Professional Services 2024: STEPHANIE R. PETERS
Peters has led the state’s professional association for CPAs since 1997, representing nearly 13,000 members in both the public and private sectors. Last year, VSCPA announced an investment in the Center for Audit Quality’s Accounting+ program, a national campaign that aims to attract a new generation of diverse stude[...]
Professional Services 2024: DANNY ROBINSON
In January, after serving as The Martin Agency’s chief creative officer since 2020, Robinson became the advertising agency’s CEO, succeeding Kristen Cavallo, who retired. Robinson joined Martin two decades ago and has overseen campaigns for national clients like Geico, UPS and Old Navy. During his tenure as chief cre[...]
Real Estate 2024: BARBARA M. WOLCOTT
A five-decade Hampton Roads real estate veteran, Wolcott leads a residential real estate and property management company created by the 2023 merger of Rose & Womble Realty and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty. With more than 750 agents across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, the firm has the[...]
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: 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 [[...]
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[...]
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 le[...]
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 su[...]
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 e[...]
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[...]
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 cul[...]
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[...]




















