Sisterhood Spotlight
Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission
As Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission, Carrie Roth ensures that Virginians have access and information regarding the variety of jobs available across the Commonwealth. She also works to promote economic growth and stability through policy development, temporary income support, transition and training services, and assistance in job placement for those seeking employment. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Carrie discusses what Labor Day means to her, VEC success and its impacts, challenges she has faced, and her career in public service.
Rooted in the late 19th century, Labor Day marks a celebration of the efforts of the laborers that helped develop the United States and advance its achievements. As the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), what does this day mean to you?
Labor Day is an opportunity to pause and recognize the ingenuity and hard work we see from individuals across the Commonwealth who continually strengthen the vitality of our communities. Personally, it has always been a time for family gathering, the kick-off of my favorite season (football season), and focusing on the excitement ahead for the final four months of the year.
As of June, Virginia’s unemployment rate was down and the labor force participation rate rose to over 66%- the highest it’s been in over ten years. How does this impact your work at the VEC?
We are hyper-focused on helping individuals move quickly from unemployment to reemployment. While we continue to see the labor force participation rate increase - demonstrating tremendous progress in individuals getting off the sidelines and back to work - there remain over 300,000 job openings in the Commonwealth. We work alongside our employers to help them with their talent needs so we can continue to strengthen Virginia's economy and the vibrancy of our communities.
As a female who has held various senior level government positions, what have you found to be your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
To me challenges are opportunities for positive change. I thrive on change, but for others it is uncomfortable. One of the greatest opportunities afforded to me in these roles is to help individuals realize they have everything inside of them to reach their full potential and not let fear of change hold them back. Being a marathoner, I am comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sharing with others how to push through their fears, to be ok with being uncomfortable to achieve what they once thought was impossible and watch them realize is possible is one of the best rewards. This mindset allows us collectively as a team to address challenges, find solutions and move forward together.
Throughout your career, you have worked in three Administrations. What drew you into a career of public service?
We moved to Virginia when I was in third grade and this changed the opportunities afforded to me - in particular the education I received in Chesterfield County public schools. I was the student who took every history and government class they could - soaking up the passion of so many before us who opened the doors of individual opportunity and freedom to determine ones own destiny. This solid foundation instilled in me an incredible desire to give back to the Commonwealth that has given me so much. While at VCU, I interned on George Allen's campaign for Governor, was an intern in the first year (plus) in his Administration, until I graduated and was offered a full-time position. Since then, to be a part of so many moments of significance to the Commonwealth and our country, keeps the fire burning to continue to be a part of positive change.
About Carrie Roth
Carrie Roth was appointed to be the Commissioner of the VEC and the Advisor to the Governor for Strategic Initiatives by Governor Youngkin in January 2022. Prior to her appointment, Carrie was the founder of Rerouted, a strategic growth and communications consultancy. From 2013-2021, she served as CEO and COO of Activation Capital and the VA Bio+Tech Park. Carrie previously served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade for Governor Bob McDonnell. Prior to joining the McDonnell Administration, she was President of her company Capitol Square Communications. Carrie served as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator George Allen, whom she worked for in various roles from 1993 to 2003, and as Policy Director for the gubernatorial campaign of Attorney General Jerry Kilgore after serving in the Attorney General's office. In 2023, Carrie was named RVA Power Woman in Government; in 2019, she was named a Pioneering CEO by myTechMag; in 2018, she was recognized by Richmond NAWBO as Community Leader of the Year and RTD Person of the Year Honoree; and in 2016, she and her husband, Doug, were the JDRF Central Virginia Chapter Gala Honorees.
In her free time, Roth is a strong supporter of the non-profit ‘Sports Backers’ that encourages people to lead active lifestyles, as she is also an avid runner and 17-time marathon finisher herself. As a UESCA-certified running coach, she and her husband have competed in multiple marathons together, including the Richmond and Boston marathons.
Although originally from Michigan, Roth moved to Virginia at a young age and has resided in Chesterfield County for most of her life. She attended Hillsdale College and is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.