Junta Estatal de Servicios Sociales

The State Board of Social Services is a policy board whose members are appointed by the Governor of Virginia. The board includes a representative from each of the five Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) regions, plus a health care professional. 

Under Virginia law ( Title 63.2, Chapter 2, Article 2 ), the board adopts regulations needed to carry out social services programs and activities. This includes oversight of key assistance programs, like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The board also regulates child welfare programs, including Child Protective Services (CPS), foster care and adoption, along with licensing for assisted living facilities and adult day centers. Child support enforcement is also under the board’s authority. 

Through this work, the board supports the mission of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS): designing and delivering high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being.

On this page

Meeting Schedule, Details and Minutes

Fecha y hora Ubicación Detalles
06/15/2026

10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Meeting - Regularly Scheduled--
TBD
 
08/17/2026

10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Meeting - Regularly Scheduled--
VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
 
10/19/2026

10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Meeting - Regularly Scheduled--
VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
 
12/07/2026

10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Meeting - Regularly Scheduled--
VDSS
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
 

Draft_Minutes_2-18-26.pdf

The link below takes you to archived Minutes for reference only. Archived materials may contain outdated information and may not reflect current guidance.

State Board Social Services Minutes Archive

Current Board Member Roster

State Board of Social Services VDSS/Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
5600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone:(804) 726-7011  Fax:(804) 726-7015
Correo electrónico: state.board@dss.virginia.gov

Name/Position Representing Bio Vencimiento del plazo Número de término
Carey, Don - Chair Región Este de VDSS Don Carey, a Norfolk native and former NFL player, founded the Don Carey REECH Foundation to inspire students in STEM careers. He’s also an author and a Chesapeake City Council member, dedicated to community leadership. 06 / 30 / 2026 Primero
Corto, DeRonda -
Board Member
Región Este de VDSS DeRonda Miniard Short, a partner at Short, Short, Telstad & Kerr since 1978, has been recognized by Marquis Who's Who. She’s served on numerous boards and councils, is active in legal associations, and has a history of supporting the arts and community organizations. 06 / 30 / 2026 Primero
Addison, Mallory - Board Member Región Occidental de VDSS

06 / 30 / 2029 Primero
Benjamín, María -
Board Member
Región Central de VDSS Maria Benjamin, a Richmond native, serves as Executive Pastor at New Life Harvest Church alongside her husband, Apostle Leon Benjamin. A former ophthalmology student and lifelong musician, she leads Women of Power Ministries and has inspired her children to serve in worship. 06 / 30 / 2026 Primero
Ford, Leslie -
Board Member
Región Norte de VDSS

Leslie Ford, a policy researcher, has advised both the White House and Congress on domestic policy, focusing on safety-net reforms. She resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband and three children.

06 / 30 / 2026 Primero
Mateo, Melvin - Board Member Región Este de VDSS

Directora Ejecutiva del Hope Unity Freedom Center

06 / 28 / 2028 Primero
Morefield, abril -
Board Member
Región Occidental de VDSS

Executive Director, CARE Center of Southwest Virginia; Founder, Harper’s Home

06 / 30 / 2028 Primero
Stewart, Coca-Cola -
Board Member
Región Norte de VDSS

Abogado, O'Melveny y Myers LLP

06 / 30 / 2028 Primero
Whittingham, Tony - Board Member Región Central de VDSS

06 / 30 / 2029 Primero
Flynn, Mike -
Board Member
Profesional de la salud

06 / 30 / 2029 Primero