VCU sign outside of a building lit at night.
(File photo)

March 18, 2026

Governor announces VCU Board of Visitors appointments

The three new members have connections to the university’s academic and medical enterprises.

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By Mike Porter

Gov. Abigail Spanberger today appointed three new members to the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors.

The new board members are:

  • Heidi Schlicher Cook of Chesterfield, senior vice president, Old Dominion Public Affairs, and a VCU alum.
  • Alexis Swann of Hampton, regional president, Towne Bank, and a former VCU Board of Visitors member.
  • Harry Thalhimer of Richmond, president, Thalhimer Headwear, and a former MCV Foundation board chair and member.

“We warmly welcome our new board members and look forward to working with them,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU. “They bring experiences and perspectives that will help VCU advance its vital mission of education and research.”