AUTUMN R. VISSER

It’s relatively uncommon for an in-house corporate counsel to move to private practice, but Autumn Visser made this transition and has steadily ascended to leadership at Roanoke law firm Woods Rogers, which merged with Vandeventer Black last year. She joined Woods Rogers in 2014 as an associate attorney and is now a principal, focusing on corporate and business transactions as well as venture capital. She previously worked as corporate counsel at Zodiac Marine & Pool North America Inc.

At Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black, Visser leads the firm’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Support Program, which offers pro bono services to Virginia-based companies owned by women and minorities. Overall, she describes her leadership style as “decisive.”

“Making decisions that impact an entire organization — and, maybe most importantly, my business partners — can be daunting,” she says. “I do not shy away from asking questions, analyzing information and making a decision.”

Not only does Visser offer formal mentoring to associates, but her help extends to other departments at the firm. She also says she learns from her colleagues in these mentoring experiences. “Taking opportunities to learn new skills can open doors you didn’t expect. You never know where the next opportunity to lead will come from.”

Outside of work, Visser serves on the boards for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and the nonprofit senior citizen organization VirginiaNavigator. As a member of the Virginia Bar Association, she serves on a committee focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Read more about the 2023 class of Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award winners.