Professional Services: ALISON ROGISH

In 2021, Rogish became the first woman to lead Deloitte’s Central Virginia market. She succeeded Dan Hudgens, who transitioned to serve clients on the West Coast. The Big Four accounting firm’s Central Virginia practice, which includes Richmond and Hampton Roads, has about 300 employees providing audit and assurance tax, consulting and risk and financial advisory services. Rogish, who joined the company in 1998, is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. She holds degrees from Cornell and Columbia universities.

BEST ADVICE FOR OTHERS: To paraphrase the fabulous Carol Burnett, “Only you can change your life. No one can do it for you.”

PERSON I ADMIRE: My grandmother, who was an entrepreneur and the matriarch of our family. I have a great appreciation for her ability to gracefully balance both professional and personal commitments during an era when women often had to choose one over another.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Over the years I’ve learned that prioritizing relationships and creating genuine, authentic connections with others is paramount. Everything else will get figured out if we remember that we are all human beings and treat each other as such.