Antionette Irving Bio
Antionette Irving is a committed Richmond City civic leader and a dedicated corrections officer who has devoted her life to keeping her community safe. For over 20 years she has helped ensure the fair administration of justice through her efforts to improve the lives of youth and families. Currently, she serves as the Facility Administrator (Major) of a jail in Henrico County providing supervision of the daily operations of over 700 inmates and 148 staff members; and assisting with the administration of a multi-million dollar budget. Due to her effective leadership, Irving has received numerous promotions and commendations.
From growing up in Richmond’s Creighton Court to becoming the highest ranking female in the history of Henrico County Sheriff’s office, Antionette knows that hard work and dedication are necessary to bring about achievement. She has been able to implement vital security procedures during her career as a leader in the justice system. Antionette has directed Henrico’s correctional facilities through the accreditation process with the American Corrections Associations for the last 3 years. Antionette has administered the implementation and introduction of the RISE and Life without a Crutch programs which are focused on providing tools and methods for inmates seeking recovery. Irving has also been a leader in the effort to bring vocational, educational, and substance abuse programs to inmate populations, which are essential for changing the inmate’s life, strengthening families, and improving our community. Antionette’s dedication to excellence on the job has garnered her recognition as a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and the 2002 recipient of the YWCA Women of the Year in Government and Politics. Her active participation and membership with the Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement, Virginia Sheriff’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, American Jail Association, and the American Corrections Association provides ongoing professional development opportunities.
Antionette also serves her community outside of the workplace. As a former basketball star and 2000 inductee in the Shaw University Sports Hall of Fame, Antionette has found a way to mix her passions for basketball and her commitment for making a positive impact in the lives of young people in her community. She serves as a mentor through her involvement as a basketball official and coach. Furthermore, she volunteers with the Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Club. Irving believes that programs that involve young people in after school activities can promote their success and prevent them from entering the criminal justice system. In 2004, she founded the Antionette V. Irving Foundation, an organization that works to develop positive values and promotes change in order to create a greater atmosphere for our youth, seniors, and families. The foundation assists young people in building self-esteem, character, and discipline.
Antionette is a proud, consistent, and committed Democrat, who supports the principles of the party. She is an active member of the NAACP and The Farm Team (an organization of Democratic women committed to empowering, promoting, and electing women in leadership). She is also an active member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Irving earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Shaw University and a Master’s of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. As a further indication of her belief in the value of education, Antionette is a candidate for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration and Criminal Justice at Northcentral University. Irving possesses the leadership, work ethic, and vision to change our Sheriff’s Office. She believes in raising the standards of the Sheriff’s office, because Richmond deserves excellence.
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