Sign In
Free Newsletter
CYNTHIA W. SPANOULIS | President and CEO, Virginia Aquarium
In 2018, Cynthia Spanoulis became head of Virginia Beach’s aquarium and marine science center, as well as its foundation, which partners with the city in funding the attraction that drew more than 625,000 visitors in fiscal 2024. It’s an important job. The aquarium delivers more than $265 million in economic benefits annually, and employees care […]
ABBY TAMMEN | CEO, Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors
In her work as head of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors, Abby Tammen believes in leading with a mindset of curiosity and collaboration. “I listen to understand, not just to respond,” she says. “And I encourage everyone at the table to contribute their perspectives. I share relevant insights when helpful, but I also acknowledge […]
CATHY UNDERWOOD | Corporate business development officer, Branch Group
This year, Cathy Underwood celebrates her 25th anniversary with Branch Group, an employee-owned construction firm headquartered in Roanoke. The first woman to interview with Branch’s estimating department, Underwood joined the company in 2000 as an estimator. In 2007, Branch tapped Underwood to guide the company with an effort to offer clients an alternative project delivery […]
CHARITY VOLMAN-WINN | President, TowneBank Norfolk
Charity Volman-Winn joined Suffolk-based TowneBank in 2019 as president of corporate banking, with nearly three decades of financial services experience. The following year, Volman-Winn became president of TowneBank Norfolk. In the role, Volman-Winn oversees the region’s staffing, financial results and overall member satisfaction. An aspect of her job that she especially enjoys is coaching a[...]
JENNIFER WOLD | Virginia market managing partner, Forvis Mazars
With more than three decades of audit and accounting experience, Jennifer Wold has an “unwavering commitment to advancing the accounting profession — particularly for women,” according to her nominator. Throughout her career, Wold has intentionally sought out firms focused on the recruitment, retention and advancement of women. She has helped to create and operate programs […]
Virginia Women in Leadership Awards 2025
In its fifth year, the Virginia Women in Leadership Awards celebrates 45 superstar executives. These leaders are all accomplished professionals with impressive career track records of industry success. Many have broken glass ceilings and continue forging pathways as mentors to younger women rising through the workforce. Hailing from public and private sector workplaces throughout Virginia, [&helli[...]
Women execs have tougher climb to top rung
We’ve written about glass ceilings and glass cliffs, but to quote the Beatles, let’s look through the glass onion. What’s the glass onion? Well, it’s a metaphor I’m using to describe the multilayered challenges facing women who aspire to be CEOs. The good news is, there are more female CEOs than in years before, including […]
Virginia Business wins two international journalism awards
Virginia Business won two journalism awards for breaking news coverage and explanatory journalism in the 2025 Alliance of Area Business Publishers awards.
In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses
Meet 28 successful women-owned Virginia businesses, from tech startups to manufacturers, honored for leadership, resilience, and innovation.
Forty under 40: Celebrating the rising stars shaping Virginia’s future
Meet 40 young leaders transforming Virginia's business landscape. Honorees excel in fields like banking, health care, real estate and government.
Out and About Best Places To Work 2025
Virginia’s top workplaces shined at a disco-themed awards night celebrating the 15th annual Best Places to Work in Virginia
Virginia Business sales manager named sales professional of year
Virginia Business won 12 awards in the Virginia Press Association‘s 2024 News & Advertising Contest, and Sales Manager Toni McCracken was named Outstanding Sales Professional of the Year, the state organization announced during an awards banquet held Saturday at the Omni Richmond Hotel. “Toni’s career in Virginia media sales is remarkable. She is a mentor, a […]
