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2024 Virginia Business Person of the Year: Robert M. Blue
Bob Blue has a “no jerks policy,” which he attributes to his upbringing in Albemarle County. “We don’t always agree. In fact, we shouldn’t agree,” he clarifies. “It doesn’t mean that we all just hold hands and sing ‘Kumbaya,’ but what it does mean is that we should treat each other respectfully.” As Dominio[...]
100 People to Meet in 2025
In our sixth annual list of 100 Virginians you’ll want to meet in the new year, you’ll encounter interesting people of many ages and occupations — from a doctor in his 80s who built the Chesapeake Care Clinic to a 10-year-old CEO who started his own popcorn business and whose parents are his employees. In […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Builders
These Virginians are building the future in bricks and mortar with major development projects in communities across the commonwealth. Barbara Benesh Founder, B. Grace Design, Norfolk Barbara Benesh has her eye on the prize for 2025: an expansion of her firm, B. Grace Design, to London. An architect, certified interior designer and watercolorist, Benesh will […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Public Faces
From the state’s top librarian to the head of sales for Hubs peanuts, these people are highly visible representatives of their communities and industries. Jessica Bell Brown Executive director, Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Richmond The former curator and head of contemporary art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Jessica Bell Brown was named […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Go-Getters
A 10-year-old popcorn CEO, an Olympic swimmer and a defense contractor’s U.S. chief executive all have one thing in common: They don’t take no for an answer. Heather K. Armentrout U.S. president and general manager, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Alexandria After serving as an intelligence fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and spending more […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Innovators
These scientists, founders and creators are leading the way in tomorrow’s industries, from national security to cannabis. Wes Anderson Vice president of defense, Microsoft Federal, Reston As leader of Microsoft’s federal defense team, Wes Anderson oversees the company’s efforts to bring cloud and artificial intelligence innovations to the U.S. Department of Defense at a time […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Rainmakers
These are the professionals who attract and grow businesses and tourism, making the commonwealth wealthier. Tyler Caveness Founder and principal, Caveness Investment Advisory, Roanoke Roanoke native Tyler Caveness left the Star City to play football at Harvard, where he helped the Crimson win two Ivy League championships and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. After […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: New Folks
They’re 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. Mary Kate Andris President and CEO, CIVIC Leadership Institute, Norfolk Mary Kate Andris has defined her career through […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Impact Makers
Whether helping entrepreneurs get access to capital or creating resources for families affected by dementia, these impactful Virginians are changing the commonwealth for the better. Akosua Acheamponmaa Director, Norfolk State University Innovation Center, Norfolk Since Akosua Acheamponmaa launched the Norfolk State University Innovation Center in 2019, she estimates the center has helped about 3,000 entrepreneurs who’ve […][...]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Hosts
Nourishing and delighting us, these Virginians welcome us to their communities through food, hospitality and entertainment. Patrick Cavanagh Owner and CEO, Norfolk Admirals, Norfolk Patrick Cavanagh’s first experience with Norfolk’s minor league hockey team, the Admirals, was as a player in 1989, the team’s inaugural season. Two years later, the Admirals won their first East […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Educators
As leaders in our pre-K through higher education workforce, these educators, curriculum creators and administrators are passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Virginians. Louise Fincher Interim president, Emory & Henry University, Emory On Aug. 1, Emory & Henry College officially became Emory & Henry University, and Louise Fincher assumed the role of […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Storytellers
Dating back to Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner, Virginia has hosted its fair share of writers and creative types, a rich tradition that these Virginians carry into the present. I.S. Berry Author, “The Peacock and The Sparrow,” Fairfax Station I.S. Berry flirted with writing even before earning her law degree at the University of […]
