William & Mary Rector John E. Littel has been selected by incoming Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The appointment was announced this morning.

John E. Littel

“The Commonwealth is fortunate to have Rector Littel’s humane, visionary, and expert leadership in such a crucial role,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “At William & Mary we know what all Virginians will soon learn: what an extraordinary leader he is and how deeply he cares about the wellbeing of the communities he serves. We congratulate Governor-Elect Youngkin on an inspiring choice. In John Littel, the Youngkin Administration is gaining a brilliant and trusted thought partner.” 

The rector of the university serves as chair of the Board of Visitors and its executive committee. Littel P ‘22 joined the board in 2012. Appointed by three governors from different political parties, he was first elected to lead the board in 2018. In 2020, he was reelected to a second two-year term as rector which will conclude June 30, 2022.