.

A beautiful evening honoring the power of the arts to uplift, connect, and inspire.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin recently joined Governor Glenn Youngkin at the Executive Mansion to thank members of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and key community leaders for their service and contributions to the Commonwealth.

While visiting Richmond from Norfolk, Larrymore Elementary’s ‘Girls on the Run’ Club recently raced to the Executive Mansion for a tour with First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. The national nonprofit is dedicated to help girls rise above societal and cultural obstacles to become their most confident selves. Learn more: girlsontherun.org.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Virginia dads and father figures who shape our families and communities. The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome Virginia dads to the Executive Mansion for breakfast.

Fatherhood is such a blessing and lifelong vocation, grounded in responsibility, shown through action and sustained by devotion. From the soon-to-be dads to the great granddads, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made and the legacy you continue to build.

This #MemorialDay and #MilitaryAppreciationMonth we honor the fallen—and celebrate the brave men and women who serve.

In acknowledging the more than 110 thousand female veterans in Virginia — the highest % per capita in the nation — First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin hosted female military leaders for an appreciation breakfast at the Executive Mansion.

Joining the gathering were two leading veterans, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears and General Craig Crenshaw, the Governor’s Secretary of Veteran and Defense Affairs, as well as key member of their staffs.

In an ongoing commitment to volunteerism, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined the nonprofit Communities In Schools (CIS) of Petersburg volunteer mentors at Blandford Academy, and the Petersburg school district’s leadership in a program — Girls with Pearls — empowering students to grow in confidence, leadership, and connection. 
 
Joined by contributors to the successful program, participants were recognized for their year-long commitment to personal growth and academic success at a gathering at Richmond’s Executive Mansion. 
 
The event celebrated the power of mentorship and the promise of Petersburg’s next generation of young female leaders. After the celebration, the students continued their day in Richmond with a tour of Virginia’s Capitol Building. 

During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined friends at Richmond’s Executive Mansion for powerful performances and heartfelt recognition. 
 
The evening featured remarks by special guests including Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee, a performance by young dancers enrolled in the Thapasya School of Dance, and artwork by Korean American artist Grace Paik Caldwell. 
 
The evening celebrated the contributions of the more than 700,000 Virginians whose heritage enriches the Spirit of Virginia. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin marked Jewish American Heritage Month with a reception at the Executive Mansion and ahead of the Combat Antisemitism Gala in Richmond.  
 
Guests came together to celebrate more than 400 years of Jewish contributions to Virginia, and to send a clear message: antisemitism has no place in our schools, our communities, or our Commonwealth. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s EMS Awards to the Executive Mansion in honor of Emergency Medical Services Week. 
 
Virginia’s emergency responders are true heroes, saving lives with courage and compassion and making our emergency care system one of the best in the nation. 
 
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to every EMS provider across the Commonwealth! 

In acknowledging the more than 110 thousand female veterans in Virginia — the highest % per capita in the nation — First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin hosted female military leaders for an appreciation breakfast at the Executive Mansion.  
 
Joining the gathering were two leading veterans, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears and General Craig Crenshaw, the Governor’s Secretary of Veteran and Defense Affairs, as well as key member of their staffs. 

With a goal of enhancing care for Virginia’s foster children, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled “Safe Kids, Strong Families”—a bold, statewide initiative to protect the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable. 
 
Following the announcement, they welcomed foster families, youth, and child welfare champions from across Virginia to the Executive Mansion for a special Foster Care Awareness Reception. Guests were treated to live music from The Little Biscuit Band—a name symbolizing children, like dough, rising. 
 
As Virginia continues its commitment to prioritize kinship care through Kin First Now and the Safe & Sound Task Force, the event recognized real progress. Since 2023, kinship placements have surged by more than 60%, giving more children the stability and love of family. 
 

During Teacher Appreciation Week Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrated the eight standout regional Teachers of the Year who inspire students and prepare the next generation of leaders across Virginia at an Executive Mansion reception following the ceremony. Congratulations to Matthew Neale of Roanoke County Public Schools, 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year! 

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed families for a joyful Easter Egg Hunt celebrating the season of renewal with laughter and a few well-hidden surprises. Colorful eggs and spring blooms greeted children and parents alike at Richmond’s Executive Mansion — the oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the United States. 
 
Want to experience the magic for yourself? 
Schedule a tour and explore Virginia’s history up close here. 

To the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep Virginians safe: thank you. Governor Glenn Youngkin was honored to present the Fire Service Awards and recognize heroism, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting our great Commonwealth. 

Recently, Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed over 100 child welfare professionals to the Executive Mansion for the first-ever Child Welfare Appreciation Reception.

From caseworkers to kinship advocates, these incredible individuals work tirelessly to ensure Virginia’s children grow up safe, supported, and loved. 
 
In partnership with Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly and Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner James Williams, the reception recognized the frontline heroes strengthening our child welfare system every day. 
 
Together, we’re building a Virginia where every child is protected and every family is supported. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed Virginia’s 2024 Women in Business Awardees and Inside Business honorees to the Executive Mansion.

Special guests included Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears, Poet Laureate Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Cabinet Secretaries, and Joan Johns Cobbs—sister of civil rights icon Barbara Johns.

The event also featured “HOPE,” a powerful art exhibit by women at Chesterfield County Jail.

Two hundred and forty-four years after a 23-year-old Marquis de Lafayette joined General George Washington to defeat the British, the Executive Mansion played host to a ‘Lafayette Day’ celebration that included the First Lady, Governor Glenn Youngkin, dignitaries, friends, and members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Acknowledging the impact of this French hero, guests were serenaded by soprano Laura Heydt with tunes admonishing his role in Virginia, and America’s, history.

As “Guest of the Nation,” Lafayette returned to Richmond on his 1824 Farewell Tour and dined at the Executive Mansion with then Governor James Pleasants. For over two centuries, the Executive Mansion has been a place of gathering, where history and hospitality meet.

The Governor and First Lady kicked off Black History Month at the Executive Mansion, featuring special performances by The Hampton University Concert Choir and Miss Virginia, Carlehr Swanson. Black history is Virginia history. We honor the past and continue the work for a brighter future.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed state legislators, their families, and staff to the Executive Mansion to kick off the 2025 General Assembly session. These gatherings promote fellowship and camaraderie, offering a relaxed setting to foster shared purpose and mutual respect as lawmakers begin their work for all Virginians.