Happenings

The Art Experience at the Executive is in its second year, boasting over 70 works in partnership with more than 40 art partners. The Governor and First Lady gathered in Virginia’s home alongside living artists, museum representatives and creatives from across the Commonwealth in celebration of this dynamic, first-of-its-kind exhibit. Thank you to Ann Goettman, Judy Boland, Alicia Starliper and countless others for your work on this project!

The First Lady and Governor were humbled to be surrounded by Jewish faith and community leaders, as well as members of the Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism and the Virginia Israel Advisory Board, at the Executive Mansion on the seventh night of Hanukkah. As we reflect on the spirit of Hanukkah, we hold tight to the goodwill, light and hope of this holiday season.

The First Lady and Governor were honored to host a reception at the Mansion welcoming a conglomerate of organizations and honoring their impact. The Spirit of Virginia Award recognizes and celebrates the organizations that work tirelessly in their communities to bring about positive change in our Commonwealth, covering vast geographies and a wide array of causes. Alongside Spirit of Virginia Award winners, three additional nonprofits are being celebrated this holiday season by the Youngkins. In collaboration with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), Fear 2 Freedom and the James House, The Governor and the First Lady decorated the tree in the dining room of the Executive Mansion with ornaments, “Freedom Bears,” photos of heroes lost in the line of duty and more — highlighting the missions and values of these change-making nonprofits in the true spirit of the season.

Many thanks to the incredible leadership teams at Virginia state agencies that keep our Commonwealth the best place to live, work and raise a family! The First Lady and Governor were overjoyed to welcome supervisors, directors and commissioners of these most important agencies to the Executive Mansion for holiday cheer. Whether you attend classes within the Virginia Community College System, head to the Department of Motor Vehicles or solidify future plans with Virginia Retirement System, there is no doubt that the Commonwealth of Virginia runs on our state agencies.

The holidays are here! Thank you to all those who came out to the Capitol Square tree lighting and Executive Mansion open house, and a special thank you to John Warren and the marching band from Fork Union Military Academy for adding some most special fanfare to the festivities. The First Lady and Governor welcomed hundreds of Virginians and visitors from all over the world to unveil decorations embodying a ‘Commonwealth Christmas.'

Virginia’s popular cider industry is historic, innovative and fast-growing — evolving the Commonwealth’s centuries-old tradition of cidermaking into production of today’s diverse offerings. Whether eclectic or classic, cider continues to be a part of our #homehistory. The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome members of the Virginia Cider Association, leaders from Virginia’s agriculture industry, as well as cidery owners and staff to the Executive Mansion during Virginia Cider Week. Cheers to Virginia cider!

In honor of last summer’s masterful production of the Carmina Burana as part of a broader “Celebration of Virginia Arts at Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts”, talented players, dancers and singers from the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, and City Choir of Washington came together in the Executive Mansion to toast the arts in Virginia. Thank you to Margaret Hancock and the wonderful team at the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) for all that you do to bolster this incredible and inspiring industry. Virginia is most decidedly for Lovers of Art!

The Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Awards spotlight individuals, businesses and groups that dedicate thousands of hours of service to their communities. This year's eleven honorees embody selflessness and generosity - serving as an inspiration to all Virginians to give back. Congratulations to these heroes and thank you to all those who better our Commonwealth by engaging in volunteerism and community service!

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin had a wonderful afternoon meeting with and hearing the stories, goals and aspirations of the 6th cohort of The Virginia Management Fellows. The Virginia Management Fellows program encourages the growth and success of Virginia's future leaders by offering a path to management and leadership succession, equipping participants with the knowledge, connections, skills and experience needed for permanent positions in Virginia's state agencies. Want to apply for Cohort 7? Submit your information here to be notified when the position is posted on the Commonwealth's hiring website!

