Thelma Drake Email & Phone Number

810 Union Street Norfolk Va 23510

Norfolk, Virginia Area

Norfolk, Virginia Area

Established and registered this entity to advocate for various regional issues affecting voters and citizens, including the closing the Medicaid coverage gap on behalf of the Virginia Hospital Association.

4200 Innslake Dr. Suite 203 Glen Allen, Va 23060

outreach in the Hampton Roads area to VHHA members, the community and legislators

Richmond, Va

As chief spokesperson, managed a 3-person senior team, 50 employees and a $9.2 million administration budget, while representing the State, Governor and Secretary of Transportation in media relations, policy execution and cost accountability. Coordinated media relations, special events planning, community interaction and governmental affairs. Composed speeches, emcee scripts, program agendas and interview talking points. Accountable for signing and maintaining rail/public transportation contracts.➢ Received the “Statesman Award” in 2012 from Lead Hampton Roads – local Chamber of Commerce group.➢ Interacted between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) and Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) to resolve operational issues.➢ Successfully returned AMTRAK intercity passenger rail travel to Norfolk, VA for the first time since 1977 and expanded coverage to multiple states; currently ranked as #3 best-performing, state-sponsored service in the entire Amtrak system.➢ Fully revamped the organization to consolidate rail and transit areas under a single COO position to eliminate internal modal competition and maximize productivity of limited state resources.➢ Closely collaborated with Maryland, DC and Federal entities to solve and improve safety oversight of fixed transportation systems with full positive support from executive leadership in 3 separate jurisdictions.➢ Lobbied for the creation of a Governor’s appointment to WMATA, including policies, ethics codes and relevant legislation.➢ Prepared and delivered detailed studies to acquire funding for intercity passenger rail operations, resulting in the first-ever dedicated funding for passenger rail in Virginia and first state to contract with AMTRAK to continue passenger rail service under new federal requirements. ➢ Facilitated the long-stalled construction of veteran transitional housing for a Virginia Beach non-profit entity.

Washington, Dc

Elected to represent Virginia’s 2nd District for 2 terms with a 12-person staff and $1.2 million office budget. Regularly interacted with all service branches of the US military and their families. Served on key committees, such as House Armed Services, Transportation & Infrastructure, Education & Workforce and Resources.➢ Succeeded in persuading the US Army to fully fund a $26 million improvement project for the Ft. Monroe seawall in Hampton, VA, resulting in this historic site being preserved for civilian redevelopment.➢ Spearheaded new language in the 2007 Water Resources & Development Act (WRDA) that authorized the Eastward Expansion of Craney Island, which will generate over 54,000 jobs at the Port of Virginia.➢ Created and promoted a new Congressional caucus to address Human Trafficking issues.➢ Effectively represented military members and their families on many critical issues, while helping to deflect multiple efforts to close state military bases with ongoing local economic impact.

Richmond, Va

Elected by the 87th House District to represent and advocate for this area on many crucial topics. Subject matter expert in Eminent Domain issues. Chosen to serve and participate on various key committees, including Finance, Transportation, Corporate Insurance & Banking and General Laws.➢ Received the first-ever “John Marshall Award” in 2003 from the VA Property Rights Coalition and recognized as an “Outstanding Professional Woman” by Hampton Roads, VA in 1997.➢ Chaired the Housing Study and Republican Calendar Committees; served on the Chesapeake Bay Commission.➢ As Chairperson of the VA Housing Study Commission in 2004, identified and recovered $150,000 in annual cost savings by eliminating redundant staff and instituting an organizational model still in effect.