On May 22, 2026, McGuireWoods Consulting senior vice president Fran Bradford was appointed to the board of trustees for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).
Bradford’s work with the firm spans four and a half years with countless successes in education sector.
Prior to joining the firm, she served first as deputy secretary and then secretary of education for former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. During her time with the Northam administration, Fran helped to shape and pass legislation creating Virginia’s free community college program, expanded access to in-state tuition and financial aid, created the Virginia Office of Education Economics, and worked to pass budgets that made historic investments in need-based financial aid and in Virginia’s historically Black colleges and universities.
Bradford continues to foster education access in Virginia through her appointment to the VMFA board of trustees.
“It is a privilege to serve on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Board, and I am grateful to Gov. Spanberger for the appointment,” Bradford said. “VMFA is among the nation’s most important cultural organizations. I am proud to represent and support an institution whose commitment to artistic excellence, education and public access strengthens our communities and enriches lives.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed her excitement for the recent appointment in a statement.
“Today’s appointments reflect the depth of talent and dedication that exists across our Commonwealth,” said Gov. Abigail Spanberger. “Each of these leaders shares my commitment to public service and finding solutions that deliver for communities in every region of Virginia. I know they will strengthen the boards and commissions they are joining.”
