
100 People to Meet in 2026: Innovators
These scientists, founders and executives are leading the way in tomorrow’s industries, from small modular reactors to indoor farming.
Our annual list of Virginians you should get to know in the new year
Virginia Business //November 30, 2025//
Richmond Lowe's store mascot Francine made national news in 2025. Photo by Kate Andrews | Virginia Business
Richmond Lowe's store mascot Francine made national news in 2025. Photo by Kate Andrews | Virginia Business
Our annual list of Virginians you should get to know in the new year
Virginia Business //November 30, 2025//
Virginia is full of fascinating people, and for the seventh year, Virginia Business has chosen 100 of them to highlight — challenging and encouraging our readers to get to know this cohort of scientists, real estate developers, attorneys, government contractors, physicians, writers, restaurateurs and others.
Some are brand new to the commonwealth or their jobs, while others have made big discoveries or major professional moves in the past year. And most have significant plans for 2026, whether it’s Penny Parayo, general manager of Petersburg’s Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, which is set to open a temporary venue in January, or .400 pinch hitter Aiden Harris, starting his second season with the University of Virginia’s baseball team in February. And for the first time, we’ve included a furry, four-legged 101st “person” to meet — the famous Richmond Lowe’s cat, Francine.
You’ll definitely find a few folks here to introduce yourself to in 2026, and you can always break the ice by saying, “I read about you in Virginia Business!”
And to start off the new year on a fun note, here’s one famous Virginian you can easily check off your networking list:
AMBASSADOR CAT, LOWE’S
RICHMOND
In late September, word started to spread that Francine, a calico cat who had lived at Richmond’s Fan District Lowe’s store for eight years, had not been seen lately. The unofficial store mascot’s whereabouts were suddenly the object of speculation.
Maybe she was sick or found a new home?
Ultimately, the truth emerged via security video: Francine had wandered onto a truck in mid-September and had been delivered by accident to a Lowe’s distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina. Lowe’s staffers and Francine fans embarked on a mission to bring her home, establishing Instagram account “Where’s Francine?” to track her rescuers’ progress.
With thermal drones and humane traps set, Francine appeared on a store camera in the distribution center. In early October, Team Francine caught their quarry, and the cat came home, an event celebrated by national media outlets and on Lowe’s corporate website. Today, Francine can be found napping on her regular perch near the garden section — and she now wears an Apple AirTag to prevent a repeat journey.

These scientists, founders and executives are leading the way in tomorrow’s industries, from small modular reactors to indoor farming.

Whether expanding broadband access or leading celebrations of Virginia’s role in the United States’ birth, these impactful Virginians are changing the commonwealth for the better.

These are the professionals who attract and grow businesses and industries, making the commonwealth wealthier.

Nourishing and delighting us, these Virginians welcome us to their communities through food, hospitality and entertainment.

From Arthur Ashe and Tiki Barber to Edgar Allan Poe and Missy Elliott, Virginia has cultivated athletics and the arts, a rich tradition that these leaders continue to promote.

As leaders in higher education, these educators and administrators are passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Virginians.

Federal funding is the fuel that primes Virginia’s economic engine, and these government contracting executives are the drivers directing major projects for civilian, defense and intelligence agencies.

From public relations execs and lobbyists to company CEOs, these executives publicly represent their clients, industries and communities.

These real estate and development executives are building the future through bricks and mortar in communities across the commonwealth.

While these legal leaders bring a deep bench of experience, they also are helping shape the future of practicing law in Virginia.

From healing the sick to feeding the hungry and helping people with disabilities express themselves, these Virginians put others’ needs ahead of their own, making the commonwealth a better place.
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