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Gathering power
While working on a cellular tower a few years back, Kyle Mullins got what he describes as the “call of a lifetime” — an invitation to work on the first two pilot wind turbines for Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. A Navy veteran who received a telecommunications technical certification from Texas [...]
Not by coincidence
Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander has a vision for his city that includes increasing revenue without creating additional taxes for residents. His focuses in achieving that goal include tourism, hospitality and entertainment — familiar parts of neighboring Virginia Beach’s economy. However, unlike Virginia Beach, he poi[...]
Take a load off
One thing Brian Dail noticed as he spent a day and a half in February 2020 participating in step van manufacturer Morgan Olson’s new hire training in Loudon, Tennessee, was the physical strain. After the first hour, he told his colleagues, “‘Gosh, I’m not used to being on my feet. I’m ready to sit down.’” […[...]
On the move
Megan Baker, economic development director, Roanoke County In October 2022, Baker was hired to step into the big shoes of Jill Loope, the county’s longtime economic development director who is set to retire in July. A North Carolina State and Indiana University graduate, Baker came to the Roanoke Valley from the Atlanta area, where she […]
The 2023 Heavy Hitters list
Virginia Business’ annual list of the commonwealth’s 50 most powerful and influential leaders provides our editors’ take on the heaviest-hitting of heavyweights in business, government, nonprofits and higher education. Think of it as an executive committee for the leaders populating our annual Virginia 500 issue — the top 10% of the state’s power elite. And […]
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 […][...]
Smart growth
As Gentry Locke Attorneys prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2023, the venerable Roanoke law firm isn’t slowing down — it’s accelerating. The firm hung out its shingle in 1923 and spent its first 40 years as a regional specialist representing insurance companies before adding corporate and business work in the 197[...]
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 […]
