Rev. Cook will help shape state policy on housing affordability and racial equity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Oct. 16, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger has appointed the Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP), to serve on two state bodies: the Governor’s Commission on Unlocking Housing Production and the Virginia African American Advisory Board. 

The appointments give Cook a voice in two of the most pressing issues facing Virginia: the housing shortage and racial equity. 

The Governor’s Commission on Unlocking Housing Production will identify barriers to housing development and recommend solutions to increase housing supply, improve affordability, open pathways for first-time homebuyers, and narrow Virginia’s deficit of nearly 300,000 affordable rental homes. Under Cook’s leadership, VICPP championed House Bill 594, which was signed into law this year. The law allows localities to streamline the zoning approval process for increased density when developing affordable housing. 

The Virginia African American Advisory Board advises the governor on strengthening economic, professional, cultural, educational and governmental connections between the commonwealth and Virginia’s African American community. Cook’s term on the board runs through June 30, 2030.  

“Rev. Cook brings a deep commitment to justice and equity, along with extensive experience in faith-based leadership and public policy. Her appointments reflect the importance of bringing diverse perspectives and community voices to the table as Virginia works to address housing affordability and advance opportunities for all its residents,” said the Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, VICPP board chair and associate rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke. 

As executive director of VICPP, Cook leads the organization’s statewide efforts to engage people of faith and goodwill in advocating economic, racial and social justice through education, prayer and action. Since joining VICPP in April 2025, she has led the organization’s advocacy, outreach, development and coalition-building efforts. She brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, government, education and faith-based work. 

“I am honored to serve on Gov. Spanberger’s commission and board to address housing affordability and advance equity,” Cook said. “Every faith tradition calls us to care for our neighbors. A safe, affordable home is where that care begins.” 

Media Contact: 
Roberta Oster, Communications Director 
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy 
roberta@virginiainterfaithcenter.org 

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The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy engages people of faith and goodwill to advocate economic, racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action. VICPP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of more than 950 faith communities working toward a more just society.