About Bill: A Lifetime of Service

Delegate Bill Janis has spent his life in the arena of public service. As the grandson of immigrants, Bill was the first member of his family to graduate from college, attending the Virginia Military Institute on a Navy ROTC scholarship.

In May 1984, Bill entered the United States Navy as a Commissioned Officer. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Bill served at sea in submarines and destroyers.

After 11 years of service, Bill left the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and entered the University of Virginia Law School. While studying, he worked in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s offices of both Albemarle and Henrico Counties. Bill was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia in January 2000.

In March 2000, when Eric Cantor became a candidate for the United States House of Representatives, Bill was drafted on short notice to serve as Eric’s Political Director, playing an integral role in that closely contested victory.

In November 2001, Bill Janis was elected to the House of Delegates to represent the 56th District in the seat once held by Patrick Henry. Comprising the counties of Louisa, Goochland, and the northwestern corner of Henrico, the 56th District spans Central Virginia from the dynamic suburban neighborhoods of Wyndham, Wellesley, and Twin Hickory, through the rapidly growing areas of West Creek Parkway and Short Pump, to the rural farms and fields of Goochland and Louisa Counties.

Delegate Bill Janis serves on the House Courts of Justice, Commerce & Labor, Privileges & Elections and Militia, Police & Public Safety Committees. He serves as the Chairman of the House Sub-Committees on Homeland Security, Judiciary and Constitutional Amendments.

Bill is active in veteran’s organizations such as VFW Post 6364 and American Legion Post 215, and is a member of the Virginia War Memorial Board of Trustees. An Eagle Scout, Bill serves as Scoutmaster of Troop 720 and on the Executive Committee of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America.

He has been recognized for his outstanding legislative service with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2008 Outstanding Service Award, the Virginia Association of Health Plans’ 2008 Distinguished Public Service Award, KOVAR of the Knights of Columbus’ 2008 Service Award, the Century Council’s 2008 Award for Outstanding Commitment to Fight Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking, the Virginia Horse Council’s 2006 Legislator of the Year, the Virginia Optometric Association’s 2006 Meritorious Award, the Virginia Council for Private Education’s 2005 Child Advocate Award, the National Federation of Independent Business’ 2005 Defender of Small Business Award, and  MADD Virginia’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in the General Assembly to Reduce Drunk Driving.

Bill has been married to the former Rose Ann Hunter for 22 years and they have two children, Rachel and Robert. Bill is a parishioner and Lector at Saint Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church.