Forty under 40: Celebrating the rising stars shaping Virginia’s future

Meet the next generation of changemakers transforming Virginia’s business landscape. From entrepreneurs and executives to public servants and community leaders, these rising stars are redefining success — not just in their careers, but in the collective impact they make every day.

Virginia Business is proud to debut our inaugural statewide Forty Under 40 Awards, recognizing 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who are making waves across the commonwealth. Honorees will be recognized at a May 12 awards event at The Westin Richmond.

Chosen by our editors from nominations submitted by colleagues and the honorees themselves, this year’s cohort includes high-achieving leaders in industries ranging from banking, health care and law to government, real estate development and construction. Selected for their career accomplishments, community engagement and commitment to inspiring positive change, these honorees represent the future of organizational leadership in Virginia.

RACHEL WILLER ADAMS
Partner, Thompson McMullan, Richmond

A University of Richmond law school graduate, Adams specializes in litigation and is active in the Virginia Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, and also serves on the Richmond Bar Association’s Administration of Justice Committee. Before joining ThompsonMcMullan, she was an attorney with Venable and a deputy clerk in the Fairfax County Circuit Court.

Outside of work, Adams is vice-chair elect for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Young Professional Leadership Council in its Richmond chapter.
Greatest professional accomplishment: I am most proud of achieving the title of partner at my law firm at the age of 34 and being one of the youngest attorneys here to do so.

Hobbies: I spend nearly all of my spare time with my wonderful husband, Franklin, and our two children, James and Lillian. These days when we are not at swim lessons or soccer games, we spend as much time outside as possible.

ZENITH BARRETT
Vice president of advancement, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Roanoke

Having been with Goodwill in Roanoke for the past 10 years, Barrett helped launch the redevelopment of the former Melrose Plaza shopping center, transforming it into a health care, education and financial empowerment hub for underserved neighborhoods. She also serves on boards for the Council of Community Services, Blue Ridge PBS and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.

How I give back: Since 2022, I have served on the board for the Council of Community Services, where I currently hold the position of vice chair. I recently completed my board term for the Salem Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, where I played a key role in the business advocacy committee.

Where I see myself in 10 years: I envision myself stepping into a chief or CEO role.

BARBARA GRACE BENESH
Founder, architect and design principal, B. Grace Design, Norfolk

An Auburn University alumna who started a boutique project management and integrated design strategy firm in Norfolk in 2020, Benesh previously worked as an architect for Mason & Hanger and served as president of AIA Coastal Virginia and fundraising chair for the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. Benesh mentors women in architecture and works to advance equity in the industry.

Greatest professional accomplishment: As president of AIA Coastal Virginia, I led a transformative rebranding and strategic repositioning of the organization — aligning it with the urgent need for coastal resilience and economic sustainability in our region.

Something surprising about me: I trained as a pianist and watercolorist — two disciplines that taught me the balance between precision and creativity, structure and fluidity.

R. PATRICK BOLLING
Principal, Woods Rogers, Norfolk

Bolling is a native of Bedford and a graduate of the Washington and Lee University School of Law, and joined Edmunds & Williams as a corporate attorney in 2014. That firm merged with Roanoke-based Woods Rogers, and Bolling is part of its Norfolk office and its labor and employment practice group.

A board member for The Williams Home, an independent living community in Lynchburg, and until recently a Virginia Bar Association board member, Bolling was recognized with the Emerson G. Spies Award for enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication to the bar association in 2024.

How I give back: I was a long-time board member and president of the board for The Arc of Central Virginia. This nonprofit organization serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Something surprising about me: I spent a summer working for a grizzly bear hunting guide service on a remote Alaskan lake accessible only by floatplane.

LAURA HAYES CHALK
Executive director and CEO, Virginia Beach Vision, Virginia Beach

Formerly Virginia Beach’s deputy economic development director and business development coordinator, Chalk is from Williamsburg and has been involved with the Hampton Roads region’s economic development arena for years. In 2024, she joined Virginia Beach Vision, where she advocates for business growth and job creation.

Chalk serves on a regional transit advisory panel and was a long-time member of the International Economic Development Council. Greatest professional accomplishment: One project I am particularly proud of is Virginia Beach’s International Incubator, offering international
companies six months of free rent, with incremental rent increases every six months until reaching market rate.

Something surprising about me: I studied in London and India during college. I also worked for a marketing company in Beijing, China, the summer between college and grad school.

CHRIS COON
Deputy county administrator, Louisa County

Born and raised in Colonial Heights, Coon formerly worked as a Henrico County deputy sheriff and a police officer at the Virginia Division of Capitol Police in Richmond. Switching gears professionally, Coon was town clerk and then deputy town manager for Occoquan, followed by a two-year stint as town manager in Haymarket.

