Governor appoints new members to James Madison University Board of Visitors
JMU News
SUMMARY: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed five new members to JMU's Board of Visitors, including one reappointment, each serving four-year terms starting July 1, 2026. The appointees bring diverse expertise in fields such as education, law, healthcare, and public policy, strengthening the university’s governing board.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced June 5 the appointments of new members to the James Madison University Board of Visitors, effective July 1.
The appointees are:
Lisa Winn Bryan (‘90, ‘93M) of Chesterfield, Virginia, member, appointed June 2, 2026, to a term of four years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, to succeed Michael Stoltzfus, current Board member. Winn Bryan is an experienced educator and student affairs professional with 25 years of experience in higher education administration across Virginia. Throughout her career, Winn Bryan has worked at a diverse range of institutions, including public, private, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with academic interests centered on African American studies, historic preservation, community engagement, genealogy, and addressing systemic barriers affecting communities of color.
Jessica Killeen (‘07), of Alexandria, Virginia, member, appointed June 2, 2026, to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, to succeed Teresa Edwards, current Board vice rector. Killeen is a director of government relations and public policy at Deloitte, where she advises on public policy and government relations for the firm’s state, local and higher education practice. Her distinguished public service and legal career includes serving as deputy counsel to Gov. Ralph S. Northam. Before serving as deputy counsel, Killeen was a litigator in private practice and a staff attorney at Legal Services of Northern Virginia.
John Lynch (‘91) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, member, appointed June 2, 2026, to a term of four years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, to succeed Joely Mauck, current Board member. Lynch is a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke. His practice focuses on business litigation. He has made significant contributions to JMU, primarily to athletics. Lynch has previously served on the Board of Visitors and currently serves on the JMU Foundation Board. He is also an active supporter of community service organizations in the Tidewater area.
Angela Reddix (‘90), PhD, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, member, appointed June 2, 2026, to a term of four years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, to succeed Suzanne Obenshain, current Board rector. Reddix is the founder, president, and CEO of ARDX, a healthcare management and IT consulting firm she has been leading since 2006. She is committed to building and supporting the ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation as founder of Envision Lead Grow, Inc and The Mustardseed Place and serves on several boards including The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, 757 Collab Board, and the Portsmouth Partnership Board. Angela and Carl Reddix recently committed $1.1 million to support the Reddix First Generation Center at JMU.
Jack White of Fairfax Station, Virginia, member, appointed June 2, 2026, to a term of four years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, to succeed himself, current Board member. White is a partner at McGuireWoods LLP, focusing his practice on civil litigation, regulatory enforcement, corporate growth strategy, and congressional investigations for clients in higher education, defense, federal contracting, and other business sectors. A U.S. Army veteran, White serves on several community boards such as the National Military Families Association, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
“We are grateful to Gov. Spanberger and genuinely honored to have these exceptional leaders join our Board. I welcome each of them personally,” said JMU President James C. Schmidt. “Across careers in law, public policy, healthcare, higher education, and civic service, they bring a depth and range of experience that will strengthen this institution. Their collective commitment to Virginia and to the communities they serve reflects the values that define JMU at its best. Their counsel will be invaluable as we advance The Madison Promise and carry our mission forward for our students and for the commonwealth.”
The 15-member Board of Visitors is the governing body of JMU, responsible for overseeing the effective governance of the university. Members of the Board are appointed for terms of four years each.
Virginia state law requires all Board appointments to be confirmed by the legislature.
