Gov. Bob McDonnell appointed Jim Hopper, deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, to succeed Suit and said he expects a seamless transition. Hopper is a 34-year veteran of the Army, including service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
McDonnell said in a statement that Virginia is safer and more prepared because of Suit’s service. “I thank her for her leadership and her commitment to the men and women of our military, and all Virginians.”
An Army daughter and the spouse of a retired Navy SEAL, Suit said she is passionate about the military and real estate.
Suit began her career as a Realtor in 1985. She transitioned into real estate lending in 1988 and continued in this field until 2008.
She received a gubernatorial appointment to the Virginia Real Estate Board in 1996 and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1999, where she was chairwoman of the Virginia Housing Commission and the House General Laws Committee.
Suit also served as chairwoman of the housing subcommittee of General Laws. She endorsed legislation and initiatives to protect private property rights and ensure a healthy and vibrant housing market.