Sanjay Puri, head of a prominent Indian-American lobby group, has been included in a transition team of the governor of Virginia.
The team will advice him on policy issues affecting various communities in the state.
Governor Tim Kaine appointed Puri, the Chair of the United States India Political Action Committee, to his Moving Virginia Forward Transition Team.
The team has leaders from across the state with a view to providing him insights on issues important to the respective communities.
The transition committee will also be recommending individuals to serve in the new administration.
"Sanjay Puri's appointment to the transition team places him in a key position to determine the policy direction and appointments of the next cabinet of the state of Virginia," said Surabhi Garg, a member of USINPAC's executive committee.
"This is a great honour for not only Puri but also for the Indian-American community. It takes us a step forward in gaining political recognition and contributing to Virginia's development", Garg said in a statement.