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100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Hosts
These are the Virginians who feed and delight us, nourishing body, mind and soul through arts and entertainment, food and beverage, hospitality, media and sports. Victoria Cimino CEO, Visit Williamsburg Williamsburg Victoria Cimino came to Williamsburg in 2019 from New Hampshire, where she also directed a tourism development office. Visit Williamsburg, also known as the […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Impact Makers
Whether shining a light on the opioids crisis, fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion, or helping startups get a leg up, it’s all in a day’s work for these impactful Virginians. Malika Carter-Hoyt Vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, James Madison University Harrisonburg Malika Carter-Hoyt became JMU’s first vice […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Innovators
Representing industries ranging from geospatial law, lunar space modules and the metaverse to agriculture, fashion and ice cream sandwiches, these creative, visionary trendsetters and entrepreneurs keep the Old Dominion new and relevant. Lex Avellino Owner, founder, chief management officer, Passage Virtual LLC Winchester In 2017, Lex Avellino started a design studio specializing in 3-D […][...]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Educators
In a state nationally recognized for its colleges and universities, these are the educators and leaders who continue to grow Virginia’s reputation for academic excellence. Marianne Baernholdt Dean, School of Nursing, University of Virginia Charlottesville In August, Marianne Baernholdt returned to U.Va. after a stint at the University of North Carolina’s nursing school, where she […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Builders
From architecture and engineering to construction and development, these are the professionals who are leaving legacies in steel, brick and glass. Mark Goodwin President and CEO, Apex Clean Energy Inc. Charlottesville Mark Goodwin feels confident Apex Clean Energy will build the state’s first operating onshore wind farm in Botetourt County. First proposed in 2015, […]
100 people to meet in 2023
It’s time to set your social calendar for 2023, and here are some Virginians you’ll want to introduce yourself to — Virginia Business’ fourth annual list of 100 people to meet in the new year. Hailing from all parts of the state and representing a variety of industries and nonprofits, this year’s cohort includes Nightingale […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Go-Getters
High achievers all, these Virginians are striving in their fields and communities, moving the needle for growth and progress. Allison “Ally” Bowersock Co-owner, RunAbout Sports Roanoke Ally Bowersock discovered as a child that physical activity was a good outlet for stress and for confidence-building, and she celebrated her 40th birthday in October by running […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Public Faces
From speaking for a massive federal contractor to being the voice of local news, these are the public-facing people who represent large endeavors. Lynette Allston Chief and chair emeritus, Tribal Council of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia; president, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees Drewryville Lynette Allston first visited the Virginia Museum […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Rainmakers
Through their efforts, these are the professionals who attract and grow businesses and funding, making the commonwealth wealthier. Laura Hayes Chalk Deputy director of economic development, Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development Virginia Beach In her previous role coordinating international business development for Virginia Beach, Laura Hayes Chalk launched the city’s international business incubator, enticing […][...]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: New Folks
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, others familiar — who have recently taken on significant new roles. Kelsey Backe Foundation director, Norfolk Tourism Foundation Norfolk A fourth-generation Hampton Roads native, Kelsey Backe […]
100 PEOPLE TO MEET IN 2023: Angels
Saving lives, feeding the hungry and helping those most in need of aid, these Virginians make the commonwealth a better place through their passion, devotion and sacrifice. Donna Fortier CEO and founder, Mobile Hope Leesburg Donna Fortier was working at Inova Loudoun Hospital in 2011 as director of community affairs when she learned there […]
100 People to Meet in 2022
Even as the seemingly never-ending COVID-19 pandemic continues to accelerate hybrid and virtual work, one thing doesn’t change — your need to build social capital. Whether you’re Zooming or returning to in-person events, this third annual list of Virginians to meet in 2022 will introduce you to a variety of innovative, imp[...]
