Leah Mills is the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Prior to joining the Youngkin Administration, Leah worked at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services where she supported policies and priorities to promote the independence, inclusion, and employment of all Virginians. Leah also served as a Legislative Analyst at the Virginia General Assembly’s Commission on Youth, which is tasked with studying and providing bipartisan solutions on a variety of issues impacting youth and their families. Mrs. Mills held several roles with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, including Director of the Agency’s Communications and Legislative Affairs Division. 

Leah earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Public Administration degree from Virginia Tech. She is a volunteer for Chesterfield County and a member of Bethia United Methodist Church. Leah and her husband, Thomas, live in Chesterfield and have three grown children and three grandchildren.  

Lanette J. Walker serves as the Deputy Secretary of Healthcare Finance in the Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. She joined the administration in 2022 as the first ever Chief Financial Officer for Health and Human Resources. Prior to joining the Governor’s office, Lanette worked with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association to support health system members in navigating state Medicaid administrative policy matters as the Senior Director of Medicaid Financial Policy. She also held several roles with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, including Director of the agency’s Budget Division. Lanette also has experience on Capitol Hill where she served as a Budget Analyst for the Congressional Budget Office for several years, among other past professional roles.

Lanette earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and her Master of Public Administration from George Washington University.

Hallie Pence is the Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now, Governor Youngkin’s mental and behavioral health care transformation plan. In this role, she leads initiatives to strengthen services so that those in crisis have someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. She collaborates with partners to boost wellness and resiliency before, during, and after crisis, with a special focus on improving mental health outcomes for Virginia’s youth.  

Previously, Hallie served as the Governor’s Deputy Policy Director, overseeing policy issues across a portfolio of state agencies, including Health and Human Resources, Veterans and Defense, Museum Arts, and Public Safety. Prior to her tenure in Richmond, she worked on Capitol Hill for several Virginia congressional members, leading policy and the appropriations processes and managing portfolios in Defense, National Security, Agriculture, and Education.   

Hallie grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, double majoring in philosophy and government with a minor in Buddhism. At UVA, she was a program director and volunteer for Madison House’s Big Brothers Big Sisters and captained the Women’s Ski Team. 

Leslie Schall serves as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She brings more than three decades of experience in strategic planning and organizational transformation.

Before joining the Secretariat, Leslie worked as a management consultant leading large-scale change initiatives for the federal government, where she was recognized for her ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared goals, improve collaboration, and optimize performance across multiple agencies in the public sector. She also served as a Transformation Specialist for a large international company, helping set strategy, implement goals, and improve operations in Asia and Europe, and as a Human Resources Specialist for a manufacturing company. She has also been an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, teaching in the MBA program, and a mediator for the Arlington County Courts.

Leslie holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia Tech. She currently lives in the City of Richmond with her husband and two children and enjoys visiting her 94-year-old father almost every Friday evening for dinner — the perfect end to a busy week.

Mindy Diaz Monay serves as a Special Assistant within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She holds a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Longwood University. Her strong academic background, combined with hands-on experience in public service and security-related roles, equips her with a unique perspective on integrating public safety and public health. 

Mindy's journey with the Office of Health and Human Resources began as an intern, where she gained valuable insights into government affairs through research, event coordination, and outreach efforts. During this time, she developed a strong passion for drug awareness and prevention, playing a key role in gathering and analyzing data to help shape effective prevention and intervention strategies. She later served as a 2024 fellow in the Governor’s Fellow Program under Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

In her free time, Mindy enjoys exploring the city and discovering hidden gems, particularly restaurants. As a self-proclaimed food critic, she’s always on the lookout for new dining experiences.

Elizabeth Gillanders serves as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She provides direct support to the Secretary through research, communications, and coordination, helping advance priorities across Virginia’s health and human services agencies.

Previously, Elizabeth served as a Governor’s Fellow in the Office of Health and Human Resources, where she contributed to policy research, proclamation drafting, and public engagement projects. She also worked in media and public relations at The Heritage Foundation, supporting national communications and content strategy to promote education and civic awareness.

Elizabeth graduated summa cum laude from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary studies, specializing in Government and Communication and minoring in Psychology.

Bella Griffin serves as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She brings experience in health policy, community engagement, and faith-based leadership, with a background supporting strategic initiatives in the Governor’s Office and through international service work.

Before joining state government, Bella served with Youth With a Mission and Word of Life, leading youth mentorship and humanitarian programs that strengthened communities locally and abroad. A Richmond native, she holds a Religious Studies Certificate from the Word of Life Bible Institute and a Discipleship Training School certificate from the University of the Nations.

