Former high-ranking Richmond official Traci Deshazor chosen as next Virginia Secretary of Administration

Traci Deshazor, a former high-ranking official under Richmond Mayors Levar Stoney and Danny Avula, will become Virginia’s next secretary of administration when Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger takes office in January. 

Deshazor, a Richmond resident, served as the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for human services from 2023 to March 2025, when she resigned. She had previously served as deputy secretary of the commonwealth during Gov. Ralph Northam and Terry McAuliffe’s administrations. 

During her tenure with the city, she established Richmond’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and Office of Homeless Services, and became the city’s first chief equity officer. 

She was a familiar face during the January 2025 water crisis, when she spearheaded water and other service distribution efforts. 

The cabinet-level secretary of administration oversees many of the operations of state government, including buildings and properties owned by Virginia, human resources, labor relations and information technology. 

“I understand that strong administration is the foundation of good governance — supporting the workforce, modernizing systems, and ensuring accountability across every agency,” said Deshazor in a statement accompanying the announcement. 

Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at svogelsong@richmonder.org