Sign In
Free Newsletter
Hard Rock Bristol goes all-in for grand opening
The bright lights of Bristol shine considerably brighter following the opening of Virginia’s second full-fledged casino. The Nov. 14 grand opening of the $515 million-plus Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Virginia’s first hotel/casino combo, was grand indeed. Symphonies of sounds, from music to slot machines, indicated [...]
George Mason, school districts to launch data science lab school
George Mason University and several Shenandoah Valley school districts are partnering to launch a regional lab school in August 2025 that will focus on data literacy to provide students with training in this high-demand field. The Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing [...]
Virginia 500 Spotlight: Tracy Fitzsimmons
What I enjoy about my career: There is nothing better than being there to witness students have a “light bulb moment” or land their dream first job. Most interesting place I’ve traveled: Bhutan. Their commitment to Gross National Happiness is fascinating and instructive. My thoughts on artificial intelligence: AI is coming[...]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Builders
These Virginians are building the future in bricks and mortar with major development projects in communities across the commonwealth. Barbara Benesh Founder, B. Grace Design, Norfolk Barbara Benesh has her eye on the prize for 2025: an expansion of her firm, B. Grace Design, to London. An architect, certified interior designer and watercolorist, Benesh will […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Go-Getters
A 10-year-old popcorn CEO, an Olympic swimmer and a defense contractor’s U.S. chief executive all have one thing in common: They don’t take no for an answer. Heather K. Armentrout U.S. president and general manager, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Alexandria After serving as an intelligence fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and spending more […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Public Faces
From the state’s top librarian to the head of sales for Hubs peanuts, these people are highly visible representatives of their communities and industries. Jessica Bell Brown Executive director, Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Richmond The former curator and head of contemporary art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Jessica Bell Brown was named […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Innovators
These scientists, founders and creators are leading the way in tomorrow’s industries, from national security to cannabis. Wes Anderson Vice president of defense, Microsoft Federal, Reston As leader of Microsoft’s federal defense team, Wes Anderson oversees the company’s efforts to bring cloud and artificial intelligence innovations to the U.S. Department of Defense at a time […]
Out and About
1. On Sept. 15, San-J workers celebrated the soy sauce brand’s 220th anniversary with tours of the brand’s Henrico County facility, built in 1987. (Photo by James H. Loving, courtesy San-J) 2. Lego Group employee Kristopher Lugo shares a fun moment with Sheila from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond as part of the [&[...]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Rainmakers
These are the professionals who attract and grow businesses and tourism, making the commonwealth wealthier. Tyler Caveness Founder and principal, Caveness Investment Advisory, Roanoke Roanoke native Tyler Caveness left the Star City to play football at Harvard, where he helped the Crimson win two Ivy League championships and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. After […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: New Folks
They’re 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. Mary Kate Andris President and CEO, CIVIC Leadership Institute, Norfolk Mary Kate Andris has defined her career through […]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Impact Makers
Whether helping entrepreneurs get access to capital or creating resources for families affected by dementia, these impactful Virginians are changing the commonwealth for the better. Akosua Acheamponmaa Director, Norfolk State University Innovation Center, Norfolk Since Akosua Acheamponmaa launched the Norfolk State University Innovation Center in 2019, she estimates the center has helped about 3,000 entrepreneurs who’ve […][...]
100 People to Meet in 2025: Educators
As leaders in our pre-K through higher education workforce, these educators, curriculum creators and administrators are passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Virginians. Louise Fincher Interim president, Emory & Henry University, Emory On Aug. 1, Emory & Henry College officially became Emory & Henry University, and Louise Fincher assumed the role of […]
