Governor Bob McDonnell’s Cabinet Sworn-In
Secretary of Commonwealth and Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness Sworn in on 24th
RICHMOND- The Cabinet of Governor Bob McDonnell was sworn in this morning during a ceremony held in the State Senate chamber at the Virginia State Capitol. Two members of McDonnell’s Cabinet, Secretary of the Commonwealth-designate Janet Polarek and Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness-designate Terrie Suit, will be sworn in on the 24th as stipulated by state code. In addition, McDonnell announced that Bob Sledd will serve as his Senior Economic Advisor, an unpaid, senior-level position. Sledd will advise the Governor on job-creation and economic development matters. Jim Cheng was sworn in as Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
Speaking about the swearing-in of his Cabinet, McDonnell noted, “This is a Cabinet comprised of accomplished individuals who are experts in their fields and dedicated to serving the Commonwealth and our citizens. These are challenging times in Virginia. To create the “Commonwealth of Opportunity” that Virginians deserve, we must utilize innovation, ingenuity and new ideas. I look forward to working with the members of the Cabinet in the years ahead, and I thank them for their public service and commitment to the people of Virginia.”
McDonnell spoke about the new position assumed by Bob Sledd, remarking, “Bob Sledd is one of the most talented and visionary job-creators in Virginia. He has offered his time and his talents in the service of turning our economy around, and creating economic prosperity in every community in the state. He will serve as my Senior Economic Advisor in the Administration. He has offered to do so without taking a salary, another generous gesture from an individual who is fondly known for his selfless actions on behalf of others. I know that Bob will be a dynamic job-creator for Virginia. And he will work side by side with the Lieutenant Governor as Chief Job Creation Officer and the new Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Jim Cheng. Jim is well-respected in the Virginia business community. He understands our global economy and what must be done for Virginia to excel in it. I thank Jim for taking on this responsibility. He will do great things for the Commonwealth.”