The Governor, First Lady and "Nutzy" threw the Executive Mansion doors open to over a hundred trick-or-treaters this Halloween! Dressed in uniform, the Governor and First Lady loved being a part of the Richmond Flying Squirrels family for the evening. A special thank you to the Flying Squirrels Team, Jonathan the Juggler and our wonderful Virginia law enforcement officers and social services personnel for coming by! Hoping that everyone had a sweet and safe Halloween.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Executive Mansion Team partnered with the Virginia Department of General Services and On the Square VA to throw the second annual 'Boots on the Square' event in the Mansion's front drive. Welcoming all Virginia state employees and Capitol Square passersby, the event featured line dancing, lasso lessons, miniature horses and fresh kettle corn. Email us at executivemansion@governor.virginia.gov with ideas on what you'd love to see included in next year's Boots on the Square event!

Toasting to Virginia wine and its fruitful agrotourism industry with winemakers and vineyard owners this Wine Month! The Governor and the First Lady welcomed winemakers, vineyard owners and members of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Executive Mansion in celebration of all things Virginia wine. The Executive Mansion is proud to exclusively serve Virginia wines, and guests certainly love it too. Cheers to the teams behind the Commonwealth’s favorite reds, whites and rosés! 

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed the leaders in the Commonwealth’s Hispanic and Latino communities to the Executive Mansion for a reception honoring their diverse heritage and vast contributions to our nation. Business, faith and community leaders came together to commemorate the occasion and were treated to entertainment provided by Angel Rodriguez “The Salsa Guy of Richmond” and “Tradición” dance company highlighting a variety of Latin American musical traditions.

In honor of Recovery Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Secretariat of Health and Human Resources lead by Secretary John Littel hosted a breakfast reception at the Executive Mansion to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The reception welcomed professionals in the peer recovery community, and guests heard powerful testimony from an individual in the space. Special applause for peer recovery professionals who share their challenges and success with others — it’s the Year of the Peer!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady raised a glass to Virginia’s booming craft beer industry alongside Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr and the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. Winners from the 2023 Virginia Craft Beer Cup were invited to the Mansion to share samples of their winning brews with guests. The competition is the largest state competition of its kind in the country. Cheers to the talented teams behind the Commonwealth’s favorite beers!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady co-hosted a reception with the Virginia Equine Alliance commemorating the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's historic Triple-Crown victory. On the eve of Colonial Downs' Festival of Racing, the reception welcomed key players in Virginia’s remarkable equine industries and enjoyed a moving performance by the Second Mount Zion Baptist Church choir led by director Bubba Johnson. Making a pitstop on its tour across the Commonwealth, Artist Jocelyn Russel’s renowned sculpture of Virginia’s own, “Secretariat Racing Into History,” was positioned on the Executive Mansion front drive for the evening. The statue will find its permanent home in Ashland, Virginia at Randolph-Macon College, less than ten miles away from Secretariat’s birthplace, Meadow Stables. A special thank you to Debbie Easter of the Virginia Equine Alliance, Deputy Secretary Beth Green from our wonderful Agriculture and Forestry secretariat and Kate Chenery Tweedy and the Secretariat for Virginia team for making this historic event a night to remember.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Virginia DGS and OnTheSquareVA in throwing open the Executive Mansion doors to all Virginia state employees and Capitol Square visitors who wanted to view the first installation of the Art Experience. Guests took in the 50+ amazing works created by, for and of Virginians. The Executive Mansion will be closed from August 21^st through August 25^th to accommodate for the installation of the new exhibit. Photos of and information on all works from the first installment will be archived in the Art Experience section of the Executive Mansion website. Stay tuned for what’s to come!

To celebrate their summer of service, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted the 2023 class of Governor’s Fellows at the Executive Mansion. Before diving into a delicious barbecue dinner, the Governor, First Lady, and Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James each offered words of appreciation for the Fellows’ growth and dedication on display throughout the summer. Fellows, we are grateful for your service to the Commonwealth these last eight weeks and look forward to seeing your continued impacts wherever you may land!

