Moving Up: House of Delegates chairmanship for Del. Anderson

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) on Jan. 2 appointed Delegate Richard L. Anderson (R-Prince William) Chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology. Delegate Anderson’s appointment is effective today with the resignation of Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-Fairfax), who was elected in November to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Howell was quoted in a press release as saying, “Rich is a valuable member and an experienced leader who understands the critical issues facing our Commonwealth related to science and technology. Since his election, Rich has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and reasonable lawmaker who listens and works well with his colleagues. He is a natural leader and I am confident he will lead this committee well.”

Anderson was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2009, after retiring earlier that year from the United States Air Force as a colonel after a 30-year military career.

Today, he represents the 51st House District, located in Prince William County. He also serves as a Deputy House Whip, chair of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus, and chair of the Virginia Commission on Civics Education.

He also sits on the House Appropriations Committee, House General Laws Committee, and House Transportation Committee.

“I am honored and excited by the opportunity to chair this House committee and look forward to getting to work during the 2015 session,” Anderson was quoted as saying.. “Science and technology are playing an increasingly large role in our economy and day-to-day lives, presenting us with unique opportunities and challenges that must be tackled.”

During the latter part of his three decades in uniform, Anderson served as Chief of the Asia-Pacific Division in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. In this role, he was a key leader in establishing U.S. Air Force partnerships with international air forces in the Pacific Theater.

He also worked with numerous high-technology firms in the defense industry, many of which are located in northern Virginia.

Anderson further stated that “I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with my fellow members, citizens, and Virginia’s science and technology community in this new role.”