Steven DeLuca, vice president, head of state and local government affairs for Capital One Financial, will serve as rector of the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors. His nomination as rector was approved Monday, and his term will begin this Wednesday, July 1.

"Our board is a dedicated and talented group of public servants committed to VCU's success," DeLuca said. "Our administrators, faculty, staff and students expect and deserve our very best. I am confident we will deliver, and it is a privilege to lead our outstanding board. It is an exciting time to be at VCU."

As rector, DeLuca will lead VCU's 16-member Board of Visitors, which is appointed by the governor of Virginia, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The board has the responsibility and authority, subject to constitutional and statutory limitations, for the continuing operation, development of evolving policies and financial oversight of VCU.

"Steve's experience in public affairs, governance and community leadership will help benefit VCU. I know firsthand his passion for our mission and our people," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. "Steve's collaborative approach will be an asset to our board, our campus and the community we serve. I look forward to partnering with Steve to advance VCU's impact as one of the nation's rapidly rising public research universities."

DeLuca was unanimously appointed Monday by the board's executive committee. Additionally, the committee unanimously appointed board members Neil Amin, CEO of Shamin Hotels, as vice rector and Harry Thalhimer, president of Thalhimer Headwear, as secretary.

DeLuca was appointed to the Board of Visitors in 2023. He served on the Board of Directors of the VCU Health System from 2015-21, 2022-23 and 2024-26. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Bankers Association.

At Capital One, DeLuca leads a team responsible for legislative advocacy and relationship management with state and local governments across the country. He has worked at Capital One since 1999.

DeLuca holds a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in political science with a minor in business management from Drew University. At Drew, he was a recipient of the Gold D Award, the university's highest award for leadership and service. In 2009, he received Drew's Outstanding Young Alumni Award. He holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.

He is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Civic Leadership's Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia and Leadership Metro Richmond. He has 20 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter and holds numerous emergency services certifications and awards.