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Economic Development 2024: TODD P. HAYMORE
Since 2018, Haymore has led the global economic development consultancy within Hunton Andrews Kurth, one of the nation’s largest law firms. He previously served as Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade under Gov. Terry McAuliffe and secretary of agriculture and forestry for Gov. Bob McDonnell. A Danville native,[...]
Arts | Entertainment | Sports 2024: BRENT PRY
A former defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt University and Penn State and a player for the University at Buffalo until he suffered a career-ending injury, Pry became the Hokies’ 35th head coach in November 2021. His first season, not surprisingly, was not exactly stellar, with a 3-8 record, but in 2023, the Hokies improve[...]
Living Legends 2024: WILLIAM G. ‘BILL’ CRUTCHFIELD JR.
A lifelong entrepreneur and self-described “electronics nerd,” Crutchfield was only 13 when he built what he believes to be the first stereo system in Virginia. By age 15, he formed his first business, installing stereo equipment in homes throughout Charlottesville. The war in Vietnam put a hold on his business plans when he[...]
How we assemble the Virginia 500
Welcome to our fifth annual edition of the Virginia 500! For those who aren’t familiar with the Virginia 500, we like to say that it’s like the Fortune 500 but instead of companies, it’s about people — specifically, the most powerful Virginia executives and officials in business, nonprofits, higher education,[...]
Real Estate 2024: ANDY FLORANCE
Founded in 1987, CoStar Group, a real estate marketplace and analytics company, runs industry-leading businesses like Homes.com, Apartments.com, LoopNet and STR. In February, it announced its plans to move its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Arlington County, a $20 million investment on top of its $339 million purchase of[...]
Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: SUSAN WEDGE
Since joining IBM in 2002, Wedge has taken on roles of increasing responsibility. In 2022, she was tapped to lead IBM Consulting’s U.S. public and federal market, a portfolio worth more than $2.2 billion that supports more than 4,000 U.S.-based consultants. She also has served as IBM’s head of federal operational tra[...]
Real Estate 2024: STEVE E. LAWSON
Chairman of his family’s real estate company since 2016, Lawson is focused on the strategic direction, mission and long-term goals of the 52-year-old firm. A third-generation builder and developer, Lawson has long been a passionate advocate for equitable and affordable housing, testifying before Congress and using his lead[...]
Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: MEHUL P. SANGHANI
Reston-based federal contractor Octo was founded in 2006 by Virginia Tech alum Sanghani, who remains its CEO after IBM purchased Octo in 2022 from Arlington Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum. Octo is now part of IBM Consulting’s U.S. public and federal market arm, employing about 1,500 workers. Sanghani was born in I[...]
Retail 2024: VINCE SHEEHY IV
Sheehy carries on his father’s legacy as an auto dealer, manning the largest dealership group in Virginia and No. 33 in the nation, according to Auto News’ list of Top 150 dealership groups. His late father, Vincent Sheehy III, founded Sheehy Ford in Maryland in 1965 as a suburban business near the newly built Capita[...]
Law 2024: DANIEL C. SUMMERLIN III
For more than 25 years, Summerlin has advised businesses — from sole proprietorships to Fortune 500 names — in environmental matters. Summerlin also assists employers with employment laws and regulations, including investigations with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A Roanoke native, Summerlin returned to the [...]
Banking | Finance 2024: FREDRICK D. SCHAUFELD
After graduating from Lehigh University in 1981, Schaufeld sold extended warranties to auto dealers while going to law school. When he learned his employer hadn’t actually taken out policies on all his clients, Schaufeld dropped out of law school and went into business for himself, creating National Electronics Warranty. I[...]
Arts | Entertainment | Sports 2024: ERIK H. NEIL
Since joining the Chrysler Museum in 2014, Neil has guided the museum’s growth. In 2022, his position was endowed through a $34 million donation from Virginia Beach philanthropist Joan Brock that also included donated artwork. From December 2023 through April, the Chrysler hosted the U.S. debut of Sir Paul McCartney’[...]