For the second year in a row, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted the Virginia Governor's Fellows for lunch at the Executive Mansion. The Fellows Program provides college and graduate students with a summer of valuable public service experience through internship placements with various secretariats, agencies, and even the Mansion itself. Over a delicious taco lunch, the Fellows were able to hear from the First Lady about her path to public service and voice thoughtful questions. The Commonwealth is certainly in good hands with this next generation of changemakers! 

At a congratulatory breakfast reception, Governor Glenn Youngkin and members of his cabinet honored Major General Timothy P. Williams for a remarkable 9 years as The Adjutant General of Virginia and celebrated his retirement from 38 years of military service. The Governor presented a flag to Major General Williams and a certificate and bouquet to the Major General’s wife, Mrs. Cheryl Williams. Remarks of admiration and gratitude were made by the Governor, General Craig Crenshaw, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Major General James Ring, the succeeding Adjutant General of Virginia, and Mrs. Cheryl Williams. Thank you, Major General Williams, for your longstanding service and leadership in the Commonwealth.

In celebration of Pride Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted members of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, Log Cabin Republicans and community for a reception at the Executive Mansion, thanking them for their contributions to the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin gave remarks expressing the need for unity and collaboration while celebrating the talent and dedication of the board, community and Log Cabin Republicans organization.

In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel welcomed members and partners of the Virginia Alzheimer’s Association to the Executive Mansion. In a heartfelt conversation, attendees shared about their experiences caring for family members and friends diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their hopes for progress towards a cure. Thankful for all those working, researching, and advocating to end Alzheimer’s and related diseases.

In a first at the Executive Mansion, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady gathered with more than 100 Virginians from across the Commonwealth in the Mansion front lawn to celebrate Juneteenth. The Governor, First Lady, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion, government officials and community leaders marked the upcoming holiday with a cookout in honor of the history and vitality of June 19^th. Thank you Kona Ice RVA and Mr. Q’s BBQ for joining in on the festivities!

5 years ago, Virginia became one of the first states to participate in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. To highlight this anniversary, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs General Craig Crenshaw, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel welcomed healthcare professionals, veterans affairs experts, and active and retired service members to the Mansion for a breakfast reception, kicking off a full day of meetings and advocacy work. To learn more about this important initiative, visit the Veterans and Defense Affairs website.

The First Lady, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and General Craig Crenshaw, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, commemorated the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act with a reception at the Executive Mansion honoring the Commonwealth's women veterans and active-duty service members. Signed into law in 1948, this legislation opened doors for women seeking to serve our country, allowing women to serve as regular members of the United States’ Armed Forces. Our armed forces would not be the same without the strength and bravery of these and all women who serve.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted a breakfast reception at the Executive Mansion in celebration of Father’s Day and Virginia Fatherhood Week, welcoming faith leaders, and friends and members of the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia. The Governor proclaimed June 12-18 Virginia Fatherhood Week, recognizing the importance of the unique bond between father and child and honoring the dedication to family and community that fathers exemplify. Dads, your contributions to your families, your communities, and your Commonwealth are irreplaceable!

In celebration of the Virginia homeschooling community, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed dozens of parents, students and leaders in home education to the Executive Mansion for a festive breakfast reception. Governor Youngkin proclaimed June 2^nd as Virginia Homeschool Day, recognizing the opportunities fostered through home education. Guests were treated to music by the L.I.V.E. Quartet, a group of students from the Fredericksburg area.  

Following the 2023 Regional Virginia Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed this year’s award recipients, as well as their families and sponsors, to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their accomplishments. Thank you, teachers, principals, parents, superintendents, school board members and the Department of Education, led by the Honorable Aimee Guidera, for your dedication to Virginia’s next generations.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed current and former Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellows for an inaugural and celebratory gathering at the Executive Mansion. The Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellowship program is intended to recognize, support and promote Virginia artists and the Commonwealth’s thriving artistic community. Thank you to VCA’s Executive Director, Margaret Hancock and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera for your commitment to bolstering and nurturing art and art education in the Commonwealth.  And a hearty congratulations to VCA artist Fellows who share their artistry with Virginia. To learn more about the program, visit the Virginia Commission for the Arts website. 

