The Virginia Association of Counties is pleased to announce that Chris McDonald will join the team on July 1 as a Local Government Lobbyist. McDonald comes to VACo after serving in Governor Terry McAuliffe’s Administration as Special Advisor for Energy Policy.
“Adding Chris to our strong legislative team enhances our presence at the Capitol,” VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “We are serious about our advocacy efforts, and Chris gives our members another talented advocate fighting for their interests. I’m very excited to welcome Chris to VACo.”
In his role as Special Advisor, McDonald counseled the Governor’s Office; the Secretary of Commerce and Trade; the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy; and other government entities and officials on energy laws, regulations and policies pertaining to solar, wind and nuclear energy as well as energy efficiency, energy project financing and economic development.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the VACo team,” McDonald said. “The breadth and depth of experience and knowledge that the Association possesses is unparalleled, and I am thrilled at the chance to be a part of this great organization. Virginia is incredibly lucky to have such a storied, diverse array of counties. The opportunity to now work directly with them and advocate on their behalf is truly enlivening.”
McDonald graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (honors) and political science. He earned his Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law and is licensed to practice by the Virginia State Bar.