VCU news

By Joan Tupponce

Shawn Meredith was focused on his future when, in March 2019, he walked over to U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s table at the restaurant where he worked and introduced himself.

“We talked about the Democratic primary, and then I told her I had applied to her office,” said Meredith, who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 with a degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations.            

Meredith had applied to the Spanberger’s office after working for the advocacy organization Progress Virginia in the General Assembly during the 2017 and 2018 sessions. And just a short while after his impromptu meeting with the congresswoman, whose 7th District at that time included part of the Richmond area, he got a call from his future district director: Spanberger wanted him to interview for a position with the office.

Meredith now serves as grants manager and district coordinator in constituent services.

“We assist people with anything from a stalled Veterans Administration claim to a delayed passport,” he said. “They call us when everything is going wrong and they have nowhere else to turn.”

Recently, Meredith helped a constituent whose Social Security claim had been mired down, sitting on a desk.

“We were able to call the Social Security field office and get a resolution,” he said. “They found the paperwork, and that constituent got backpay. They are now getting monthly checks again.”

Meredith also helps local governments and nonprofits when they are applying for federal grants. Spanberger’s office encourages localities and community organizations to contact Meredith when submitting projects, and he facilitates a letter of support.

“Whether he is clawing back long-delayed Social Security checks and tax refunds or working to deliver our localities, local businesses and community organizations the federal support they need to grow, Shawn displays a clear commitment to service that is representative of our office as a whole,” the congresswoman said.

Her district office also helps secure federal dollars for community-requested projects in the 7th District through the annual government appropriations process. Among such projects in recent years was the purchase of a ladder fire truck for the town of Blackstone in Nottoway County.

“On its first use back in July, it was able to put out a large fire. It was great to see how we have an impact on the community,” Meredith said.

Another aspect of his job is community outreach. His duties might include attending the celebration of a road expansion or speaking with elected officials in the region.

“There are so many pockets in this job that are very rewarding,” he said, and it requires “a whole team effort. No one of us could do our jobs individually without each other.”

Meredith, who grew up in Spotsylvania County, wanted to go to VCU because of its Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

“I always felt that I had a knack for communicating with people and an interest in how to build relationships,” he said. “I also had a keen interest in working in politics, either on a campaign or in an official office.”

Meredith entered VCU after attending Germanna Community College and then earning an associate degree from Reynolds Community College.

“I was 24 years old, so I was able to build relationships with my professors and advisors in a more adult way,” he said. “I probably wouldn’t have been able to do that when I was 18 or 20.”

Meredith has been in his position for five years, and he plans to remain for the rest of the year until Spanberger’s current term ends. She chose not to seek re-election and instead is running for governor.

“Until then, I’m focused on helping as many people as I can. I still have a large number of cases,” Meredith said, adding that he hopes to continue working in politics. “I really love it. It’s a profession where you get to see the impact of your work.”

Spanberger has been grateful for his impact in her office.

“Since we first met, Shawn’s tenacity and passion were clear,” she said, “and these attributes have made him a strong advocate for Virginians.”