After securing their third straight NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship title, the women of the University of Virginia’s Swim and Dive team were welcomed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The Governor and First Lady had the chance to speak to each of the athletes about their collegiate careers and professional goals before toasting the team with a Ukrop’s Cake. Congratulations, ladies- Wahoowa!

In honor of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted VAAB (Virginia Asian Advisory Board) members, entrepreneurs as well as leaders in health, finance, academia, public service and education to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The First Family is endlessly grateful for the outpour of fellowship, support and commitment to the Commonwealth from the AAPI community. A special thank you to the Honorable Kay Coles James and the Secretariat of the Commonwealth for your leadership!  To learn more about serving on a Virginia board or commission, click here.

Happy Mother’s Day, Virginia! In observation of Foster Care Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin expressed her gratitude and admiration for the women who nurture and protect children in need of a temporary home by hosting a foster mother appreciation event at the Executive Mansion. While engaging in robust discussions around the women-led, Administration-backed Safe and Sound Task Force, the First Lady had the chance to learn from these mothers what it means to be a foster parent. Thank you to Virginia's mothers for your dedication to your families and the next generation of the Commonwealth's changemakers!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the winners, judges and sponsors of the Virginia Council on Women’s annual STEAM-H Essay Contest for a reception at the Executive Mansion celebrating high school achievers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare. Congratulations to the Women+girls (W+g) across Virginia who serve, mentor and set their sights on remarkable work.

To celebrate a remarkable season and the FIRST National Championship title for Christopher Newport University Men’s Basketball, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the team’s players, families, and coaches to the Executive Mansion for cake and congratulatory remarks. We are so proud of your tenacity and know this is only the first of many championship wins in your future. Go, Captains!

As a perfect leadup to Earth Day, the Governor and First Lady honored the efforts and achievements of the James River Association at the Executive Mansion's FIRST outdoor reception of 2023! Lead by President and CEO Bill Street, the James River Association acts as a guardian of the James by giving the river a voice and advocating for its conservation and the responsible stewardship of its natural resources. Thank you to the James River Association's board and staff, as well as the Secretariat of Natural and Historic Resources for making this a most special evening! To learn more about how to get involved and become a James Changer, visit the James River Association's website. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed members of the Young Presidents' Organization from the Northern Virginia and D.C. area to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating the achievements of Virginia changemakers and their businesses. YPO’s history is long, achievements many and trajectory ever-forward. YPO welcomes extraordinary leaders to grow stronger together to improve lives, businesses and the world. The Governor and attendees discussed economic development opportunities in the Commonwealth and raised a glass to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. A special thank you to Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Honorable Caren Merrick for your leadership!

In partnership with Communities in Schools of Petersburg, The First Lady welcomed middle and high school students to the Executive Mansion for a tour and picnic with food donated by Chick-Fil-A and buses provided by Virginia State University. The students learned about the history of the Executive Mansion, got civics lesson and visit from the Governor and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and met first dogs, Bo and Belle. A special thank you to Wanda Stewart, President and CEO of CIS Petersburg, for your dedication to these amazing students and your community!

Spring has sprung at the Executive Mansion! In celebration of the change of seasons and Easter holiday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the children and families of VCU Children's Hospital employees and the guests of Doorways Richmond to the Mansion for an Easter egg hunt. Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn, Kona Ice and beautiful weather made for a special afternoon. The First Family and Executive Mansion team are incredibly grateful for our Virginia healthcare workers and are sending love, light and healing to everyone this Easter!

In 1973, then-Governor Holton welcomed Virginia's Vietnam War POWs to the Executive Mansion in celebration of their safe return home. 50 years later, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady had the privilege and honor to invite these brave men and their families back to the Mansion for another reception. The First Family was humbled to have the opportunity to meet these veterans, listen to their stories and visit with their families, and are immensely grateful for their service and safe return. A special thank you to Secretary General Craig Crenshaw and his team in the Secretariat of Veterans and Defense Affairs for helping make this event possible!

