Laura Novey

Laura Novey is the Senior Vice President of State Government Relations at McGuireWoods Consulting and leads the firm’s national education industry team. With extensive experience in state government operations, policy, and advocacy, she helps clients navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments. Her expertise spans multiple industries, allowing her to effectively guide organizations through the nuances of state-level decision-making and strategic planning.

Prior to joining the firm, Laura spent 27 years in public service, including working in leadership roles at two higher education institutions: Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. Laura also served as the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia where she led the development and implementation of the Governor’s education priorities and provided guidance to the 16 public universities, the Virginia Community College System, the Department of Education and the state-supported museums, library, and Arts Commission.

Laura holds two degrees from Virginia Tech. She is proud to have two Hokie graduates (“23 and “25) and her youngest son will begin his undergraduate degree fall of 2026 at Virginia Tech.