CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has appointed Dr. Jeffery Smith to be Virginia’s next Secretary of Education. The 32-year veteran of public education has spent the past 15 years as a superintendent, first in West Point and, most recently, in Hampton.

“It is an honor to serve as a member of Governor-elect Spanberger’s administration. I strongly support her Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan,” Smith said in a statement. “Together, we can advance a vision for a Commonwealth that is stronger, safer, and more affordable for all Virginians, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to achieve and succeed.”

Smith, also a pastor in Richmond for the past 40 years, is currently serving as the Executive Director and CEO of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton.

“As a mother of three daughters in Virginia’s public schools, I understand the importance of making sure Virginia’s students are set up for success and the invaluable foundation that the Commonwealth’s schools provide for our next generation of leaders,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Dr. Smith’s decades of experience leading districts in Virginia gives the Commonwealth’s students a champion who I know will work tirelessly on their behalf — and I’m excited to work alongside him to strengthen our schools.”