Va. Human Trafficking Commission appointees named

Gov.Glenn Youngkin has announced the members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support, a commission formed on his first day in office. This commission will serve as an advisory council to the Governor, and make recommendations to combat human trafficking in Virginia. 

“This Commission is proof that Virginia is committed to ending human trafficking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The conviction of human traffickers, empowerment of survivors, and prevention of others from becoming victims are top public safety priorities for the Commonwealth. That is why I signed the executive order for this commission on my first day in office. We must remain vigilant to ensure that those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and help survivors are equipped with the tools necessary to win this fight.”

“Human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is one of the most heinous, violent crimes our communities combat,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bob Mosier. “I am grateful to have such dedicated people lending their time and expertise to help bring an end to the repeated crimes of commercial exploitation. I am confident this team will make a difference in the lives of survivors and prevent others from becoming victims, making the Commonwealth safer for all. There will be no leniency in Virginia for those who engage in any form of human trafficking.”

The Commission will be responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, the Office of Attorney General, as well as the State Trafficking Response Coordinator and any other federal, state, local, or private sector entities to increase law enforcement awareness, empower and support survivors, and enhance trafficking prevention education throughout the Commonwealth.

The new commission consists of the following members:
Mike Lamonea, Chair, of Chesapeake, Director at Juniper Networks and Retired DHS/Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent
Michael J. Brown of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sheriff (Retired), Bedford County Sheriff’s Office
Brittany Dunn of Alexandria, COO & Co-Founder, Safe House Project
Sarah-Beth Evans of Norfolk
Keith Farmer of Roanoke Valley, Director, Straight Street
Michael Y. Feinmel of Henrico, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, Henrico County
Pamela Hock, M.S. of Richmond, Educator, Advocate, Survivor
Tyller Holden of Virginia Beach, Junior Board of Directors, EnJewel
Michael Miller of Bedford, Sheriff, Bedford County
Deepa Patel of Springfield, Virginia, Co-Founder and Clinician, Trauma and Hope
Mea Picone of Richmond
Susan Young of Fairfax, Executive Director and Founder, Parent Coalition To End Human Trafficking

The new commission consists of six Ex-officio members:
Secretary Robert “Bob” Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security
Secretary Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Education
Secretary Bryan Slater, Secretary of Labor
Angella Alvernaz, State Trafficking Response Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services
Major Caren Sterling, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Lead of VSP Human Trafficking Unit, Virginia State Police
Tanya Gould, Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Office of Attorney General