Governor Kaine Announces Additional Appointments
– Names additions to education, transportation, public safety, health and human resources, and natural resources agencies –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced additional appointments to agencies within the Education, Transportation, Public Safety, Health and Human Resources, and Natural Resources secretariats.

Judith E. Heiman of Richmond will serve as Deputy Secretary of Education. Heiman’s previous position was a policy analyst for the education division of the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget. She has eight years of experience within state government.

D.B. Smit of Richmond will continue to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to this, Smit served as Deputy Director and Director of the Department of General Services for 14 years. He has over 25 years experience in state and local government.

Randall P. Burdette of Fredericksburg will continue to serve as Director of the Department of Aviation, a position he has held since 2004. Prior to his appointment, he served as Program Manager for the Defense Department's Technology Initiative. He has over 28 years experience flying general aviation aircraft with over 2,600 flight hours.

Sam J. Abed of Chesterfield County will serve as Deputy Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Abed previously served as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Sussex County. In May 2005, he completed three years as a commissioner on the Virginia Commission for National and Community Service.

Cindi Bowling Jones of Richmond will continue to serve as Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Jones was appointed to the position in 2002, and has over 27 years of experience in state government, including 16 years at the Department of Medical Assistance Services and five years at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Sandra Whitley Ryals of Roanoke will serve as Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Health Professions. She previously served as Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation and also as Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation starting in 2002. She has 30 years experience in state government, including 10 years as Public Health Nurse Director for Roanoke City Health District.

Russell Baxter has been appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. He formerly served as Assistant Secretary of Natural Resources for Chesapeake Bay Coordination from 2002 to 2005, and before that served as Virginia Director and senior policy analyst for the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Baxter has 20 years of service in natural resource conservation.

Kathleen Kilpatrick will continue to serve as Director of the Department of Historic Resources, a position she has held since 2001. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Director of DHR for six years. Kilpatrick has 25 years of public service in natural and historic resource conservation.

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