James Hunter Williams was appointed Chief Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources by Governor Youngkin. In July 2024, James was appointed Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. Prior to his appointment(s), he served as Special Assistant to the President at the White House Domestic Policy Council developing and coordinating health policy. He also served on the Council of Economic Advisers as an economist advising on health and regulatory affairs. He began his career as an economic consultant at the Lewin Group, and as a Research Fellow with the Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research. James holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Gordon College, Massachusetts. He resides in Richmond with his wife, Lindsay, daughter, Virginia, and newborn son, Charles.
James Williams
Commissioner,
Virginia Department of Social Services