The Hunt Institute Names Second Cohort of the Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2026
Contact: Dr. Javaid Siddiqi
Javaid.Siddiqi@hunt-institute.org | (984) 377-5200

Cary, N.C. – The Hunt Institute is honored to announce the second cohort of the Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows (HSPF). This bipartisan program brings together local elected officials from across the Commonwealth to engage in productive dialogue on some of the most pressing issues in education policy.

Through this program, Fellows will convene for a series of sessions designed to deepen their understanding of critical education topics, including early childhood education, K-12 systems, postsecondary attainment, and workforce development. They will engage with experts, legislators, and educators, working across party lines to identify strategies that improve student outcomes and strengthen education systems.

“As we celebrate Governor Jim Hunt’s legacy and The Hunt Institute’s 25th anniversary, we remain committed to bringing together policymakers to advance education policy from cradle to career,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “Now more than ever, students of all ages need local leaders who understand that strong communities begin with strong education systems and opportunities. I am excited to welcome this second cohort of Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows and look forward to the lasting impact they will make for communities across the Commonwealth.”

The Virginia program builds on the success of the inaugural cohort. It continues to strengthen The Hunt Institute’s broader Hunt State Policy Fellows initiative, which has convened leaders from both sides of the aisle across multiple states, including its home state of North Carolina. By engaging a second cohort in Virginia, the Hunt Institute reaffirms its commitment to equipping policymakers with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to inspire meaningful change.

“Education remains one of the most important issues facing communities across Virginia, and the leaders selected for this cohort are committed to expanding opportunities for every student. Bringing together local officials with diverse perspectives and experiences fosters the thoughtful, bipartisan collaboration needed to develop stronger policies that benefit students, families, and educators across the Commonwealth,” said Laura Novey, member of The Hunt Institute Board of Directors, former Virginia Secretary of Education, and current Senior Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting.

The Hunt Institute looks forward to working with this group of leaders and supporting their efforts to make positive impacts in their communities. The cohort includes county supervisors, school board members, mayors, and city council members from across the Commonwealth.

The 2026 Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows cohort is:

• Maritsa Alger, Board Vice Chair, Newport News Public Schools
• Nasser Alsaadun, Council Member, City of Harrisonburg
• Yesy Amaya, Council Member, City of Manassas Park
• Curtis D. Bethany III, Vice Mayor, City of Newport News
• Kathleen Brown, Board Chair, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
• Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb, Mayor, City of Roanoke
• Cameran Drew, Supervisor, Surry County Board of Supervisors
• Jimmy Gray, Mayor, City of Hampton
• Courtney Howard, Supervisor, Alleghany County Board of Supervisors
• Nicole Jones, Council Member, City of Richmond
• Jordan Labiosa, Vice Chair, Craig County Board of Supervisors
• Dr. Babur Lateef, Board Chair, Prince William County Public Schools
• Stephanie Lillard, Mayor, Town of Luray
• Alex Littleton, Council Member, City of Bristol
• Sean McGee, Board Chair, Suffolk Public Schools
• Dayna-Marie Miles, Board Member, Manassas City Public Schools
• Alex Reyes, Council Member, Town of Herndon
• Randy Riffle, Board Vice Chair, Williamsburg-James City County Schools
• Marcie Shea, Board Member, Henrico County Public Schools
• Joe Short, Vice Mayor, Town of Culpeper
• Jennifer Sowers, Board Chair, Carroll County Public Schools
• Jordan Stewart, Supervisor, New Kent County Board of Supervisors
• Sue Way, Mayor, Town of Buchanan
• Dr. Pamela Yeung, Supervisor, Stafford County Board of Supervisors

“Participating in the inaugural Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows program reinforced the importance of data, collaboration, and thoughtful dialogue in shaping education policy,” said Sonia Vásquez Luna, a member of the inaugural Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows cohort and current Manassas City Council member. “The relationships and insights I gained continue to inform my work and will remain invaluable as I seek to serve Virginians in the House of Delegates. I wish the second cohort the very best as they will build lasting relationships, gain valuable experiences, and strengthen the communities they serve for years to come.”

Throughout the program, Fellows will participate in interactive discussions, professional perspective sessions with education leaders and students, and peer-to-peer exchanges that foster collaboration and innovation. The Fellowship is designed to provide practical tools and insights that participants can apply in their communities to strengthen education policy and outcomes.

###

About The Hunt Institute
The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit:  www.hunt-institute.org