Gov. Youngkin Appoints Hartsock '00, Reardon '84 and Suarez '82 to the BOV

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed three distinguished alumni, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Hartsock '00, Stephen G. Reardon '84, and José J. Suárez '82 to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors (BOV), reinforcing the institution's leadership with seasoned professionals deeply connected to its heritage. Their appointments come after the Virginia General Assembly declined to approve the nominations of former board members Quintion Elliott '85 and Clifford Foster '93. Hartsock, a 2000 graduate of VMI, brings a wealth of military and administrative experience to the board. His military career is marked by significant leadership roles, including serving as the commander of Joint Regional Detachment-East, where he oversaw critical operations and strategic initiatives. Following his active-duty service, Hartsock continued his commitment to military education as the Deputy Commandant at VMI, a role in which he contributed to the development and mentorship of cadets. In 2023, he transitioned to a pivotal role in public service as the Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director for U.S. Representative Ben Cline (R-VA), leveraging his leadership skills to serve the constituents of Virginia's 6th Congressional District. Stephen Reardon, a member of VMI's class of 1984, is a seasoned attorney based in Richmond, Virginia. With a legal career spanning several decades, Reardon has established himself in the legal community through his work with Spotts Fain PC, where he specializes in various aspects of law and provides counsel to a diverse range of clients. His appointment to the BOV is a testament to his professional achievements and his enduring commitment to VMI, reflecting a deep understanding of the institute's mission and values. Jose Suarez, a member of the Class of '82, is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of his own company, JS Consulting, specializing in the key skills of Leadership, Management, and Innovation critical to developing VMI Cadets into the citizen-soldiers of tomorrow. According to his public profile, Suarez describes his "personal brand" as "Consistently Exceeding expectations for clients and stakeholders on complex operations via a relentless passion for excellence that is anchored on leadership, teamwork, maximizing a diverse workforce, zero harm, and implementation of innovation and technology and green methodologies. " The appointments of Hartsock, Reardon, and Suarez are pivotal for VMI, as the institution seeks to uphold its traditions while navigating the challenges of the contemporary era. Their combined military, administrative, legal, and leadership expertise is expected to provide valuable perspectives to the board, ensuring that VMI continues to fulfill its mission of developing citizen-soldiers who are prepared for leadership in both military and civilian spheres. Governor Youngkin's decision to appoint these accomplished alumni underscores a strategic effort to align VMI's leadership with individuals who possess a profound connection to the Institute and a clear vision for its future. As members of the BOV, Hartsock, Reardon, and Suarez will play critical roles in selecting the new superintendent and shaping policies and initiatives that honor VMI's storied legacy while fostering an environment conducive to growth and excellence. As with previous BOV appointees, The Cadet contacted Mr. Reardon, Mr. Hartsock, and Mr. Suarez with interview requests for publication in a future edition.