Welcome to the Website for the First Lady of Virginia
Maureen McDonnell
Welcome! Thank you for visiting my homepage. I am honored to serve as your First Lady of Virginia. I cherish all our fellow residents, and hope to serve Virginia well.
As I travel through our distinguished Commonwealth, I am always touched by people’s generosity, the gorgeous landscapes and most of all, Virginia’s never-ending potential. Every community has something extraordinary to offer visitors as well as those who call it home.
My Husband, in his Inaugural Address, called on Virginians to pursue the vision of “A Commonwealth of Opportunity” by seeking ways to get involved and be a good neighbor. It is my hope to highlight these ‘opportunities’ throughout my initiatives:
A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Health and Wellness – emphasizing preventive healthcare and healthy living through nutrition and physical activity, the prevention of childhood obesity, and awareness of prevention strategies.
A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Economic Development – focusing support for Virginia’s wine industry, tourism, and the Virginia Film Office.
A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Military Families – focusing on getting communities involved in supporting the families of active duty military personnel and support for women in the military.
A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Women – emphasizing support for women in business and recognizing women’s vast achievements across the Commonwealth.
Let’s work together to make Virginia a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Spotlight on Initiatives
"Serving Our Service Member Families" Website Launched
Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell has launched the "Serving Our Service Member Families" website, http://www.sos.virginia.gov/, which will provide an easy to use on-line connection between the families of deployed soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, members of the Coast Guard and their fellow Virginians, businesses, places of worship, and civic and volunteer organizations to help meet their needs while a loved one is away serving the nation.
more...
Visit the Serving Our Service Member Families site
First Lady Maureen McDonnell Hosts First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project Unveiling
First Lady Maureen McDonnell hosted the First Ladies of Virginia Portrait Project Unveiling yesterday evening at Virginia's Executive Mansion. Mrs. McDonnell initially announced in July 2010 that portraits of all ten living First Ladies would be painted and displayed as a reminder of their immense roles in Virginia's history. Mrs. McDonnell was joined by Susan Allen, Jeannie Baliles, Roxane Gilmore, Jinks Holton, Anne Holton, Eddy Dalton Phillips and Lynda Robb at the unveiling yesterday. The completed portraits of the ten living First Ladies were revealed to the public at this event.
News Release | Photo Gallery
Governor and Mrs. McDonnell Participate in Commonwealth Day of Gleaning
August 16, 2012 - Governor and Mrs. McDonnell participated in the Commonwealth Day of Gleaning, gathering food at Mount Olympus Farm in Caroline County and delivering it to the Central Virginia Food Bank, FeedMore Community Kitchen. Gleaning is the traditional practice of gathering crops that would otherwise be left in the fields to rot, or be plowed under after harvest but which are still fresh and excellent sources of nutrition. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of the population of the United States depends on nearly 150,000 private programs helping to feed the hungry for a significant part of their nutritional needs.
News Release | Photo Gallery | Additional Photo Gallery
Mrs. McDonnell and Author of "What to Expect When Your Expecting," Heidi Murkoff Partner with Operation Homefront DC Metro to Host a Baby Shower for 100 New and Expecting Military Moms - August 21, 2012
Latest News 
Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation recognizing April 16, 2013 as Virginia Tech Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Tech Day of Remembrance Ceremony will take place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Capitol Square Bell Tower marking the 6th anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Lieutenant Governor Bolling will lead the state ceremony. At 9:43 a.m. there will be an official moment of silence observed in the Commonwealth, followed by the ringing of the Capitol Square Bell Tower once for each victim of the tragedy.
more...
