Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has appointed Nick Donohue, a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate who holds degrees in political science and urban and regional planning, as the state’s next secretary of transportation.
Donohue earned a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in political science from VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences. A Richmond native and respected transportation strategist, he has built a distinguished career in public service, serving under three governors and helping shape many of Virginia’s most significant infrastructure initiatives.
During his tenure in state leadership roles — including service as assistant secretary and deputy secretary of transportation — Donohue played a central role in developing Smart Scale, the state’s data-driven process for allocating transportation funding. He also helped advance the Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which expands passenger rail service and improves statewide connectivity, and secured long-term capital funding for Metro that supports the Northern Virginia economy.
In announcing the appointment, Spanberger called Donohue a “visionary leader” whose experience will help strengthen the state’s transportation networks and prepare Virginia for new economic opportunities. Donohue said transportation is “about opportunity, connecting people to jobs, education and the communities they call home,” and affirmed his commitment to supporting systems that improve affordability and access.
Donohue currently leads Transportation and Infrastructure Strategies LLC, a Richmond-based consulting firm. Most recently, he advised DMVMoves, a regional task force focused on developing long-term transit and Metro funding solutions for the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
The Wilder School congratulates Secretary-designate Donohue on this continued chapter of service and celebrates the impact of VCU alumni whose leadership helps shape policy and strengthen communities across the commonwealth.
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