In 2022, he landed in Louisa County, where he helped set new short-term rental regulations and establish a technology overlay district. That helped the county secure an $11 billion investment from Amazon Web Services. He also is a triathlete who’s finished two Ironman events and founded a rowing nonprofit.

How I give back: My community involvement began in middle school when my eighth-grade teacher introduced me to Special Olympics. Having a brother with special needs, the mission hit home. A lesson learned from a failure: Not every idea is a good fit for the community, no matter how well-intended.

ANDREW DAVIS
Project executive, Branch Group, Roanoke

A two-time Virginia Tech civil engineering graduate, Davis has been with Branch Group since 2017, working on major projects such as VDOT’s Interstate 81 expansion and North Carolina’s Jamestown Parkway.

Growing up in Franklin County, Davis says he takes pride in his ability to talk to anyone, from legislators to tradesmen and tradeswomen. He’s participated in Habitat for Humanity projects and other civic volunteering.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Overcoming erosion, flooding, two hurricanes and snow to complete the Jamestown Parkway project — recognized as one of Roads & Bridges magazine’s top 10 road projects of 2022.

How I give back: I coach and umpire baseball, participate in cleanup efforts, contribute to baseball field construction and support initiatives like The Big Event at Virginia Tech and Feeding Southwest Virginia.

Something surprising about me: I’d love to work in professional fishing — either offshore or tournament bass fishing.

JAKE ELDER
Deputy director of development services, Chesterfield Economic Development, Chesterfield county

Employed by Chesterfield County since 2018, Elder has played a key role in the county’s recent economic development boom, helping fast-track permitting for major projects including the  $1 billion Lego Group manufacturing facility under construction.

A VCU graduate with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, Elder is active in the Virginia Economic Developers Association, Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate and the Brightpoint Community College Real Estate Foundation.

How I give back: I was fortunate to be exposed to many different outreach and charitable efforts through an active church youth group in Petersburg. It taught me the importance of helping your neighbor through direct and indirect actions.

Key to my success: Being solution-oriented. In regulatory work, the answer may need to be “no,” but I always aim for a “no, but…,” ensuring there are options presented to find a path forward.

Something surprising about me: I’m right-handed for some things and left-handed for others.

MEREDITH KING ELLIOTT
Senior vice president and LEAD program manager, TowneBank, Suffolk

Elliott leads employee engagement and internship strategy at TowneBank, including the LEAD Program, a management development program for young professionals. A two-time graduate of Virginia Tech, Elliott is involved with the Riverside Hospital Foundation’s Smithfield campaign and the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

Greatest professional accomplishment: High on the list would be the years that I supported the TowneBank Foundation Fall Extravaganza fundraising event. One of my roles was to oversee all income-generating aspects of the event, which allowed us to donate over $500,000 annually to the foundation.

How I give back: I have been fortunate enough to volunteer with organizations through the years like Roc Solid Foundation building playsets for pediatric cancer patients, United Way Day of Caring events and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree distribution. Something surprising about me: How competitive I truly am.

KELLY GEE
Secretary of the commonwealth, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Richmond

Formerly the Virginia Lottery’s executive director, Gee oversees executive appointments and clemency as a member of the governor’s cabinet. She also was a staffer for former House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox. Gee serves on the board of Lead Virginia and is active at Richmond’s Reveille United Methodist Church, including as a Sunday school teacher.

A lesson learned from a challenge: As a young executive, I thought I had to know everything because I was at the head of the table. That quickly paralyzed and humbled me. I learned that my success is measured by the success of those around me. A good leader puts people around their table that challenge them and bring their own expertise.

How I spend my spare time: I have twin boys who are 4 years old. We love to explore outside, go swimming during summertime and play soccer.

SAM GILKESON
Vice president and chief human resources officer, VHC Health, Arlington County

Formerly a health care-focused mergers and acquisition attorney at Sheppard Mullin, Gilkeson leads human resources at VHC Health, which has more than 4,500 employees and is anchored by a 453-bed teaching hospital. He is particularly proud of seamlessly migrating the health system’s workers to the Workday HR platform without payroll interruptions.

How I give back: I support organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank, which directly serve those in need, and I actively participate in VHC Health’s food, clothing and gift drives each year.

One thing I’d change about my profession: I am constantly trying to promote the perception of human resources as a key component of the business versus just a transactional function.

Something surprising about me: I survived Stage IV cancer. It’s an experience that has shaped my perspective on resilience, the importance of support and the value of every moment.

