Unidentified Speaker Says They Were First Person of Color Elected Chair in Virginia, Frames Career as Service

An unidentified speaker told listeners that a lifetime of public service — shaped by a military-family upbringing and a belief that "the price to live in this country is service" — led them to accept appointments from three governors and to chair two state boards.

The speaker said they sought opportunities to 'get to yes' when asked to serve, and described their record as bipartisan: "I was really pleased to be able to do that, for 3 governors, both parties, and 2 state boards, and become chair of those boards," they said. They added that they were the "first ever person of color" to serve as an elected chair in Virginia's history, presenting that claim as a milestone in their career.

The speaker also emphasized gratitude and humility, saying they were able to reach that position because "people whose names I will never know fought fights that I will never have to fight," and concluding, "I stand on their shoulders." The remarks were delivered as a personal narrative of service and historical acknowledgement; the transcript contains no formal motion, vote, or other board action tied to these remarks.

No identifying name, title, or the meeting body was given in the transcript. The claim of being the first person of color elected chair in Virginia was stated by the speaker in the available excerpt and is reported here as attributed to that speaker; the transcript does not provide independent verification or additional documentary detail.