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2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Denise Chadwick Wright

Chadwick Wright has served in long-term care facilities for nearly three decades and joined Birmingham Green in 2017 as its CEO. She was recognized as one of trade publication McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction for improving wellness for residents and implementing telehealth during the pandemic. Chadwick Wright previously held administrative posts at senior living residences in the Washington, D.C., area.

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: My most meaningful role was leading a startup in an unwelcoming rural community, shifting its mindset to holistic care for elderly residents. Guided by stewardship, inclusiveness and passion, I enhanced wellness, health and social connection.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I’m the first in my family to pursue senior care administration, inspired by my parents, who instilled the value of care and service. As public servants during the day for city and federal governments, they served elderly neighbors after work by advocating, visiting, delivering meals and mowing lawns.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Leading the operational and financial turnaround of an underperforming nursing center in Washington, D.C., and earning the ACHCA Facility Leadership Award.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: What I’ve learned in life and apply to work is that everything happens in its time — both the positive and the negative. Embracing this perspective with an open mindset allows us to choose how we respond. By letting go of ego, we can see challenges as opportunities for growth, learning and transformation.

HOBBIES: I have a passion for exploring parks and national parks, finding joy in scenic trails, landmarks and hidden gems. It’s a way to recharge, reflect and connect with nature.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Xavier Beale

Beale was promoted to his current position, overseeing the state’s largest industrial employer’s HR and trades department, in 2022. He is a second-generation shipbuilder and joined HII as a pipefitter in 1991, before working in other industries. In 2004, he returned to the shipyard and is vice chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I am a proud second-generation shipbuilder. My father retired from NNS in October after serving NNS and our nation for 47 years as a welder. Growing up, I vividly recall my father heading to the shipyard. While I couldn’t really understand why he enjoyed what he did so much, I get it now. It’s the romance of shipbuilding!

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: Today, technology is advancing at an unparalleled rate and impacts all aspects of our daily lives, both personally and at work. However, people are and always will be a differentiator. That’s why I’m drawn to the “people” side of business.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’ve had many proud moments, but one that brings joy to my heart is work we did with young adults who were aging out of foster care. Connecting those young people who have endured many obstacles in their young lives to a pathway of independence through meaningful employment was impactful.

BOOK I RECENTLY ENJOYED: I am a fan of Adam Grant and read his book “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things” in 2024. While there were many key takeaways, what resonated for me the most was his idea to embrace discomfort and start before you feel you’re ready to start.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Lee Mariano

With more than 20 years in human resources, Mariano now heads the HR department at one of the largest regional public accounting firms, a job she has held since 2023. Before that, she started her own executive coaching firm and held executive HR positions at multiple companies, including AgEagle Arial Systems and LookingGlass Cyber Solutions.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I’m proud to say I’m forging my own path. I was the first in my family to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Later, I transitioned into human resources, a field where I could apply my leadership and people skills in a new way. Both paths were uncharted territory for my family.

HOW I GIVE BACK: Actively participating in national and local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapters, where I contribute to mentoring initiatives. I’m passionate about helping aspiring HR professionals and new leaders grow in their careers.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE MY MENTOR GAVE ME: Though I never met her, Maya Angelou is always on point. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Her words remind me to stay resilient, stand tall and push through challenges with grace and determination.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Passing the SHRM-SCP exam on my first attempt. It was a challenging process that required immense dedication and preparation, but the moment I saw my results, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: I’ve been to the Caribbean many times, and it is amazing. Cruising was a favorite of mine and allowed me to see different places without staying too long. Switzerland is also a favorite.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Regina Johnson Elbert

Elbert was named to her current post in January 2024, having held human resources and legal leadership roles at Dominion since 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia and law degree from Harvard and was an associate at McGuireWoods previously. Elbert serves on boards for the Center for Energy Workforce Development and the Richmond YWCA.

