RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin on Feb 26th, announced the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Matthew D. Hanley as the Superintendent of the Virginia State Police (VSP). After a nationwide search to find a replacement for former Superintendent Gary T. Settle, Colonel Hanley was selected to lead VSP based on his unmatched experience and expertise. The appointment to Superintendent includes a promotion to the rank of Colonel. His appointment continues the administration’s commitment to securing transformational leaders with demonstrated results.  

“Colonel Hanley will lead the Virginia State Police to an even greater level of public safety success -- fighting crime with the most advanced capabilities, making our communities some of the safest in the nation and recruiting and retaining the most talented law enforcement workforce,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “He has served the VSP with dedication and distinction and is committed to further accelerating the transformation of the Virginia State Police. Colonel Hanley has proven his ability to lead and support our great law enforcement heroes who put themselves on the line for their fellow citizens every day, even to the point of paying the ultimate sacrifice.” 

“I would like to congratulate Colonel Hanley on becoming the new Superintendent of the VSP. Colonel Hanley has risen through the ranks from Trooper to the Motor Program, to leading the Bureau of Field Operations and is now honored to be called the next Superintendent of the VSP,” said Secretary Terry Cole. “Colonel Hanley is committed to the transformation of the VSP to an intelligence-driven policing organization focused on protecting the Commonwealth and her citizens. He is committed to protecting the homeland and the Commonwealth and will lead the buildout of the newly created Homeland Security Division.”  

“It is the honor of a lifetime to be appointed to serve as Superintendent of the Virginia State Police by this administration. I will diligently fulfill the responsibilities of this office with the same pride, humility, and dedication to serve that all VSP employees exemplify every day across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Hanley. “Collectively, we will strive to achieve new levels of excellence, while continuing to strengthen the collaborative efforts with our local, state, and federal partners that have yielded such impressive results in the public safety and homeland security space.” 

Colonel Hanley brings a unique mix of institutional knowledge, leadership training, and expertise in homeland security efforts that will enable him to continue VSP’s proud tradition of excellence for the next generation. A member of the Virginia State Police since 1993, Colonel Hanley was appointed to serve as the Interim Superintendent on November 5, 2024. Prior positions include Director of the Bureau of Field Operations, Director of the Office of Performance Management and Internal Controls, Training Officer, Assistant Division Commander, Area Commander, Sergeant, and Trooper. 

Colonel Hanley has a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School (Center for Homeland Defense and Security), a bachelor’s degree from Norwich University, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s National Criminal Justice Command College and the FBI National Executive Institute. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs Police, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Board of Advisors for the Virginia Public Safety Innovation Center.