Education Topic: You Want the Governor to Attend Your Meeting/Event, Now What?

You would like to have the Governor attend your meeting, conference or event but don't quite understand all the in-and-outs of the protocol surrounding this. This session will instruct you how to solicit the Governor's participation.  Learn the different protocols/needs for having the Governor make remarks, be a keynote, or an honored guest at a meal. For example, is a special menu required or should the menu be submitted in advance to someone if a meal is part of the Governor’s participation. Learn about the special security needs, if any, that may be required.

Core Competency - Protocol

Speaker: Kaci M. Easley, Executive Director of the Executive Mansion and Protocol Officer for the Governor of Virginia

Kaci M. Easley, a native of Charles City County and a graduate of Hampton University is the first African-American to hold the job of director of the Executive Mansion.  This position involves supervising a full-time staff of seven, taking care of Virginia’s first family and hosting dozens of events and receptions.   Kaci is the granddaughter of, Iona W. Adkins, circuit court clerk of Charles City County from 1967-88, who was the first African-American in the U.S. to be elected to a court of record since Reconstruction.

Kaci previously served as a confidential assistant to the secretary of Natural Resources; program analyst in the U.S. Department of Agriculture; project manager at the National Finance Center; and administrative officer at the Natural Resources Conservation Service.   

After the session, attendees will:

• Navigate the proper procedures for soliciting the Governor’s presence at your meeting, conference or event.

• Follow the proper protocols established for the Governor making remarks, being a keynote speaker on an honored guest at a meal.

• Have an understanding of what is entitled in inviting the Governor to participate. What security measures may need be taken, what special procedures must be followed in regards to meals.

*Please Note, you must be in your seat by 3:15 PM to receive contact hours