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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin took time on March 26 to formally name his Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources as Stefanie Taillon, who is originally from Southampton County.

Taillon had been serving in the role as acting secretary since Jan. 25.

“I am absolutely honored to continue serving in the Youngkin Administration as Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources,” she said in a Monday, March 31, email interview. “I originally joined this secretariat to lead Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay efforts and have since expanded the scope of my focus to include the full range of what our five incredible agencies cover.”

Outlining her main responsibilities in the secretary position, she noted that the role oversees five agencies that protect and restore the commonwealth’s natural and historic resources: Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Wildlife Resources, Department of Historic Resources, and Marine Resources Commission. 

She said the secretary’s office and the five agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution, Section 1 of which reads as follows:

“To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings.

“Further, it shall be the commonwealth’s policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the commonwealth.”

Taillon said, “We are so fortunate in Virginia to have an abundance of treasured natural and historic resources, and it is a privilege to work towards ensuring they are around for generations to come.”

As noted in a Thursday, March 27, news release from the Office of the Governor, Taillon resides in Richmond with her husband and their 2-year-old daughter, but she grew up on a row crop farm in Southampton County.

“I was born and raised in Southampton County,” she said. “My family continues to live and farm in the county, so I am fortunate to still spend time there.”

She indicated that this background has played a key role in shaping who she is today as a person and as the Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.

“As anyone involved in the agriculture industry can attest, farming is a way of life, and that never leaves you, even if you no longer live on the operation,” she said. “Farmers are uniquely vested in serving as good stewards of our natural resources, and it is both personally and professionally rewarding to be able to bring those connections to this role.”

The March 27 news release from the governor’s office highlighted her previous work experience and educational background as follows.

In addition to serving as Acting Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for the Youngkin Administration, she first joined the administration as deputy secretary with a primary focus on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Prior to joining, she was Associate Director of Governmental Relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, where she led policy efforts related to farmland preservation, wildlife and game laws, animal welfare, and animal-based commodities. She has also served as the Commissioner’s Office Director at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and as a legislative aide in the Virginia General Assembly.  

Taillon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in animal and poultry sciences and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from Virginia Tech, and she was a member of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) Program Class IV.

“Throughout her career, Stefanie Taillon has exemplified an unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing Virginia’s God-given natural resources,” Youngkin said in the release. “With a proven ability to deliver impactful results, she has been particularly instrumental in advancing our Chesapeake Bay conservation and restoration priorities. Her strong leadership and deep policy expertise have consistently driven meaningful progress as we continue to press forward on our agenda for Virginia.”

He indicated that he has full trust in her capabilities and sincere appreciation for her continued service to the commonwealth.

In the March 31 interview, Taillon said, “I am proud of what the Natural and Historic Resources team has already accomplished under Gov. Youngkin’s leadership and look forward to continuing that work to enhance tools for conservation and preservation, improve customer service for Virginians, and increase Virginian outdoor recreation and experiences.”