Julie Hammel serves as the Executive Assistant for the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Julie held various positions in the House of Delegates, such as Committee Operations Specialist and Administrative Assistant. She was a part of a select team that supported the first ever virtual General Assembly Session during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julie is well versed in technology-based communications, inter-agency coordination, and administrative oversight. She is compelled by her drive to serve the Commonwealth and is equally devoted to serving her family. She is a proud mother of four, all of whom are pursuing public servant careers. A proud Hokie, Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise science and Master of Arts in sports management from Virginia Tech. She is married to her college sweetheart and enjoys playing pickleball, gardening, and hiking. 

Craig Markva joined the Allen Administration in 1994 in the Office of Constituent Services, eventually becoming Director. In 1999, Craig began working at the Department of Medical Assistance Services where he served in various management capacities, until being asked by the Secretary to join the Health and Human Resources team in the Youngkin Administration.

Craig graduated from James Madison University in 1984 and Regent University in 1986. He and his wife Charlotte celebrated their 25th anniversary in April 2023.

Cheryl Oppan serves as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She supports behavioral health transformation and maternal health initiatives through policy research, event coordination, and executive communications.

Before joining the Secretariat, Cheryl served as a Legislative Intern in the Virginia General Assembly and as a Governor’s Fellow, focusing on health policy, maternal health, and constituent engagement. She also worked in government relations at Research Triangle Institute, supporting legislative and stakeholder initiatives.

Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond.

Jona Roka serves as an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She is a skilled community health professional with extensive experience in organizing events, establishing partnerships, and improving workflows. Previously, she was the Community Health Lead at Ounce of Care in Washington, D.C., where she collaborated with organizations such as Martha's Table and Mamatoto Village.

Before that, Jona was a Research Assistant at the Center for International Stability and Recovery at James Madison University, analyzing data and contributing to state department reports. She was a graduate student coach of the Women’s Tennis Team at James Madison University.

Jona holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from James Madison University. She was a student-athlete on the Women’s Tennis Team, a service coordinator for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a volunteer with Empowerment3 and the Boys and Girls Club.

Jona was born in Nepal and moved to Northern Virginia at the age of four. She is fluent in Nepalese and conversational in Hindi. Jona is dedicated to advancing community health initiatives through her diverse skills and experience.

Bryce Rosenberg serves as a Project Manager in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. He brings experience in operations management, event coordination, and organizational leadership, with a background in athletics administration at the University of Virginia.

Before joining the Secretariat, Bryce served as Assistant Director of Event Management for Virginia Athletics, overseeing game operations, facility upgrades, and coordination with university and community partners. He also supported recruiting and logistics for UVA Baseball, contributing to nationally ranked recruiting classes and two College World Series appearances.

Bryce earned a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs and a Master of Education in Higher Education, specializing in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, from the University of Virginia.

Molly Shepherd serves as a Special Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and as Project Manager for the First Lady’s It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative. She brings extensive experience in strategic communications, public policy, and community engagement, with a background in both state government and public affairs.

Before joining the Secretariat, Molly directed communications for a U.S. Senate campaign and served in the Office of Governor James S. Gilmore as Assistant Press Secretary and Special Assistant for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, advising on media, legislative, and strategic initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Communications for a national grassroots and public policy organization, where she managed media relations and advanced public policy initiatives in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country. She remains active in community efforts supporting youth, education, and mental health.

Molly earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from the University of Delaware.

Sara Kate Smith serves as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She supports administrative coordination, event planning, and policy initiatives across the Secretariat, and also assists with the First Lady’s It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative.

Previously, Sara Kate has interned in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, coached a volleyball team at Veritas Classical Christian School, and worked as an au pair in Paris during the 2024 Paralympic Games. She has also been an active volunteer with Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Sara Kate is pursuing an associate degree at Brightpoint Community College before completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia. A Richmond native, she enjoys pottery, gardening, and mentoring youth in her community.

James “JD” Spotts serves as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. He supports coordination across agencies and assists with research, analysis, and project management to advance the Secretariat’s priorities.

Before joining the Secretariat, JD interned with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, where he led a forecasting project analyzing Virginia’s Medicaid population in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. His work informed financial planning and policy discussions across multiple state agencies. He also served as a Curriculum Intern with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, helping modernize certification and training processes.

A Richmond-area native, JD earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Economics from Randolph-Macon College, where he was a member of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. He received the Phil Stanton Award for Character and Work Ethic and was named to the ODAC All-Academic Team.

Pamela L. Walters is the Communications Advisor for the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. She is an accomplished marketing professional with extensive experience in strategic communications, public engagement, and brand development across public and private sectors.

Before joining state government, Pamela served as Senior Marketing Manager at Magellan Health, earning multiple MarCom Awards for her work on digital campaigns and content strategy. Her previous roles include positions at Sentara Health Plans, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Booz Allen Hamilton.

Pamela holds a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Radford University. She also served as Vice President of Marketing for k5k: A Run for Kendra, an annual event raising scholarship funds for students who have lost a parent to cancer.