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LINDA RABBITT | Founder and executive chairman, Rand Construction
Today Rand Construction reports an annual revenue of more than $600 million and has regional offices across Texas, Atlanta, Denver and Salt Lake City, in addition to its Alexandria headquarters. But back in 1989, when Linda Rabbitt founded the company, Rand didn’t seem destined to be a success. She was one of few female executives in […]
ANGELA REDDIX | Founder, president and CEO, ARDX
Angela Reddix has so many titles you couldn’t possibly squeeze them onto a business card. In 2006, Reddix, who has a doctorate in business administration, launched ARDX, a Norfolk health care management and IT consulting firm. With clients that include government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits, the business specializes in health and policy regulation, big […]
REBECCA RIORDAN | Chief people and culture officer, Chartway Federal Credit Union
After joining Chartway in 2020, Rebecca Riordan championed an effort to refresh the federal credit union’s competency model. “We have eight competencies — grounded in agility, accountability, inclusion and innovation — that serve as a blueprint for how we lead and grow,” Riordan explains. “From hiring and coaching to performance development, they help our team […]
KELLY SCHLAGETER | Chief people officer, Acentra Health
Kelly Schlageter joined CNSI, a McLean-based health care tech company, as chief marketing and communications officer in 2019, and helped steer its merger with Kepro in 2022 that created Acentra Health. Throughout the integration process, Schlageter helped unify employees. Now, in her role as chief people officer, Schlageter oversees human resources and communications. She’s also […]
MONICA SCHMUDE | Virginia president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Monica Schmude grew up in a small town in the Midwest. Her mom ran a small business, while her dad juggled farming and a factory job, where he was known for a decades-long record of not taking a sick day. “The values in our home were simple but enduring: Work hard, stay grounded and show […]
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 […]
