Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced several key leadership appointments within the Office of the Attorney General today. These changes will be effective from June 1.
Steven Popps, who has been serving as Deputy Attorney General of the Civil Division since the start of Miyares' term, will take on the role of Chief Deputy Attorney General. He succeeds Chuck Slemp, who is set to join a law firm in Richmond. Prior to his current position, Popps was a litigation partner with McGuireWoods LLP and served as a law clerk to Judge Henry E. Hudson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Erika Maley has been serving as Solicitor General since March, succeeding Andrew Ferguson, who was confirmed as a Commissioner at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Before her promotion, Maley served as Principal Deputy Solicitor General since Miyares took office. She previously worked in the Supreme Court and Appellate group at Sidley Austin LLP.
Klarke Kilgore will become Chief of Staff after serving as Chief of External Affairs since Miyares began his term. He replaces D.J. Jordan, who is joining a strategic public relations firm in Northern Virginia.
Ryan Ferguson will take on the role of Director of Administration, overseeing Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and Operations Departments of the Office of the Attorney General while continuing to serve as General Counsel.
Finally, Thomas Sanford will become Deputy Attorney General of the Civil Division after serving two years as an Assistant Attorney General. Prior to joining Miyares' team, he worked with both the Virginia State Corporation Commission and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.