As a strong advocate for Southwest Virginia, Israel is determined to ensure the 5th District receives adequate attention and representation in Richmond. He believes the Commonwealth of Virginia must live within its budgetary means. He also believes the quality of life in Southwest Virginia is second to none and that our region has much to offer prospective companies.

Israel O’Quinn has worked for K-VA-T Food Stores, the parent company of Food City’s retail supermarket chain, since 2006. He currently works closely with a number of community organizations in the K-VA-T coverage area and directs the company’s charitable giving. He also chairs the company’s Conservation and Sustainability Committee, which has put a number of energy conservation measures in place.

Prior to joining the K-VA-T team, Israel served in various roles in government and politics. He spent two years in the office of Attorney General Jerry Kilgore and also worked on a number of political campaigns, including those for Governor, Attorney General, US Senate, House of Delegates and various local offices. Additionally, he served as the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Virginia’s Victory campaign.

Israel is formerly a Commissioner on the Virginia Tobacco Commission and is also on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Public Safety Foundation, the organization picked by the Governor to build the public safety memorial on Capitol grounds. He is also on the Coal and Energy Commission and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Board of Trustees. Israel is Chairman of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, which has Five Star accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.

His legislative committee assignments include House Finance, Privileges and Elections and Militia, Police and Public Safety.

A graduate of Emory & Henry College, Israel played on the varsity baseball team and graduated with a degree in Political Science and History. He is also a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, Virginia.

Israel is a recipient of the The Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 award, and Emory & Henry College’s Young Alum of the Year award.

Israel and his wife, Emily Gentry O’Quinn, reside in Bristol, Virginia. Emily is past President of the Bristol Library Board, a Board Member of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation and is a member of the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red. She is employed at Alpha Natural Resources.