FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2026
Contact: Madelyn Kinyon, press@ghazalahashmi.com

Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi Announces Staff

RICHMOND, VA — Following Inaugural Day activities, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi announced the four members of her senior staff. This team is leading the Office of the Lieutenant Governor as it begins its work serving Virginians.

“I am honored to announce this exceptional group of leaders who will be shaping the work of our office for the next four years,” said Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. “Their experience, perspective, and deep commitment to public service will be vital as we establish an office that is responsive, collaborative, and focused on delivering results for communities across the Commonwealth.

“We are laying the foundation of an Office of the Lieutenant Governor that engages meaningfully with Virginians, strengthens partnerships across the state, and is prepared to serve with purpose and conviction from Day One. I am grateful to each member of our team for their dedication, expertise, and willingness to serve.”

Staff Members:

June Laffey, Chief of Staff

June Laffey has served as Chief of Staff for Senator Ghazala Hashmi for the past four years. A lifelong Virginian, she began her political career as an organizer with the Democratic Party of Virginia in 2019, working in Senate District 10 for then-candidate, Dr. Ghazala Hashmi. The work of engaging constituents in the political process has been the through-line of her professional life, working within electoral politics in the City of Richmond and within the Virginia General Assembly. In her capacity as Chief of Staff to the Senator, June has worked collaboratively with many organizations and partners on key policy areas, including reproductive health care, environmental and energy issues, health care access, and housing. She has also led the office on building a strong and responsive constituent services platform. June received her bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University.

Gerardo Aguilar Castillo, Director of Operations

Gerardo has served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Ghazala Hashmi for three years. Raised in Newport News, Gerardo’s early career as a campaign assistant to the late Congressman Donald McEachin's re-election campaign and in his role within the office of Senator Ghazala Hashmi has been marked by a commitment to public service and the representation of diverseVirginians. Through his active participation in statewide Latino and young people organizations, he has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of new voices and perspectives in state government. Gerardo holds an associate's degree from Thomas Nelson Community College and a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Madelyn Kinyon, Director of Communications and Scheduling

Madelyn Kinyon serves as Director of Communications and Scheduling for Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. Madelyn was born and raised in Indiana and received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University’s Media School, graduating with an honors diploma from the Hutton Honors College. She was actively involved in local government through the Mayor’s Advisory Council and other civic initiatives. While at Indiana University, she also hosted a weekly radio show, reflecting her early interest in communications and public engagement. Madelyn moved to Virginia in 2023 and brings a strong background in media, digital strategy, and scheduling. She is driven by a passion for politics and a belief in the importance of principled, effective leadership that puts its people first, as she works to effectively connect Virginians to the work of the General Assembly

Casey Barthel, Special Assistant and Constituent Services Coordinator

For more than two years, Casey Barthel has served in multiple positions for Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, including serving as an intern in Senator Hashmi’s legislative office during the 2024 General Assembly session and as Deputy Finance Director for her campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Over the past year and a half on the campaign trail, Casey worked closely with communities across the Commonwealth and listened to constituents’ concerns and priorities. That experience now informs Casey’s work in the Lieutenant Governor’s office, with a continued focus on public service and constituent engagement. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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