Sisterhood Spotlight

How long have you been with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Are you originally from Virginia? 

I’m a Virginian – born here at MCV Hospital and have worked in various capacities with the Commonwealth for over twenty years.

How did you become Director of Richmond’s Executive Mansion?

I was the Mansion Director during the administration of Governor George Allen and First Lady Susan Allen.  It’s not a job many people have experienced – my prior time here probably gave me a bit of an advantage during the job search.

What are the duties of the Director of the Executive Mansion?

The Mansion director is responsible for pretty much everything that takes place here.  I oversee the staff (which thankfully does not usually change with a new administration), the day to day operations of the house, and the events we hold here on an almost daily basis.

What’s something about the mansion that inspires or fascinates you?

I’ve always valued the centuries of gracious southern hospitality that is the real legacy of this home.  Over the past 200 years there have been innumerable first ladies who have created a warm and inviting place for their families while also most warmly welcoming the citizens of Virginia for special gatherings and celebrations.  They have all added their own touches here, many of which we still include decades later.

What is something most people don’t know about the mansion?

It has a historical span of 210 years that’s amazing to think about - General Stonewall Jackson lay in state here in 1863, and in 1993, Virginian and tennis champion Arthur Ashe was given the same honor followed by civil rights legend Oliver Hill in 2007.  The house has seen seismic historic change over the last 210 years and remains a bipartisan observer, giving each first family, politics aside, the same shelter and care.

Many readers also may not know that Governor Mills Godwin (1966-1970 and 1974-1978) and his wife, Catherine, were the only first family to live here twice.  Governor Godwin served two terms, one as a Democrat and the second, four years later, as a Republican.  The Godwin’s 13 year-old daughter, Becky, died tragically during their first term here and is honored with a beautiful dogwood planted in perpetuity on the mansion grounds.  My heart has always gone out to the Godwins as I imagine them returning here for a second term without their only child.

Can you give us an overview of the mansion’s history?

That’s a big question!  The mansion will be 210 years old in 2023 and we’re planning some exciting events around that anniversary.  Our mansion is the oldest continuously occupied Governor’s mansion built for that purpose and we can’t wait to feature it in all its historic glory during that celebration.

What does it feel like to return to the mansion?

Having the opportunity to come back here came as the most wonderful unexpected surprise.  You don’t often get a chance to revisit something you did when you were much younger (and lots dumber) and I try my best to live up to all this wonderful place deserves.  It’s been an immeasurable pleasure to bring the house back to life after pandemic restrictions and to welcome the Youngkins and their family home.

What have you been most proud of in the first six months?

All of the house staff here have served many Governors and with each new administration have to re-create their routines, duties, and daily responsibilities to respond to each new family that moves in.  I’m especially proud of the way they have so kindly accommodated all of the changes that naturally occur and still have remained a very upbeat and productive team.  They are a joy to work with and make me proud every day.

What have you been doing to prepare to re-open the mansion?

The mansion has been open full speed for special events, meetings, and receptions since inauguration day in January but has been closed for tours for over two years. We’ve really been sprucing up in anticipation of welcoming visitors once again.  We’ve worked on the grounds and inside the house and visitors will notice polished floors, fresh paint and or course, our wonderful docents who have been re-grouping and brushing up on their mansion history in anticipation of giving tours once again.

What enhancements are in play and what traditions can we expect will be kept?

First Lady Suzanne Youngkin has initiated a unique new program called the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion.  Visitors will view art from museums around the Commonwealth exhibited here to really tell the story of Virginia, its past, its present, its people and its landscapes.  Art selections will rotate throughout the next four years and will offer visitors a chance to see a depth of Virginia-related art not usually gathered in one spot.  It’s a very big “first” for the mansion!

When will the mansion open?

The house will open for tours on Friday, September 2^nd, 2022 and subsequent Fridays throughout the fall.  Tour hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Visitors are invited to walk up to the mansion gate and take advantage of the open tour schedule.  No prior arrangements are necessary.  We do ask that groups larger than 10 contact us at executivemansion@governor.virginia.gov to facilitate the best tour option for the group.

About Georgia Esposito

Georgia Esposito is a Richmond native and grew up in Bon Air with her extended Italian family. After attending Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, she spent a number of years as a preschool and kindergarten teacher at Westhampton Day School before joining the administration of Governor George Allen as Director of the Executive Mansion and Chief of Staff to first lady Susan Allen. Georgia has worked in the administrations of five Virginia governors and is happy to be back at the Executive Mansion with the Youngkin family.