Thelma  has been appointed by Governor  Robert  F. McDonnell to serve as the Director of Rail and Public Transportation.   ( www.drpt.virginia.gov  or  804-786-4440).   DRPT‘s  mission is to improve mobility and expand transportation choices in Virginia.  The Agency is charged with establishing, maintaining, improving and promoting public transportation, transportation demand management, ridesharing, and passenger and freight rail transportation in the Commonwealth.

Thelma Drake served in  the United States Congress (2005-2008) and in the Virginia House of Delegates (1996-2004).

In Congress Thelma’s committee assignments included House Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; Resources; and Education and Workforce.  In the Virginia House of Delegates she served on the General Laws; Corporations, Insurance and Banking; Finance; and Transportation Committees.  She also chaired the Virginia Housing Study Commission and served on the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

Thelma has over 30 years experience and success in the real estate business.  Her husband Ted will lead the Hampton Roads Home Team at William E. Wood and Associates Realtors.  Richard Morris, Deborah Almeter and James Culpeper will continue working with the HRH Team providing real estate services in Hampton Roads.  www.hamptonroadshometeam.com  email -- draketeam@aol.com or   757-583-1606.

Thelma served as one of 13 Senior Advisors to Governor – Elect McDonnell’s Transition Team and she served as co-chair with Congressman Tom Davis for the Transportation Transition Team.

Thelma was previously associated with FutureLaw, a Richmond based law and consulting firm that provides strategic analysis and direction for clients. (www.futurelaw.net).

Thelma enjoyed serving the people of the 2nd District of Virginia in Washington and the people of the 87th House District in Richmond.  She has announced that she will not run for Congress in 2010 but has enthusiastically endorsed Scott Rigell for that congressional seat.

Thelma can be contacted at td@thelmadrake.com or 757-588-3296.