Gov. Abigail Spanberger removed John Rocovich from his position as rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, effective immediately. In a letter dated May 27, Spanberger wrote that Rocovich’s conduct violated rules for board appointees requiring them to act in accordance with the best interests of Virginia Tech.
Spanberger cited a section of Virginia code that allows the governor to remove board members on the grounds of “malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, or gross neglect of duty.”
Spanberger said in a statement that she is appointing Ed Baine, a Dominion Energy executive and Virginia Tech Board of Visitors member, to complete Rocovich’s term, which ends June 30 of next year.
Sharon Brickhouse Martin, an executive at VHC Health with ties to the university, will begin serving on the board immediately. Spanberger previously announced her appointment that was slated to start July 1 of this year.
“I want to thank Ed Baine and Sharon Martin for their service to the Virginia Tech community and our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “I trust that these proud alumni will serve with a focus on upholding the excellence of this institution and maintaining the public’s trust.”
It was not immediately clear what misconduct the governor was referring to.
Mark Owczarski, a university spokesperson, confirmed that the governor had informed Virginia Tech of the action, but said the university had no comment.
Virginia Tech Rector John Rocovich, left, seen at the introductory press conference for new football coach James Franklin, second from right, on Nov. 19, 2025. Also pictured: Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands, second from left, and athletic director Whit Babcock, right. (Robert Simmons/AP)
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This is a developing story. Check back throughout the day for updates.
Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com