Gov. Spanberger Appoints Three From Hampton Roads To State Parole Board

RICHMOND

Three members of the Hampton Roads community were recently appointed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the Virginia Parole Board.

They were Dr. Kecia N. Brothers Hayes of Chesapeake, Valerie Boykin of Suffolk, and Bishop Kevin White of Portsmouth/Chesapeake.

Dr. Kecia N. Brothers Hayes currently serves as the Director of Reentry Services for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, where she provides statewide leadership for reentry initiatives designed to prepare youth involved with the juvenile justice system for successful reintegration into their families, communities, education systems, and the workforce.

Dr. Brothers Hayes holds a master’s degree in Urban Affairs with a minor in Public Administration and has completed doctoral coursework toward a Ph.D., and in 2025 received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism recognizing her commitment to service and community impact. Throughout her career, Dr. Brothers Hayes has been recognized for collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and building partnerships that expand opportunities for young people and families.

Valerie Boykin of Suffolk is the President & CEO, Boykin and Associates, Consulting LLC) where she consults on juvenile and criminal justice matters.

As the former Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, she led a major transformation of the system that focused on reducing the use of youth incarceration and expanding the array of community-based, trauma informed, evidence-based, and equitable services across the Commonwealth. She hold an advanced degree in Public Administration  and an undergraduate degree in sociology and Afro-American Studies.

Bishop White has been a pastor in Chesapeake, Virginia since 1979 and is presently the senior pastor of the Covenant Fellowship Church. He is the vice president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention; president of the Chesapeake Coalition of Black Pastors; chairman of the Virginia Alliance of Pastors; and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Bishop White is a graduate of Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, School of Theology, and Virginia University of Lynchburg, receiving a Doctor of Divinity degree.

In making her appointments recently, Gov. Spanberger said, “Whether it is making timely, fair parole decisions, recommending quality board members, or providing appropriate oversight to Virginia’s horse racing industry – the Virginians appointed today bring much needed skills, expertise, and passion to these roles. I know these Virginians will serve our neighbors with integrity, and I look forward to their service.”