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
| Date/Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 06/15/2026 10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. |
Meeting - Regularly Scheduled-- TBD |
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| 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 |
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 Archived materials may contain outdated information and may not reflect current guidance.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 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
E-mail: state.board@dss.virginia.gov
| Name/Position | Representing | Bio | Term Expires | Term Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carey, Don - Chair | VDSS Eastern Region | 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 | First |
| Short, DeRonda - Board Member |
VDSS Eastern Region | 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 | First |
| Addison, Mallory - Board Member | VDSS Western Region | 06/30/2029 | First | |
| Benjamin, Maria - Board Member |
VDSS Central Region | 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 | First |
| Ford, Leslie - Board Member |
VDSS Northern Region | 06/30/2026 | First | |
| Matthew, Melvin - Board Member | VDSS Eastern Region | 06/28/2028 | First | |
| Morefield, April - Board Member |
VDSS Western Region | 06/30/2028 | First | |
| Stewart, Coke - Board Member |
VDSS Northern Region | 06/30/2028 | First | |
| Whittingham, Tony - Board Member | VDSS Central Region | 06/30/2029 | First | |
| Flynn, Mike - Board Member |
Healthcare Professional | 06/30/2029 | First |
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