About the Coalition

Via Zoom

Meeting minutes and gift acceptance policy

via Zoom

July 11, 2023 2 p.m. via Zoom In attendance: Paul Casalaspi (VP), Brian Colligan, Katy Evans, Maria Everett, Craig Fifer, Joe Fuentes (Treasurer), Chris Gatewood, Bob Gibson, Stephen Hayes (Secretary, by phone), Josh Heslinga, Lawrence McConnell (by phone), Bruce Potter, Jeff South (President). Also in attendance, Megan Rhyne (Executive Director) and Sue Asgari (Richardson Legal…

The Virginia Coalition for Open Government works every day to promote transparency in government through ready access to state and local government records and meetings. Members share a commitment to preserve all existing channels of access to public information and to seek news ways of delivering information to the largest number of people at the…

Our nonpartisan, educational alliance was incorporated July 3, 1996. Tax-exempt status was granted by the IRS on Sept. 11, 1996, and renewed Aug. 27, 2001, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are governed by an elected board of directors. Download our most recent IRS W9 form. A copy of our most recent financial review and…

VCOG Board of Directors meeting July 22, 2022 Via Zoom In attendance: Jeff South (President), Paul Casalaspi (Vice President), Joe Fuentes (Treasurer), Stephen Hayes (Secretary), Betsy Edwards, Craig Fifer, Bob Gibson, Joshua Heslinga, Wat Hopkins, Lawrence McConnell, Bruce Potter, Jay Speer, Jonathan Williams, Anita Shelburne. Also in attendance: Megan Rhyne (executive director). The meeting convened…

VCOG Board of Directors meeting, January 15, 2021, 3 p.m. via Zoom PRESENT: Acting President Paul Casalaspi; Treasurer Jeff South; Secretary Stephen Hayes; Brian Colligan; Lou Emerson; Maria Everett; Joe Fuentes; Bob Gibson; Isaiah Knight; Lawrence McConnell; and Bruce Potter. Also, Executive Director Megan Rhyne. The meeting began at 3:06 p.m. Rhyne thanked Casalaspi for…

24 March 2020 Dear VCOG friend and supporter: First and foremost: I am hopeful that this letter finds you safe and healthy. Everyone’s prime objective at this time should be to care for the physical well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. Personally, I battled a bronchial infection shortly before things melted down, and I now have…

Board meeting minutes, Oct. 4, 2019, Glen Allen.

Minutes from the VCOG Board of Directors Meeting, April 10, 2019, in Hampton

VCOG Board of Directors Minutes Virginia Coalition for Open Government Board of Directors Meeting Retail Merchants Association of Greater Richmond May 31, 2018   Minutes Board Members present:   President, Dick Hammerstrom; Secretary, Stephen Hayes, Maria Everett, Shelley Kimball, Wat Hopkins, Lawrence McConnell, Lou Emerson, Paul Casalaspi, Jonathan Williams, Sacha Purciful, Paul Fletcher, Craig Fifer,…

VCOG Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of August 31, 2016 Henrico County Government Center, Henrico VA   Members Attending: President Craig Fifer; Vice President Dick Hammerstrom; Treasurer Paul Casalaspi; Dorothy Abernathy; Pat O’Bannon; Peter Easter; Brian Eckert; Betsy Edwards; Paul Fletcher; Frank LoMonte; Lawrence McConnell; Executive Director Megan Rhyne President Fifer called the meeting to…

The Virginia Coalition for Open Government (VCOG) is governed by a set of Guiding Principles setting forth the organization’s mission and vision. As with all other activities of the organization, VCOG’s approach to the acceptance of gifts is directed by these Guiding Principles. The organization reserves the right to refuse donations that conflict with, or…

Virginia Coalition for Open Government Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2016 Virginia Press Association, Glen Allen, VA Board Members present:  Vice President Dick Hammerstrom; Treasurer, Paul Casalaspi; Secretary, Olga Hernandez; Immediate Past President, Dorothy Abernathy; Brian Colligan; Peter Easter; Brian Eckert; Christopher Gatewood; Bob Gibson; Stephen Hayes; Wat Hopkins; Shelley Kimball; Frank…