MICHAEL GREGG
Assistant vice president of development, Peterson Cos., Stafford County

Raised in Oakton, Gregg started his career at Turner Construction, moved to his family’s real estate business, The Penrose Group, and then joined Peterson, where he focuses on large-scale real estate projects.

Gregg helped lead the sale of the first 300-megawatt data center campus in Stafford County, as well as spearheading the Northern Virginia Gateway project, a 3.1 million-square-foot data center campus to be built in Prince William County.

He also co-founded The Lilly and Blair Foundation, which raises money for research to address de novo spastic paraplegia, a rare disease affecting his 6-year-old daughter, as well as a neighbor’s daughter.

Where I see myself in 10 years: I would love to be able to say in 10 years we have found a treatment or cure for Lilly’s disease, and that our foundation continues to support breakthroughs in rare disease research.

Hobbies: I spend it where it matters most, making memories with my wife and children. Whether it’s exploring parks, traveling or simply enjoying quality time at home, I try to be as present as possible.

RYAN A. HANSON
Partner, Kaleo Legal, HAMPTON

A Hampton Roads native, Hanson earned his law degree and MBA at Wake Forest University and was a varsity swimmer at Washington and Lee University. At Kaleo, he advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other business deals in several industries. He’s a 2023 graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute.

How I give back: I have the privilege of leading worship at Grace Bible Church in Virginia Beach, where I serve in all three services at the Lynnhaven campus twice a month. Since 2021, I’ve been volunteering with An Achievable Dream in Virginia Beach.

Hobbies: I cherish spending time with my family. Living in a beautiful coastal city, we take full advantage of the water. I enjoy playing guitar, fishing and spearfishing — activities that allow me to connect with nature and unwind.

JT HASTY
Account executive, Towne Insurance, Norfolk

A Chesapeake native who earned a sports management degree at Virginia State University and an MBA from Regent University, Hasty worked his way up from a teller at TowneBank to his current position with the bank’s insurance arm.

Hasty is very active in civic organizations, serving as treasurer of the Urban League of Hampton Roads’ young professionals group and a board
member of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, Children’s Harbor and Link of Hampton Roads.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Playing an integral part in getting funding for one of the boards that I serve on. This particular organization serves children and was in need of a brand new playground.

How I give back: Most recently, I’ve started a nonprofit by the name of Father’s United, where I want to help fathers in the Hampton Roads area with life skills and financial workshops.

CHERNELLE N. HILL
Vice president of hospital operations, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach

Hill joined Sentara Health in 2011, and with stints in administration at Sentara Leigh and Sentara Obici hospitals, she has been at the health system’s Virginia Beach general hospital since 2024, overseeing surgical, service line and support service teams at the 273-bed medical center.

A University of North Carolina Tar Heel who also earned a master’s degree in health administration from VCU, Hill was president of the Hampton Roads chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is first vice chair of the local YWCA board.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Leading efforts to fund expansion of our mobile mammography services. This included the purchase of a new mobile van and 3D mammography unit.

Something surprising about me: I have frequently caught members of my team and peers by surprise with a “rabbit’s hole” worth of knowledge on superheroes or the latest fantasy show.

CHRIS HIRTH
Executive vice president of asset management, Capital Square, Glen Allen

Born and raised in Richmond, Hirth graduated from Virginia Tech with a business management degree and worked for PRG Real Estate and CBRE. In 2016, Hirth joined Capital Square, where he has orchestrated nearly $1 billion in sales and helped grow its real estate management sector to 138 properties exceeding $6 billion in value.

How I give back: As a member of the VT Advisory Board and as a guest instructor and speaker to undergraduates, I mentor students in the real estate and property management programs.

A lesson learned from a setback: Commercial real estate, like many other industries, moves in cycles. What will help me the most through the rest of my career are the lessons learned from navigating the market challenges of the last two to three years.

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and three daughters — and being outdoors kayaking, golfing, cycling or running.

PEYTON CARTER KRZYZEWSKI
Director of strategy and growth, Qantm Creative, Portsmouth

A University of Richmond Spider, Krzyzewski manages a portfolio of marketing clients exceeding $3 million in annual revenue. Before joining Qantm in 2021, she worked in donor relations and marketing for the Norfolk SPCA and oversaw digital media strategies for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Krzyzewski is an event co-chair for volunteer organization Portsmouth Service League and also is a foster parent for several local animal aid groups.
Greatest professional accomplishment:

The launch and management of the outreach for the Regional Maritime Training System was a massive undertaking, and one vital for the success of our region and the nation. Qantm was tasked with creating the RMTS brand and planning/ managing all outreach.

