Braxton Powell

James Braxton Powell (November 23, 1944 – May 2, 2010) served as the State Treasurer of Virginia from January, 2006 to December 2008. He was appointed by Governor Tim Kaine. Prior to his appointment as State Treasurer, he had served since January, 2002, as Deputy State Treasurer under Governor Mark Warner.

As Deputy State Treasurer, Powell was responsible for assisting then-State Treasurer Jody Wagner with the day-to-day operation of the Treasury and its budget in excess of $16.4 million. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Powell also served at the Treasury in other capacities, including Director of Financial Policy, Manager of Cash and Banking and Cash Administrator. While serving as Director of Financial Policy, Powell prepared briefs for the legislature and helped shape goals and objectives for the Treasury’s strategic plan.

As Treasurer of Virginia under Governor Kaine and Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner, Powell serves on the following boards and authorities, the first six being staffed by the Department of the Treasury: Commonwealth of Virginia Treasury Board, Debt Capacity Advisory Committee, Virginia College Building Authority, Virginia Public Building Authority, Virginia Public School Authority, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, Virginia College Savings Plan, Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Resources Authority and the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority.

Powell is a member of the National Association of State Treasurers and was recently elected to serve as Vice-President of the Association's southern region. Powell also serves on the Association's Unclaimed Property Committee, and its Banking, Collateral and Cash Management Committee.