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Economic Development 2024: TELLY TUCKER
Tucker previously was director of Arlington Economic Development, and also served five years as director of economic development for Danville before returning to Southern Virginia in May 2022 to head IALR, a regional hub for advanced manufacturing training initiatives and economic development. In February, IALR launched its Na[...]
Hospitality | Tourism 2024: BRUCE L. THOMPSON
One of Hampton Roads’ most prominent developers and hoteliers, Norfolk native Thompson is best known for developing the Cavalier Resort, which includes the restored historic Cavalier Hotel as well as two new hotels, restaurants and residences on 21 acres at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The $435 million project is the culmina[...]
Hospitality | Tourism 2024: JUSTIN G. KNIGHT
As CEO of Apple Hospitality, a publicly traded real estate investment trust, Knight oversees more than 220 hotels, mainly Hilton and Marriott brands, in 37 states and Washington, D.C. He joined the company in 2000 and took over from his father, founder Glade Knight, in 2014. The elder Knight serves as executive chairman of the [[...]
Arts | Entertainment | Sports 2024: KEVIN W. LEMBKE
Set on a new track and fully restored, the famous Loch Ness Monster roller coaster roared back into action in May for its 46th year of operation. According to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Nessie was the world’s first interlocking loop coaster. In addition to the Loch Ness coaster’s reopening, the park launched a new event, �[...]
Media 2024: JIM VANDEHEI
VandeHei co-founded Axios in 2016; it launched in 2017. Five years later, Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises acquired it for a reported $525 million. However, VandeHei remains at the helm as CEO. Communications software business Axios HQ became an independent company. A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus, VandeHei began on his e[...]
Real Estate 2024: MATTHEW GANNON
Gannon joined Colliers International as executive managing director and Washington, D.C., market leader in 2019, taking on responsibility for the strategic direction and performance of the firm’s offices in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland. He had spent the previous five years at Paramount Group, leading leasin[...]
Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: CHRISTOPHER T. CALIO
In May, Calio became president and CEO of Fortune Global 500 aerospace and defense contractor RTX. Previously known as Raytheon Technologies, the company moved its headquarters to Arlington in 2022 and rebranded in 2023. At RTX, Calio, who previously served as chief operating officer, leads 185,000 employees. Calio also was pres[...]
Professional Services 2024: LAURA SPROUSE
In June, Sprouse was named CEO of Brown Edwards, the accounting firm where she has spent more than 25 years of her career. She succeeds Jason Hartman, who retired after 38 years. Sprouse’s expertise focuses on accounting information system services. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance and decision support sy[...]
Agriculture 2024: JOHN KING
After multinational food company Pilgrim’s Pride announced it was closing a Hinton poultry processing plant in 2004 — constituting a major hit to the local economy — Shenandoah Valley turkey growers formed the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative. The co-op employs roughly 500 people and has nearly 200 grower members; 100[...]
Federal Contractors | Technology 2024: TERRY RYAN
With more than 20 years of executive experience in the federal technical services market, Ryan was named CEO of global risk management firm Constellis Holdings in 2021, having previously served as its lead director. Before coming to Constellis, Ryan was CEO of Adroit Systems, VT Group and Tenax Aerospace. He also held senior exe[...]
Banking | Finance 2024: JOSEPH W. ‘JOE’ MONTGOMERY
Montgomery went to work at an investment firm in December 1975 — meaning he’s enjoying his 49th year in the industry. Montgomery credits the power of relationships and his alma mater, William & Mary, for his career success. “The trajectory of my life was determined, really, by lining up where I went to school,” he [&[...]
Government | Politics 2024: TIM KAINE
Labeled by supporters as “America’s Dad” for his level-headed, folksy and sometimes wonky demeanor, Democrat Kaine has been a fixture in Virginia politics since his 1994 election to Richmond City Council. From there, he became Richmond mayor, then Virginia’s lieutenant governor and governor. His 2006-10 term in the Execu[...]