Hobbies: I’ve visited over 15 countries so far and will add at least one more to the list this year!

JACLYN MARY LAUTZ
Chief operating officer, ivWatch, Newport News

A native of Maine, Lautz has a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Duke University and worked on medical devices and treatments for urological diseases, winning NSF fellowships along the way. In 2018, she joined ivWatch, where Lautz is responsible for developing new products and bringing them to market, as well as overseeing R&D, human resources and operations.

Greatest professional accomplishment: I led the first FDA 510(k) submission for the first medical device at ivWatch, which was one of my most exciting professional accomplishments of my career. We immediately transformed from a research and development company to a real medical device manufacturer with 3X growth in four months.

One thing I’d change about my profession: The complexity and time it takes for the health care system to embrace and adopt new technologies that improve patient safety.

SARAH A. MARSHALL
Manager of state and local affairs and infrastructure strategy, Dominion Energy, Richmond

A graduate of James Madison University and Clemson University, Marshall started her career with Dominion Energy at the North Anna Power Station, supporting its nuclear operations, and today she specializes in outreach for capital projects by the Fortune 500 utility. A Louisa County native, Marshall lives on a farm there with her husband and three dogs. She also serves on boards for the Center for Rural Virginia and Louisa’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

How I give back: I volunteer with community organizations and serve on community boards and committees where I can add value, taking the time to become knowledgeable about issues and concerns that may arise in order to make educated decisions.

Hobbies: Cooking and baking; outdoor activities with Nubb, my German shorthaired pointer; playing very bad golf; and watching college sports (Go Tigers!) and hockey (Go Caps!).

JOHN MATTHEWS
Deputy director, Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville

A graduate of Wytheville Community College who received his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Longwood University, Matthews was a legislative aide for several state delegates and joined the IDA, which serves Wythe County and the towns of Wytheville and Rural Retreat, in 2015.

He is active locally as chair of Wythe County’s business solutions unit and Wythe-Bland Young Professionals, and is a Virginia Economic Developers Association board member. Matthews also helps manage his family’s beef farm.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Successfully hosting my first conference in 2023, the Southwest Virginia Housing Summit, has been a real source of pride for me. As an economic developer, housing has not been at the forefront of my work until recent housing market changes began to drive site selection for new and expanding businesses.

If I wasn’t in this industry: I would remain committed to serving rural communities and advocating for their success and improved quality of life.

JAMES JOSEPH MCNAMARA II
Planning director, City of Chesapeake, Chesapeake

A native of North Carolina, McNamara earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning and a post-grad certificate in geographic information systems from VCU. After graduation, he worked for the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and previously was a planner for Virginia Beach before joining Chesapeake. In 2022, he received the George Robert House Jr. Award for Outstanding Service from the Hampton Roads chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

How I give back: I’m very involved with various ministries at my church. I serve with the Chesapeake Area Shelter Team and provide food and shelter to the homeless during the cold weather months. I participate in the ROC Builders group, which assists with small construction projects for those needing repairs in our community.

Hobbies: Youth sports, outdoor adventures, backpacking, and I’ve run 18 marathons.

MELISSA STRATTON MOFFA
Chief risk officer and general counsel, Chartway Credit Union, Virginia Beach

An attorney with a degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, Moffa started her career as an associate counsel for Gallup and moved to finance in 2016, working for Capital One and then PenFed. In 2023, she joined Chartway, where she oversees the credit union’s legal, compliance, collections, fraud, corporate real estate and other teams.

This year, Moffa started studying for her MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. She lives in Virginia Beach with her
husband, a judge advocate in the Marines, and a French bulldog named Watson.

A lesson learned from a failure: Sometimes, it comes down to not having too much ego, which can often cause you to ride out a bad decision for
too long.

How I spend my spare time: I love to run. It’s the best way to clear my mind. I’ve run two marathons and am currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon. Since living in Virginia Beach, I’ve started stand-up paddle boarding.

EMILY SEARS MORDECAI
Associate attorney, Gentry Locke, Richmond

A lifelong Virginian and University of Virginia alumna, Mordecai first worked for Hunton Andrews Kurth and joined Gentry Locke in 2023. She’s active in the Richmond Bar Association’s young lawyers section executive board, and as a law student, Mordecai argued a precedent-setting case before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. She also was first chair in a private arbitration that secured a $600,000-plus award for a food manufacturer client in a breach-of-contract case.

Something surprising about me: My last name is pronounced More-deh-key. I come from a long line of Mordecais who adopted that pronunciation after arriving in America in the 18th century, though Queen Esther’s uncle Mordecai (who used the traditional pronunciation) still has us beat by thousands of years.