In the final week of Women's History Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Commonwealth, The Honorable Kay Coles James, welcomed over 100 women to the Executive Mansion in celebration of the contributions of Virginia's women. Artist Sukenya Best's portrait of Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears was unveiled and will join the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, hanging in the Ladies' Parlor. In appreciation for those serving in government as well as on commissions and advisory boards, female entertainers and vintners added special touches to this month's gatherings, including performances by pianist Kay Willett, the University of Richmond Women's Chorale and their accompanist, Dr. Mary Beth Bennett. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed more than 125 women who are leading Virginia businesses and nonprofits, both large and small, to the Executive Mansion for a workforce-centric gathering during Women’s History Month. The event recognized and celebrated the talents and dedication of these women who are coming together to make the Commonwealth the best place to live work and raise a family. Click here to watch a video from the reception commending the women in Virginia's workforce who are integral to the Commonwealth's past, present and future.  

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the legislative and administrative assistants of the 2023 General Assembly Legislative Session to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their critical work. By maintaining order in the Pocahontas Building, scheduling engagements with their legislator's constituents, and providing support to our elected officials, these individuals are the backbone of session. Thank you for all that you do!

In honor of their hard work and commitment to the Commonwealth's legislative session, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted this year's General Assembly pages. The House and Senate Page Programs have served Virginia's legislature since at least 1850, inviting select 13- and 14-year-olds to learn about their state government while developing professional characteristics. Interested in becoming a Senate or House Page, or think you might know someone who is? Applications for admission to the class of 2024 will be available mid-summer 2023 and visit Capitol Classroom to learn more. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the spouses of our Virginia legislators to lunch on Thursday while they spent the day in the Capitol. The First Lady enjoyed meeting the partners of our senators and delegates and telling them about the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion with the help of Citizen’s Advisory Council member, Judy Boland. Thank you, spouses for your loving support of our legislators in sickness and in health, in session and in life!

In honor of the critical work of the Virginia Association of Recovery Residencies and their partners, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted a breakfast at the Executive Mansion marking VARR’s First Annual Recovery Day in Virginia. Senators, delegates, cabinet members and leaders from organizations dedicated to making addiction recovery resources available, affordable and exceptional came together to celebrate the progress being made in the recovery community and discuss ways to improve accessibility and advocacy. Thank you, Dr. Sarah Scarbrough and the folks at Real Life Program for your work in organizing such an important day!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady were honored to host a reception at the Executive Mansion in honor of Black History Month. The Governor and First Lady were joined by HBCU presidents, faith leaders, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of three incredible black owned businesses, listening to the inspiring and original poetry of two young women and a musical performance from Virginia State University’s Gospel Choir. Thank you to Chief Martin Brown, the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion and Virginia State University for your hands in making this evening so special.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed all women legislators of the 2023 Virginia General Assembly to the Mansion for breakfast and fellowship. Thank you to our lady legislators for all that you do: not only during session in the Capitol, but all year in your districts, your communities, your homes and within your families.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed the Democratic Caucuses of the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates to the Mansion for a reception. As our Virginia legislators begin critical work for the Commonwealth and their constituents, we hope that the Mansion can offer a place of respite, community and celebration.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus and the Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus to receptions at the Executive Mansion. The First Family is excited to welcome members of the Virginia General Assembly over the course of the 2023 legislative session.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady were honored to host leadership from Virginia’s many agencies at the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating the hard work and dedication these individuals put in to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. Representatives from departments such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Corrections, Department of Education and Department of Elections, as well as organizations like the Virginia Lottery, Virginia ABC and the Virginia Commission for the Arts were in attendance.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady opened the Executive Mansion up to Virginia legislators following the Governor’s 2023 State of the Commonwealth address. The Executive Mansion stands ready to welcome elected officials during legislative session and throughout the year.