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They might be new to their positions, but they bring decades of experience and new vantage points to the table. Here’s a sampling of Virginians — some fresh faces, some familiar — who are taking on significant new roles.
Jody Alexander
President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Richmond
Richmond
Jody Alexander was only 5 when she began swimming lessons at a YMCA in Ohio, but that first dip in the pool sparked a 34-year career. In June, Alexander took the reins at the YMCA of Greater Richmond, where she oversees 17 branches serving more than 200,000 residents.
The Y was central in Alexander’s childhood, so her first job as a swim coach while a student at the University of Toledo was a natural fit. “It’s been full circle, from taking swim lessons to becoming CEO,” she says. The largest provider of child care in Virginia, the YMCA is also a major employer for first-time job seekers ages 16 to 22. “Even if our employees don’t make a career of the YMCA, we can launch them on a great trajectory.”
Jeremy Bridges
President, Hampton Roads Shipping Association
Norfolk
Jeremy Bridges started at the HRSA in May, succeeding Roger Giesinger, who led the Norfolk-based trade association for 28 years. The Chesapeake native returned to Hampton Roads after spending years in Southern California working for shipping giant CMA-CGM America as vice president of labor relations and also as an area managing director of the Pacific Maritime Association.
A James Madison University alum with a degree in finance, the former linebacker and tight end on the school’s football team maintains a strong interest in rooting for the Dukes and enjoys home gardening.
Dr. John Jane Jr.
Neurosurgery chair, Carilion Clinic
Roanoke
In June, Dr. John Jane left his hometown of Charlottesville — where he spent all but six years of his life — and moved west, becoming Carilion Clinic’s first head of neurosurgery and chair of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s new neurosurgery department, which is pending state approval. In these positions, he’ll be working closely with researchers at Virginia Tech and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Although Tech already had a small neurosurgery program, the new department will provide training for more new neurosurgeons, who are in high demand, Jane notes. “We are actively training residents and hoping to grow the program and train more neurosurgeons, and those are among our aspirational goals,” he says. “It is a gem of a department, and I am one of the blessed people on this planet.”
Tyrone Noel
Hampton Roads market president, Bank of America; greater Virginia market executive, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Williamsburg
As Virginia market executive for Merrill Lynch, Noel’s territory covers Charlottesville to Virginia Beach. In September, he was named the Hampton Roads market president of Bank of America, where he leads 500 employees across eight business lines, while continuing with Merrill Lynch. His strategy for both positions remains the same: delivering for the community and making Hampton Roads a great place for employees through recognition, mentoring and promotions.
Noel is passionate about helping people realize their abilities: “We do noble work. We really do help clients change their lives, whether it’s as simple as saving for their first car or something more profound like selling their business.”