News Release: VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson Named to Virginia Business–K12 Partnership Executive Board
News • Press Releases •
News Release
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2026
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson Named to Virginia Business–K12 Partnership Executive Board
Charlottesville, VA – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) is proud to announce that Executive Director Gina Patterson has been selected to serve as an executive board member of the newly launched Virginia Business–K12 Partnership, a statewide collaborative initiative focused on strengthening the connection between Virginia’s public education system and the business community.
The Virginia Business–K12 Partnership was formally launched this week and is designed to bring together leaders from K-12 education, workforce development, higher education, and business and industry to support student success, workforce readiness, innovation, and long-term economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.
The partnership aims to foster stronger collaboration between Virginia’s public schools and employers while helping students better prepare for future careers through enhanced workforce development opportunities, community partnerships, career exposure, and real-world learning experiences.
“As someone who has spent decades advocating for public education and the important role school boards play in student achievement, I am deeply honored to serve on the executive board of the Virginia Business–K12 Partnership,” said Gina Patterson. “This initiative represents an important opportunity to bring together leaders from across sectors to focus on what truly matters — preparing Virginia’s students for success both inside and outside the classroom. Strong partnerships between education and business are essential as we continue to strengthen workforce readiness, innovation, and opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.”
Patterson added that the initiative also provides an opportunity to move conversations surrounding education toward collaboration and long-term student outcomes.
“Public education impacts every community, every employer, and every future workforce pipeline in Virginia,” Patterson said. “The work of this partnership helps reinforce that education is not a partisan issue — it is a Commonwealth issue.”
The Virginia School Boards Association has long championed workforce readiness initiatives, career and technical education opportunities, governance training, community engagement, and innovative partnerships that support student learning and achievement across Virginia’s public schools. The association represents Virginia’s local school boards and works to provide advocacy, leadership development, legal and policy support, and training opportunities for school board members throughout the Commonwealth.
Under Patterson’s leadership, the association has continued to expand its statewide focus on workforce development, student opportunity, strategic partnerships, and highlighting successful educational programs taking place across Virginia. Recent VSBA initiatives have included the Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards, Showcases for Success Directory, fiscal governance cohorts, and statewide innovation recognition programs.
The launch event for the Virginia Business–K12 Partnership brought together leaders from education, business, and government who emphasized the importance of creating stronger alignment between classroom learning and workforce demands throughout Virginia.
To learn more about the Virginia Business–K12 Partnership and view the launch video, visit:
Virginia Business–K12 Partnership Launch Video
For more information about the Virginia School Boards Association, visit the association’s official website.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through leadership, advocacy, and support. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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