Virginia Governor appoints Indian-American to Asian Advisory Board

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Virginia (VA) Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed Srilekha Palle, an Indian-American community leader and healthcare professional from Virginia, to the Virginia Asian Advisory Board (VAAB).

“Today, I am grateful to announce the following administration and board appointments,” said Youngkin on March 10, 2023, in a statement announcing appointments of Palle, and others to various Boards. “I am confident that with their help we will be able to strengthen the spirit of Virginia and accomplish great things for our Commonwealth.”

About Palle’s appointment to the Board, VA Attorney General, Jason Miyares told News India Times on March 20, 2023, “I think that Virginia’s racial diversity is one of our many strengths. Our Indian community in Virginia is an important part of our state. I have gotten to know Srilekha over the last two years, and she is a fierce advocate for the Indian American community. I know she’ll do excellent work on the Asian advisory board.”

When asked about her appointment to VAAB, Palle told News India Times on March 20, “I am deeply honored by Governor Youngkin’s confidence in appointing me to this important position. I am grateful to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Kay Coles James, for her support as well.”

A firm believer in Winston Churchill’s words, Palle quoted him “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” while adding, “With this in mind, I am eager to contribute my knowledge, experience, and passion to the Board’s mission and work collaboratively to strengthen the Spirit of Virginia.”

Palle said she is looking forward to working closely with Governor Youngkin, Secretary James, and her fellow Board members in the spirit of service and dedication to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VAAB was established by statute in 2001 as a governmental entity of Virginia, and “serves as a formal liaison between the administration and the diverse and rapidly growing Asian American Pacific Islander communities in the Commonwealth,” according to the VAAB’s website.

“The purpose of the Board shall be to advise the Governor on ways to improve economic and cultural links between the Commonwealth and Asian nations, with a focus on the areas of commerce and trade, art and education, and general government; as well as issues affecting the Asian community in the Commonwealth,” it added.

VA Republican leaders have also lauded Palle’s appointment and expressed confidence in her. “Congratulations on your recent appointment to the Virginia Asian Advisory Board. We are all very proud of you,” said Chairman, Republican Party of Virginia, Richard Anderson.

Chairman, Fairfax County Republican Committee, Steve Knotts in a statement said, “Srilekha Palle is the personification of the American Dream. I was thrilled to learn of her appointment to the Asian Advisory Board and I have every confidence that she will serve the Commonwealth admirably.”