Karl R. Hade, Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia, has announced new appointments in the Office of the Executive Secretary. Alisa W. Padden will take on the role of Assistant Executive Secretary and Counsel, effective November 10, 2025. Brandy S. Singleton has been named Director of Legislative and Public Relations, starting November 25, 2025.
Padden previously served as Director of Legislative and Public Relations since 2021 and was a Staff Attorney in the Department of Legal Research before that. She is a graduate of James Madison University and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond.
The position of Assistant Executive Secretary and Counsel involves providing legal advice and support to the Executive Secretary regarding matters related to the Office or court administration within Virginia’s Judicial Branch.
Singleton brings nearly two decades of experience with the Office of the Executive Secretary. Most recently, she worked as Senior Staff Attorney in Legal Research, where her responsibilities included preparing legal memoranda for trial court judges, tracking proposed legislation, and presenting judiciary positions to General Assembly committees. She earned both her Juris Doctor (magna cum laude) and Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from the University of Richmond.
The Department of Legislative and Public Relations manages legislative affairs for Virginia’s Judicial System and handles media relations. It supports legislative proposals recommended by Judicial Conferences, represents the system before the General Assembly on legislative issues, and responds to public inquiries including requests for records.
The Office of the Executive Secretary serves as the administrative office for courts across Virginia. Its functions include training judicial branch employees, assisting judges with legal research, managing fiscal operations, overseeing human resources services, and supporting information technology needs for courts and magistrate offices.