FIRST JOB: Crew member, Little Caesars Pizza

MY MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: The job I have today, because I get to spend 100% of my time and effort figuring out how to best support a phenomenal team of dedicated, highly skilled professionals doing work that is absolutely critical to our society and to our collective futures.

HOW I GIVE BACK: One of my favorite ways to give back is to support the Richmond YWCA. I’ve volunteered with them for years, and the work they do to support women and children in our community never ceases to inspire. The YWCA meets people where they are and provides resources that are truly transformative — from child care to housing to counseling.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Leading HR during the COVID-19 pandemic, which repeatedly challenged us to find novel solutions that both protected our essential workers and kept the lights on for customers. I was extremely proud of both the role that my HR team played in supporting our people through that unprecedented situation and of the professionalism and dedication of our entire workforce.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: To be both successful and happy, you must first be true to yourself. Learn from other people you admire, but don’t seek to emulate a style that doesn’t fit your own.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Jeff Bourne

Although Bourne has been with Roanoke’s Branch Group since 2018, he’s well known in Richmond as a former state delegate and, previously, deputy attorney general for the state’s transportation, real estate and construction litigation division. Bourne also served on the Richmond School Board before winning a seat in 2016 to the House of Delegates.

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Being on a talented team of dedicated people who day-in and day-out build communities and make them better. Whether our heavy civil division is building a new road or enhancing an existing one, or our vertical building division is creating world-class educational space for young people, the work we do truly builds better communities.

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: Being an attorney/lawyer is one of the fields that allows you to help people and organizations solve difficult problems. Both my prior elected experience and being chief legal officer allowed me to help solve complex challenges in meaningful ways.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being elected to the Richmond City School Board and the Virginia House of Delegates and serving as deputy attorney general. Each of those roles allowed me to marry passions of politics, public policy and the law. Each day in my current role, I use lessons learned from those experiences to better serve my company.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: No matter where you start, you can end up where you want to be.

PODCAST I’D RECOMMEND: I love the “Pivot” podcast because it uses sports to talk about life.

HOBBIES: I love to bass fish.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Ernisha M. Hall

Hall co-founded the Virginia Black Business Directory in 2020, which became the Virginia Black Chamber Foundation. Today, the chamber has more than 1,000 members and has held a govcon conference and the Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference. Hall has degrees in business, social work and forensic psychology and serves on the governor’s Virginia African American Advisory Board.

FIRST JOB: A church-owned thrift shop in Jamaica, Queens, New York, a community hub, a place that offered second-hand clothing and a place of purpose.

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Working as a family preservation specialist in New York City was my most fulfilling role. I helped minority single mothers keep their families united through guidance in cooking, cleaning, homework and alternative discipline.

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: A passion for creating meaningful change in the Black community. I aim to address systemic inequalities by bridging the economic and social wealth gap. This work allows me to empower individuals, promote equity and inspire long-term progress. Making a tangible impact on lives fuels my dedication to fostering a brighter, more united future for disadvantaged communities.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE MY MENTOR GAVE ME: My mentor, Shirley Crawford, advised me to “treat your organization like a business, not a baby.” This shifted my perspective, helping me lead with strategy and focus on sustainability. It taught me to make tough, objective decisions for long-term success, fostering resilience and building a solid foundation for growth.

BOOK I’D RECOMMEND: If you’re ready to rethink money and success, read “We Should All Be Millionaires,” by Rachel Rodgers. It blends practical advice with mindset shifts to empower readers, especially women and people of color, to build wealth unapologetically.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Elwood Boone III

Known as Bernie, Boone moved back to Virginia from Texas, where he was CEO of San Antonio’s HCA Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, in 2012. In addition to opening a new ICU at his hospital, he helped open the VB Strong Center in 2019 following the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shootings. Boone is a Richmond native.

