Our Team
Nicole Overley
COMMISSIONER OF VIRGINIA WORKS
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As Commissioner of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s new agency focused exclusively on workforce development, Nicole leads an incredible team of professionals across a multitude of programs and services that support the needs of employers and job seekers of Virginia and coordinate across the broader Commonwealth-wide workforce ecosystem.
Serving the Commonwealth fulfills a lifelong dream of public service for Nicole. Previously, in over a decade spent with Deloitte Consulting in Northern Virginia, Nicole incubated and scaled the firm’s Future of Work practice for government, nonprofits, and higher education, spoke and published frequently on workforce & workplace trends, was named to Consulting Magazine’s “35 under 35,” and worked with public and private sector clients across the nation.
Nicole holds two degrees from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she can be found exploring places she hasn’t been before across Virginia and beyond.
Angela Kelly-Wiecek
CHIEF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
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Angela Kelly-Wiecek is the Chief Deputy Commissioner for Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. Appointed my Governor Youngkin in 2023, Angela has over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and communications in the industrial equipment segment including over 10 years owning her own consulting firm.
She also served for 12 years on the Hanover Board of Supervisors where she focused on both workforce and economic development, and was a champion for active living infrastructure. She represented Hanover on the Capital Region Workforce Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership as well as the Capital Region Collaborative, PlanRVA, Richmond Region Tourism, and Sports Backers. Having grown up in the tri-cities, Angela is a graduate of Richard Bland College of William and Mary and received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University.
She, her husband Paul, and son Stephen enjoy traveling, reading, discussing current events, exploring new foods, and exercising as a family.
Kathy Byron
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
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Kathy Byron was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2023 as Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs for the Virginia Department of Workforce and Development / VA Works. In this role, Kathy leverages extensive experience in workforce development and business to forge strong relationships with Virginia’s business community. Kathy is dedicated to aligning the Commonwealth’s workforce programs with the needs of employers, ensuring that businesses have access to a skilled and capable workforce.
Prior to this role, Kathy Byron served as a Delegate for the 22nd District in the Virginia General Assembly from 1998 to 2023. During this 26-year tenure, Kathy was a key figure in Virginia’s legislative landscape, working under eight different governors and chairing the House Commerce & Energy Committee. Kathy was instrumental in the creation of several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Workforce Incentive Grant Program—the nation’s first performancebased workforce grant program, the new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, and the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI), which expanded broadband access across underserved areas of the Commonwealth.
In addition to her public service Kathy and her husband were owners of a successful small business for 25 years. They have 3 children and six grandchildren. When she is not busy working you can find her walking her three dogs, Jake, Max and Sam.
Kimion Walker
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Kimion is an accomplished operations leader with over 25 years of experience managing complex government programs across the SLED (State, Local, and Education) space. Known for her strategic mindset and ability to drive results, she excels in leading cross-functional teams, improving operational efficiency, and delivering high-impact solutions. As Deputy Commissioner for Operations/Chief Operating Officer for Virginia Works, Kimion brings deep expertise in compliance, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership.
Kimion is a seasoned operations executive with over 25 years of experience driving performance and leading end-to-end service delivery across State, Local, and Education (SLED) government programs. Recently appointed as Deputy Commissioner for Operations/Chief Operating Officer, she brings a wealth of knowledge in managing large-scale operations, aligning strategic goals with day-to-day execution, and delivering measurable results. Her leadership is defined by her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, streamline processes, and foster high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Throughout her career, Kimion has consistently demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. She has led enterprise-level initiatives that enhanced service quality, ensured compliance, and improved organizational agility—making her an invaluable asset in shaping and executing operational strategies at the executive level.
Rooted in her personal values of integrity, discipline, and connection, Kimion balances her demanding career with a fulfilling personal life. A proud Virginian for 35 years, she is a dedicated wife of 24 years and mother to two sons. She finds joy in the outdoors—running, biking, swimming, and hiking—and in exploring new cultures through cuisine and music.
Whether leading transformative initiatives or creating meaningful family moments, Kimion brings focus, heart, and purpose to everything she does.
Michael Peterson
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER & CHIEF DATA OFFICER
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Michael Peterson began his tenure as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Virginia Works in July 2024. As CIO, he is responsible for delivering IT services, operating and maintaining secure technology infrastructure, and achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction. An innovative and creative thinker, Michael is highly skilled at linking mission and strategy to IT tools. Michael also serves as the Chief Data Officer (CDO) where he acts as the executive thought leader defining the agency’s data strategy and roadmap.
He brings vast experience in enterprise architecture, solution engineering, and software architecture and development. Prior to his time at Virginia Works, Michael served as Vice President of Identity and Access Management (IAM) of Business Solutions at Barclays. He has previously held IT leadership positions at Secure Identity Solutions as Chief Information Officer, The New Teacher Project as Chief Technology Officer and Hitachi Innovative Solutions Corporation as Technical Director. Michael holds a Master of Business Administration in Management from Averett College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from James Madison University and is committed to lifelong learning.