100 People to Meet in 2024: Rainmakers
These are the professionals who attract and grow businesses and funding, making the commonwealth wealthier. Deseria Creighton-Barney Fundraising campaign tri-chair, Virginia Tech Chesterfield County A 1986 communications graduate of Virginia Tech, Deseria Creighton-Barney aims to push 100,000 of her fellow Hokie alums into actio[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Innovators
These scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs are leading the way in tomorrow’s industries, from artificial intelligence and drone technologies to biotech research. Michael Beiro Founder and CEO, Linebird Ashland Michael Beiro’s bio on X (formerly Twitter) is to the point: “I make robots that can touch power lines for a li[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Educators
As leaders in our K-12 and higher education workforce, these teachers, professors, deans and university administrators are passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Virginians. William Kelly President, Christopher Newport University Newport News William Kelly has built his career on public service and leadership, incl[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Go-Getters
Including startup founders, motivated executives and an Olympic cycling team’s leader, these folks don’t take no for an answer. Eric Astor Founder and CEO, Furnace Record Pressing Alexandria Eric Astor was a 15-year-old drummer living in Phoenix when he pressed his first album. “My band couldn’t find anyone to make a rec[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Impact Makers
Whether shining a light on underserved people or helping startups get ahead, these impactful Virginians are changing the commonwealth for the better. Eileen Brewer Executive director, 757 Accelerate Norfolk With 20-plus years of experience working for tech companies in Silicon Valley, Eileen Brewer was promoted in May to executi[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: 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, 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 [&he[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Angels
Helping the sick, giving the disadvantaged hope and protecting the environment, these Virginians put others’ needs ahead of their own, making the commonwealth a better place. Dr. Victor Agbeibor St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program director, Bon Secours Midlothian Dr. Victor Agbeibor has trained 300-plus residents ove[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Hosts
Nourishing and delighting us, these Virginians welcome us to their communities through food, hospitality and entertainment. Chris Albrecht Senior vice president and general manager, Caesars Virginia Danville In May, the temporary Caesars Virginia casino opened in Danville, led by General Manager Chris Albrecht. A Florida native,[...]
100 People to Meet in 2024: Builders
These Virginians are building the future in bricks and mortar with major development projects in communities across the commonwealth. Duke Dodson CEO, Dodson Cos./Dodson Development Group Richmond A Richmond native, Duke Dodson grew up vacationing in Colonial Beach. “It was a mini-Atlantic City then, but legal changes forced[...]
Gazing into the future
The waterways and shorelines that make up Hampton Roads harbor a historic reputation as ideal hosts for commerce, trade, shipbuilding, military installations and government research. Its beaches and historical sites attract millions of visitors, and the region is home to farms, businesses and universities. We know the past and p[...]
Talking telework
SHAWN AVERY President and CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Norfolk Prior to the pandemic, did Hampton Roads Workforce Council allow hybrid or remote work? We allowed employees to occasionally work remotely [due to] extenuating circumstances, such as car trouble, sick family members, etc. What is your policy today, and [...]
Growth industry
Prompted by shifts in consumer buying trends, Shenandoah Valley farmers are investing heavily in automated systems and cutting-edge growing processes to position themselves for the long haul in an industry that’s changing rapidly. Once dubbed the “breadbasket of the South” because of its bountiful wheat crops, Virginia’s[...]