Virginia Public Access Project names new executive director

Chris Piper, former commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections, will soon take the helm at the Virginia Public Access Project.

The nonpartisan nonprofit tracks money in state and local politics, including campaign donations and spending, and strives to share this information on its website in ways that are easy to access and understand.

“I will do all I can to sustain VPAP’s fiercely non-partisan brand,” Piper said in a Thursday statement. “Together, we can build upon this indispensable institution that is trusted across the political spectrum.”

Piper is replacing VPAP’s founder David Poole, who is retiring on June 30. In a statement, Poole said Piper would be a good fit for the role.

“I am confident in his ability and his passion for the work,” Poole said. “He’s a natural fit for a leader to build on what we’ve started.”

In a statement from VPAP, Vice Chair Abby Farris Rogers said Piper’s lengthy experience in campaign finance and elections helped him beat out more than 150 applicants.

In addition to his role with the Department of Elections, Piper also previously led the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. The General Assembly created the council to encourage compliance with the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act.

Poole announced his plans to retire in January. He has led the organization for 26 years.

Susan Swecker, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, previously thanked him for making Virginia more transparent.

“Every Virginian, be they a politician, politico, or voter, has reaped the benefits of David’s hard work,” she said in January. “The information and transparency that David provided Virginians has created a legacy that will live on in our public discourse.”

Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com