KELLY ROENKER CORDOVA | Chief of staff and vice president for strategic initiatives, Virginia Wesleyan University

Since taking her current role in 2022, Kelly Roenker Cordova has guided major efforts at Virginia Wesleyan University, including the $200 million “Transformation Now!” capital campaign, the relocation of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to VWU’s campus and the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into the university. As part of her role, Cordova also serves as associate secretary to the university’s board.

“A key strength of my leadership is the ability to identify forward-looking opportunities that keep our institution relevant, mission-driven and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape,” she says. In 2026, the university will be renamed Batten University for philanthropist Jane Batten, whose family has supported the university for decades.

Beginning her career at VWU supporting the senior vice president and president from 2015 to 2020 through various roles in the university’s Center for Advancement, Cordova joined the office of the president in 2020.

“Kelly exemplifies the very best of Virginia Wesleyan University — visionary leadership, strategic insight and an unwavering commitment to service,” VWU President Scott D. Miller said in a statement.

Previously, Cordova spent six years working as international program manager for Operation Smile, a Virginia Beach-based medical nonprofit that provides free cleft surgeries for children around the world. There, she managed a team of 15 program coordinators and participated in international medical missions.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University, Cordova earned an MBA from VWU.

2025 Virginia Women in Leadership Awards honorees