FIRST JOB: Summer camp counselor at the North Richmond YMCA

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Serving as a hospital administrator has given me an opportunity to collaborate with other health care professionals to improve health care delivery, outcomes and the health of the community. I am proud to have been part of the development of the VB Strong Center, which provided support to individuals impacted by the 2019 shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I am a fourth-generation health care provider. My father is a retired physician, and my maternal grandfather and great grandfather were dentists, as is my sister. My wife, a public health physician, also comes from a family of health care providers.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: As an alumnus of an HBCU, I am proud of my service as a former member of the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors. Education is my second passion, instilled in me by my paternal grandparents’ lifelong service as educators.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: Martha’s Vineyard, because of its natural beauty, summer traditions and sense of community. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and you can appreciate the simple pleasures of being present in the moment.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Perry J. Miller

Miller joined the Richmond International Airport in 2019, having previously served as interim CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in Mississippi and in management positions for the Houston airport system. In 2023-24, he was chair of the American Association of Airport Executives, the world’s largest such professional organization.

FIRST JOB: Ron’s Krispy Fried Chicken

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Summer clerk with NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. As a clerk, I supported the development of a budget for the space shuttle program. I learned the importance of communication and urgency, and that every job was important and contributed to the achievement of the mission.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I am the first member of my family to pursue a career in aviation. However, I attribute my exposure to the industry to my Uncle Jardene, who introduced me to remote-controlled aircraft at a very young age, and my Uncle Leroy, who introduced me to the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds that performed during the airshows we attended.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE MY MENTOR GAVE ME: Continue to invest in yourself. Your competitors are as fierce and determined as you are to excel.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: To be voted as chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). I started the first student chapter of AAAE at Texas Southern University and was its first president. Decades later, I served as chair of this prestigious organization with over 10,000 members representing nearly 875 airports and authorities.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: I love exploring archeological sites with biblical significance. Therefore, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Israel are at the top of my list.

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Carlos M. Brown

Brown assumed his current posts in January 2024 but joined the Fortune 500 utility as a senior counsel in 2007. Previously he was a managing partner at Brown Martin and practiced law at McGuireWoods. With two degrees from the University of Virginia, Brown currently serves as U.Va.’s vice rector and chairs the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s board.

FIRST JOB: Sales associate in the hardware department at Sears

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: I wanted to be an attorney because attorneys have broad influence in society. Attorneys touch all aspects of our society, whether it be in the courts, government, business or finance.

HOW I GIVE BACK: I try to give back by both being available to serve and accessible to mentor. One of my greatest joys was coaching football and my kids’ Destination Imagination teams.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE MY MENTOR GAVE ME: Mr. Roy, the trustee of the Charles B. Cross Citizenship Award for the City of Chesapeake, told me as he was giving me the college scholarship award, “Over the course of your life, people will say a lot of great and nice things about you. All of it will probably be true. However, no matter what you do, don’t let yourself believe it.”

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Leading the legal team that assisted Dominion Energy in executing a successful business review, where we divested over $21 billion in assets in five separate transactions in less than
12 months.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: Ghana

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Mark Johnson

Johnson’s perhaps best known as a community leader in Hampton Roads. In 2011, he started work with SunTrust, after 17 years with the United Way, and in 2019, SunTrust and BB&T merged, creating Truist. In 2023, he was promoted to his current post, helping fund nonprofit community organizations. In 2022, he was honored at the UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball in Hampton for his service to the community.

MY MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: I have dedicated the majority of my career to community development, beginning with my service to United Way. This experience allowed me to cultivate leadership skills and build strategic partnerships, ultimately leading to my current role.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: It has been a true honor to follow in my father’s footsteps, as he dedicated most of his career to serving as a community development banker, inspiring me to carry forward his legacy of impact and service.

HOW I GIVE BACK: As an executive leader, I see my role as an opportunity to educate, empower and equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools to shape the future. This commitment extends to serving on local nonprofit boards and supporting small businesses.

MOST MEANINGFUL AWARD: I have been incredibly honored to receive numerous awards throughout my career, but one that stands out is the Wall of Distinction award. This prestigious recognition from my high school celebrates alumni for their outstanding accomplishments in athletics, academics and professional success. Being included among such remarkable individuals is very humbling.