RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has announced her newly appointed secretary of public safety and homeland security. The announcement came in the morning on Thursday, Dec. 4. The newly appointed member will be Stanley M. Meador, according to Spanberger. "I am deep ly honored and humbled to be nominated as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security," Meador said. Spanburger stated that keeping Virginians safe is critical to the Commonwealth's success and that, as a former federal law enforcement officer, she knows that success requires leaders who know how to collaborate with the community. "Today, I am proud to announce the appointment of Stanley M. Meador to serve as our next Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security," Spanberger added. According to a press release, Meador is a Galax native who started his career in 1997 as an agent with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). Meador has three decades of law enforcement and national security experience and responded to the Pentagon on 9/11, later receiving a "Declaration of Valor" for his actions during the response.  "I know Mr. Meador’s decades of service to our country and our Commonwealth will bring the expertise necessary to protect our citizens, support the brave men and women of law enforcement, and make sure Virginia is a place where every Virginian can safely thrive — no matter their zip code," Spanberger said. Meador explained that throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to protecting communities throughout Virginia, as well as strengthening the partnerships that keep them safe. "As a native Virginian, I look forward to supporting Governor-elect Spanberger’s vision with the same dedication, integrity, and commitment that have guided my service for nearly three decades. Together, we will work to serve and protect all the members of our great Commonwealth," Meador said. ...read more read less