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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[...]
2025 Living Legends: ASTON JR., G. ROBERT
Back in 1998, Aston and friends famously launched what would become Hampton Roads’ largest community bank from his garage. By April of the following year, TowneBank opened three offices with the support of 4,000 founding shareholders. Once the $203 million purchase of Old Point Financial is complete later this year, TowneBank expects to have 75 […]
2025 Living Legends: HOLTZMAN, WILLIAM B. ‘BILL’
Holtzman started his oil distribution business in 1972, purchasing Nelson Oil Co. According to the company’s history, Holtzman borrowed $37,000 from First Virginia Bank by using his Ford Thunderbird as collateral. He continued working at Turkey Knob Orchards, the Byrd family’s apple production business in Mount Jackson, while spending nights and weekends building the oil […]
2025 Living Legends: MORRIS, NIGEL
In 1994, Morris co-founded Capital One Financial with Richard Fairbank, who remains the credit card giant’s chairman and CEO. Morris served as Capital One’s president and chief operating officer until 2004, when he decided it was time for something new. In 2007, Morris partnered with Frank Rotman to launch QED Investors, a fintech venture capital […]
2025 Living Legends: HARDEE, CARL L.
In May, Hardee retired as president and CEO of Lawson Cos., the Virginia Beach residential real estate development, construction and management company that focuses on affordable, low-income and market-rate multifamily housing. He joined Lawson in 1991 as a regional property manager at subsidiary Lawson Realty, then became its president five years later. In 1999, Hardee […]
2025 Living Legends: THOMPSON, BRUCE L.
One of Hampton Roads’ most prominent developers and hoteliers, Norfolk native Thompson is best known for developing the Cavalier Resort, which includes the restored historic Cavalier Hotel as well as two new hotels, restaurants and residences on 21 acres at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a $435 million project. Thompson opened his first hotel in the […]
