
WINSOMEPAC
About WinsomePAC
Building the Leadership Infrastructure
for Virginia's Future
WinsomePAC — often referred to as WESPAC — is a leadership and training political action committee dedicated to preparing citizens across Virginia to step forward, serve their communities, and build winning campaigns.
Through mentorship, training, and grassroots engagement, the PAC equips individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to lead at the local and state level.


A Leadership Movement Built from History
Winsome Earle-Sears has spent her life breaking barriers and redefining what leadership looks like. Leadership is not reserved for the powerful or the well-connected—it belongs to those willing to step forward and serve.
From immigrant to Marine, to business owner, to becoming the first Black woman elected Lieutenant Governor in the United States, her journey reflects what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
WinsomePAC represents the next chapter of that journey.
The PAC was created to equip and empower individuals—especially those who may have never seen themselves in public service—with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead. Through education, mentorship, and strategic support, WinsomePAC helps future leaders understand the political process, build effective campaigns, and step forward to make a lasting impact.





Training Leaders. Building Campaigns. Strengthening Communities.
WinsomePAC is committed to equipping Virginians with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to step forward and lead.

Leadership Training
Preparing individuals to run for office and understand the responsibilities of public leadership.



Campaign Development
Teaching volunteers and organizers how to build and support winning campaigns.



Grassroots Engagement
Building a network of citizens committed to strengthening their communities.




Leadership Begins in the Community
Across Virginia, citizens are stepping forward to learn, organize, and serve.
WinsomePAC is helping prepare them to lead.






The Spirit Behind the Mission
“Tell Winsome she can’t do something, and she will prove you wrong.”
That same determination now drives the mission of WinsomePAC — empowering individuals who are ready to step forward and serve their communities.
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Leadership Behind WinsomePAC
WinsomePAC (WES PAC) is guided by leaders with experience in public service, grassroots engagement, coalition building, and community outreach. Together they are committed to preparing citizens across Virginia to step forward, serve their communities, and strengthen the future of civic leadership.

The Honorable Winsome Earle Sears
Founder
Founder of WinsomePAC and the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Rev. Joseph F. Ellison, Jr.
Executive Director
& Senior Advisor
Reverend Joseph Ellison, Jr. is a respected faith leader, community advocate, and seasoned political strategist with decades of experience in grassroots engagement, coalition building, and community outreach across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In his role with WinsomePAC (WESPAC), he provides strategic guidance on coalition development, outreach, and civic engagement efforts statewide. Known for his ability to connect faith communities, civic organizations, and political leadership, Reverend Ellison has played a key role in mobilizing voters and strengthening engagement across diverse communities throughout Virginia. He attended the former St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, where he studied Political Science before answering the call to ministry. He later attended Carolina Theological Bible Institute & Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies and a Master of Divinity. Throughout his ministry, Reverend Ellison has served as a Youth Pastor, Elder, Outreach Director, and Associate Pastor. In 1996, he and his wife, Kendra Atkinson Ellison, founded Essex Village Ministries, a church and outreach center that served more than 1,400 families and received local, state, and national recognition for its impact. In addition to his ministry leadership, Reverend Ellison has played key roles in political organizing and campaign strategy, including work with the campaigns of Governor George Allen, Governor Bob McDonnell, and Ed Gillespie. He later served as State Director for Black Engagement for the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV). As Executive Director and Senior Advisor of WinsomePAC (WESPAC), Reverend Ellison continues to lead efforts in coalition building, community outreach, and strategic engagement across Virginia.

Mr. Terry Sears
Co-Founder
Terry Sears is a seasoned leader, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and public servant whose life reflects a deep commitment to discipline, service, and community. As Co-Founder of WinsomePAC (WESPAC), he brings decades of leadership experience and supports the mission of Winsome Earle-Sears by advancing principled leadership and strengthening communities across Virginia. Born into a military family, Mr. Sears experienced a dynamic upbringing that included living across the United States and abroad, including North Dakota, Okinawa, Japan, and South Dakota. These early experiences instilled resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective that continue to shape his leadership. He spent his formative years in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he developed a strong foundation in academics, athletics, and civic engagement. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Saint Martin’s Academy with academic distinction. During his senior year, he was selected to participate in Boys State, reflecting an early commitment to leadership and public service. Mr. Sears earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with minors in Sociology and Women’s Studies, from the University of South Dakota. While in college, he completed the Platoon Leaders Class and earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He later served with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, as a Battalion Motor Transport Officer, demonstrating leadership, accountability, and operational excellence. Following his military service, he built a successful civilian career spanning several decades. He worked with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company before transitioning into the heavy equipment industry, serving with CFE Equipment and Virginia International Terminals. He later worked at the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal, contributing to the operation of critical infrastructure. After his initial retirement, Mr. Sears continued his service through roles in the automotive industry with Miller Honda in Winchester, Virginia, and CMA Auto Group. He officially retired in 2025 after a long and impactful career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Sears is a devoted husband to Winsome Earle-Sears, father, and grandfather. He is the proud father of three daughters—DeJon, Katia, and Janel—and grandfather to two granddaughters, Victoria and Faith, honoring their legacy with strength and grace. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, and snow sports, with a lifelong passion for athletics and scouting, where he came close to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Through WinsomePAC (WESPAC), Mr. Sears continues to support initiatives that reflect the values of hard work, faith, and service, bringing a lifetime of leadership and integrity to the organization.

Mrs. Chanda McGuffin-Tucker
Chief of Staff & Operations
Chanda McGuffin-Tucker serves as Chief of Staff & Operations of WinsomePAC (WESPAC), where she plays a key leadership role in supporting the organization’s strategic operations and political engagement across the Commonwealth of Virginia. She works closely with leadership to coordinate administrative functions, manage scheduling and logistics, support event planning and fundraising initiatives, and strengthen grassroots and coalition outreach efforts. During Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears’ 2025 gubernatorial campaign, Chanda served as Chair of the Black Virginians for Winsome Coalition, helping expand outreach and engagement among diverse communities throughout Virginia. Before transitioning into nonprofit and public service leadership, she spent 14 years in the banking industry, serving as Assistant Vice President across four financial institutions. In this role, she developed extensive experience in leadership, financial management, and organizational operations. Chanda is the co-founder of the RISE Foundation, a nonprofit focused on strengthening educational opportunities and youth development, and the founder of Chanda’s House Consulting Firm, which provides consulting services to nonprofits and community organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University, an MBA from Capella University, and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Capella University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership. Chanda is the proud mother of Shakil McGuffin and, alongside her husband William Tucker, remains committed to faith, family, and community service.
Together, WinsomePAC leadership is committed to civic engagement, public service, and strengthening communities across Virginia.
EverFORWARD: Answer the Call
Strong communities are built when citizens are willing to step forward and serve.
WinsomePAC is committed to preparing individuals across Virginia to lead, organize, and strengthen their communities through civic engagement and leadership training.
Whether you are interested in running for office, working on a campaign, or supporting leaders who share your values, WinsomePAC provides the tools and network to help make an impact.