By Brian McNeill

Ellen Fitzsimmons, former chief legal officer and head of public affairs for Truist Financial Corp., will serve as rector of the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors. Her nomination as rector was approved unanimously by the board, and her term will begin July 1.

“It is an honor to work with such dedicated and thoughtful board members,” Fitzsimmons said. “The university’s commitment to excellence and innovation across disciplines propels students, the commonwealth and the advancement of knowledge, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

As rector, Fitzsimmons will chair VCU’s 16-member Board of Visitors, which is appointed by the governor of Virginia, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The board has the responsibility and authority, subject to constitutional and statutory limitations, for the continuing operation, development of evolving policies, and financial oversight of VCU.

“Ellen brings exceptionally sharp judgment, deep experience in law and governance in large and complex organizations, along with a steady, professional leadership style that will benefit VCU in many meaningful ways,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU. “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber on and leading the board.”

Additionally, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday reappointed current Vice Rector Andy Florance, founder and CEO of CoStar Group, to the Board of Visitors and appointed three new members:

• Neil Amin of Henrico, CEO, Shamin Hotels.
• Lara Tyler Chambers of Manakin Sabot, owner and financial manager, Tyler Development Group LLC.
• Lori Jennings of Richmond, founder and executive recruiter, Jennings ProSearch.

“We are all delighted to welcome our newest board members to the VCU community,” Rao said. “Their experiences and commitment to public service will be tremendous assets as we work together to advance VCU’s mission and impact.”

Rao offered heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members, all of whom are successful alumni, Rector Todd Haymore, Ed McCoy and Rev. Tyrone Nelson, each of whom has completed two terms.

“We will always be grateful to each of these accomplished professionals for their leadership and for their strong support of their alma mater,” Rao said.

Fitzsimmons, who was appointed by Youngkin to the Board of Visitors in 2022, also previously served as executive vice president of law and public affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary of CSX Corp., overseeing legal affairs, government relations, corporate communications, security, environmental, audit and corporate social responsibilities functions. She joined CSX in 1991 after starting her legal career with the law firm Hunton & Williams.

Fitzsimmons earned a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Virginia Tech.

She is a member of the Virginia Bar and currently serves on the board of directors of Ameren Corp., the board of directors of Friends of the High Line, and the board of directors of the VCU Health System Authority.

Along with Fitzsimmons, Steven DeLuca will serve as vice rector and Dale Jones, Ph.D., will be secretary.