EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER THIRTY-SEVEN (2019)

Transfer of the Virginia Board of Accountancy to the Secretary of Finance

Importance of the Initiative/Issue

The Virginia Board of Accountancy's (VBOA) mission is to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth through a regulatory program of examination, licensure for individuals and firms, consumer protection, professional education audits and peer review oversight. This mission provides assurance to the citizens of the Commonwealth that the individuals and firms we entrust to practice in public accounting meet certain professional standards.

The Secretary of Finance safeguards the Commonwealth's fiscal assets and oversees the allocation of its financial resources. Accordingly, the Secretary has a fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of the Commonwealth to protect the public.

The Virginia Board of Accountancy carries out its mission through a program of regulation development, oversight, and investigations. Transfer of the VBOA to the Secretary of Finance will more closely align the responsibilities of the VBOA and Secretary of Finance.

Directive

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under § 2.2-211 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby authorize the transfer of administrative authority of the Virginia Board of Accountancy from the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to the Secretary of Finance.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 1st day of August, 2019.

/s/ Ralph S. Northam
Governor