| Name |
Position |
Representing
(map showing VDSS regional boundaries) |
Bio
|
E-mail |
Term Expires |
Term Number |
| Carey, Don |
Chair |
VDSS Eastern Region |
Open bio
-
-
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Don Carey graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and Norfolk State University (NSU), before becoming the first NSU football player drafted into the NFL in the Division I era. Over his 10 year professional playing career, Carey received numerous awards for accomplishments both on the field and in the community. Among these was the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, presented by the Detroit Lions.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Carey founded The Don Carey REECH Foundation, Inc., which uses sports as a catalyst to connect with and educate students about careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Carey speaks at many schools of every level, challenging, teaching, and inspiring the next generation of leaders around the country.
A published author, Carey’s first book, “It’s Not Because I’m Better Than You,” shares his personal story and the principles he and others have used to achieve success. The book, released in 2017, has been met with extremely positive reviews.
In 2018 Carey received Norfolk State University's Graduate of the Last Decade award and, in 2019, was inducted into the NSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He continues to serve the community of Chesapeake, sitting on various boards and participating in several organizations that spearhead positive change across the city.
Carey was elected to Chesapeake City Council for a four-year term commencing July 1, 2020
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2026 |
First |
| Short, DeRonda |
Board Member |
VDSS Eastern Region |
Open bio
-
-
Partner, Short, Short, Telstad & Kerr, PC, Newport News, since 1978.
DeRonda Miniard Short has been listed as a reputable Lawyer by Marquis Who's Who.
Member Virginia Symphony Guild, Newport News, 1975-1984, Virginia State Ballet, Newport News, 1977-1981, Peninsula Estate Planning Council, since 1983. Commissioner Penisula Ports Authority Virginia, Newport News, 1977-1986. Board visitors Christopher Newport College, 1979-1983.
Member American Bar Association, Virginia State Bar Association, Newport News Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Assn, Peninsula Women's Network. Clubs: Towne Point (Norfolk, Virginia).
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2026 |
First |
| Addison, Mallory |
Board Member |
VDSS Western Region |
Open bio
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2029 |
First |
| Benjamin, Maria |
Board Member |
VDSS Central Region |
Open bio
-
-
A native of Richmond, VA, she graduated from Huguenot High School and attended Georgetown University for ophthalmology. She is married to her soul mate and partner in ministry, Apostle Leon Benjamin, Sr., and through their union they have three beautiful children – Delcarmen and Leon Jr., and Destiny Benjamin
Pastor Maria accepted her call into ministry at a very early age of 14, serving as lead drummer (set) in her church at Ebenezer Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her interest in music also gravitated to singing in various choirs at national conventions. Her love for the word of God caused her to accept her call to preach and currently she leads a women’s movement call Women of Power Ministries. She has also taught both of her daughters and her son to appreciate music. Her son plays the keyboards in our worship services and her youngest daughter, Destiny, plays the drum set, while her oldest daughter, Delcarmen, leads the praise and worship team. Pastor Maria works alongside of her husband, Apostle Leon Benjamin, as Executive Pastor for New Life Harvest Church, Inc., formerly Jireh Ministries International, a multi-cultural church that ministers to the inner-city youth through the church’s daycare and before and after school programs.
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2026 |
First |
| Ford, Leslie |
Board Member |
VDSS Northern Region |
Open bio
-
-
Leslie Ford is a policy researcher with ten years of experience including leadership roles as a domestic policy advisor to the President at the White House and a legislative advisor to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on Capitol Hill. Ford is focused on transforming U.S safety-net policies to empower vulnerable citizens. Leslie lives with her husband and three children in Alexandria, Virginia.
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2026 |
First |
| Matthew, Melvin |
Board Member |
VDSS Eastern Region |
Open bio
-
-
Executive Director, Hope Unity Freedom Center
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/28/2028 |
First |
| Morefield, April |
Board Member |
VDSS Western Region |
Open bio
-
-
Executive Director, CARE Center of Southwest Virginia; Founder, Harper’s Home
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2028 |
First |
| Stewart, Coke |
Board Member |
VDSS Northern Region |
Open bio
-
-
Attorney, O'Melveny and Myers LLP
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2028 |
First |
| Whittingham, Tony |
Board Member |
VDSS Central Region |
Open bio
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2029 |
First |
| Flynn, Mike |
Board Member |
Healthcare Professional |
Open bio
|
State.Board@dss.virginia.gov |
06/30/2029 |
First |
