Staff
The Virginia21 staff is dedicated to building a stronger, better Virginia. We are not much older than the young people we represent, and we like it that way. Since we were founded in 2002, we have attracted people with a wide variety backgrounds that all have one thing in common–A passion for making sure young people have a voice in Richmond.
Tom Kramer, Executive Director
Tom manages all of the day to day operations of Virginia21 including program development, fundraising, communications, policy research, and administration. Prior to joining VA21, Tom had an unusual background working and volunteering on the staffs of both Republicans and Democrats in Virginia (not at the same time). He has been responsible for maintaining constituent services and outreach all the way to serving as a regional fundraiser on a major campaign for Governor of Virginia. He has also held senior level positions in campaigns all across the country including Texas and New York. Tom also has a true passion for higher education. He is the second person in his family (both sides) to graduate from college and he constantly reminds people that education truly has the power to change people’s lives.
Tom has appeared in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Washington Post, Roanoke Times, Daily Press, campus newspapers, and many other media outlets across the Commonwealth to discuss a variety of issues impacting young voters. Tom is a 2006 graduate of William and Mary and lives in Richmond with his wife Lauren. In his spare time he enjoys biking, reading, cooking food, eating food, and all things Virginia.
Austin Mill, Deputy Director
Austin coordinates the activities of Virginia21′s membership as well as develops its lobbying and fundraising strategies. When he’s not working in the HQ in Richmond, he is bounding around Virginia talking to young people about how they can best stay engaged in the decisions that impact their lives. Austin helps facilitate campus interest meetings, legislative forums, and many more. Austin is also responsible for maintaining and developing content for Virginia21′s website, blog and social media. Before joining Virginia21′s staff, Austin worked in non-profit development and volunteer management with organizations such as Make-A-Wish Virginia and was the Marketing and Operations Manager at Richmond’s 2300 Club.
In his spare time Austin enjoys the great outdoors and spends considerable time cooking, Instagramming and hanging with friends. A 2007 graduate of Randolph-Macon College, he is involved with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and serves on the Presidential Classroom Alumni Council and serves as a regional advisor for People to People International.
Follow @austinmill
austin@virginia21.org
Jerry Solomon, Fall 2012 Fellow
Jerry Solomon is currently a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is on her way to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications in the field of Public Relations with minors in General Business and Asian Studies. She has been involved in Virginia 21 for over a year now, participating in campaigns, doing research, and addressing important political issues with students on campus. She is a member of the Student Leadership Committee with Virginia 21, has served as a senator in the VCU Student Government Association, and is the president of Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU.
When she is not in the office, in class, or studying at the library, Jerry enjoys playing her guitar, picking up a new hobby, and hanging out with friends!
What is she doing in this picture?
