As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: “Act” means the Government Employees Deferred Compensation Plan Act. “Board” means the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. “Deferred compensation plan” means a plan established pursuant to the provisions of § 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that may provide for elective and non-elective deferrals of compensation by or on behalf of employees and may include a qualified Roth contribution program as described in § 402A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. “Employee” means, in the case of the plan described in § 51.1-602, all persons employed by a participating employer, including appointed or elected officials. In the case of a plan adopted by a county, municipality, authority or other political subdivision pursuant to § 51.1-603, an employee shall be defined by such county, municipality, authority or other political subdivision, subject to the approval of the Board. “Participating employer” means the Commonwealth or any political subdivision that has elected pursuant to § 51.1-603.1 to participate in the deferred compensation plan established by the Board pursuant to this chapter.