What I do in my spare time: Virginia Beach for summer beach days, John Paul Jones Arena for U.Va. men’s basketball games, the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking (Spy Rock is my top pick!), and Northern Virginia for time with family.

ASHLEIGH D. NEWMAN-TWYMAN
Project manager, Whiting-Turner Contracting, CHESAPEAKE

A Hampton Roads native, Newman-Twyman earned a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech and started her career in construction in Baltimore but moved back home. At Whiting-Turner, Newman-Twyman is a preconstruction manager, overseeing planning for major construction projects, including budgeting, scheduling and logistics.

Newman-Twyman volunteers with the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) of Coastal Virginia and is a 2023 graduate of the Hampton Roads Chamber’s LEAD757 leadership program.

How I give back: For the past five or more years, I have chaired our community involvement committee in my office. Each year the committee volunteers or raises money for at least five events, including the Salvation Army angel tree, American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Shore Drive beach cleanup.

One thing I’d change about my profession: The construction industry is a very lucrative business, but it is also male-dominated. I look forward to the day where more women and people of color are running projects.

CHRISTOPHER P. PIERSON
Chief operating officer, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk

A University of Virginia and VCU graduate, Pierson has held increasingly senior administrative positions at Sentara Health since 2014, and before that, worked for Mary Washington Healthcare.

Currently, he oversees operations at the 525-bed teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center, which employs more than 3,700 people. Pierson has also served as board chair of Volunteer Hampton Roads and was a board member for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, and he was named the 2024 Triton for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.

Who significantly impacted my career: I lost my father to brain cancer when I was 20 years old. He taught me you can do it all — be an engaged and dedicated husband and father, a Christian businessman and a community figure, all while being a gentleman. Something surprising about me: I know how to juggle.

SAMANTHA ENGLE PRICE
Director and co-owner, Pender Family of Pet Care Cos., Chantilly

Born and raised in Virginia, Price lives on her Loudoun County farm with her husband, daughter and many animals. She also earned several degrees and certifications in veterinary management and health care, and became a co-owner of the Pender pet care company’s branch in Fairfax County in 2017.

One of the clinic’s major jobs has been caring for all animals entering the United States at Dulles International Airport that need medical assistance. They include 300 pets that came from Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of a rescue effort.

How I give back: My volunteer experience, in addition to my time as an EMT, includes participation in many trap-neuter-release pro bono surgery programs offered in Fairfax, Loudoun and Fauquier counties, and organization and hosting of many animal rescue and adoption events.
Something surprising about me: I’m a certified open-water scuba diver.

CHRISTOPHER JACKIE ‘CJ’ RATLIFF
Supervising nurse practitioner, The Health Wagon, Wise County

Ratliff has been with The Health Wagon since 2019, treating patients, managing several mobile clinics and overseeing an annual free clinic. He also helped people with medical support in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky after devastating flooding.

A former grocery clerk and maintenance worker, Ratliff worked his way through nursing school and now holds multiple degrees.

How I give back: I help my wife, Kayla, who is a schoolteacher at J.W. Adams Combined School in Pound, with all of her dissections and her ecology club, where we grow a garden and teach students about fresh food.

A lesson learned from a challenge: I have Asperger’s syndrome. It could always be worse. I always push forward. My dad always pushed me to continue no matter how hard it got. He always said I would be great if I would just stick with it.

ASHLEY REYNOLDS
Founder and chief creative officer, Cloth & Paper, Henrico County

Reynolds founded her company, which sells subscription boxes and organization and planning products, in 2015, and it’s grown from a small startup into a thriving e-commerce company that landed on the Inc. 5000 list in 2021 and 2022. Cloth & Paper currently employs 37 people.

A former Capital One employee, Reynolds grew up in a military family that ultimately landed in Midlothian, where she and her husband live. Each year, her company dedicates a portion of its sales on Giving Tuesday to support a Richmond-area charity, and Reynolds mentors budding entrepreneurs.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Over nearly a decade, I have built and grown a business that has employed over 200 people, providing them with sustainable income and benefits.

Hobbies: I spend my spare time traveling with my husband, sailing on the Potomac River, playing tennis and enjoying time with family and friends.

JENNA ELISE ROLFS
Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg

Trained as a physician assistant, Rolfs now leads the University of Lynchburg’s medical school, a post she assumed in July 2024 after working as an associate professor and associate dean. Rolfs is also board president of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants and vice president of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia board.

Something surprising about me: I was raised in a small town in central Illinois, where I experienced the unique challenges and opportunities that come with life in a rural community. As a first-generation college student, my journey to higher education was marked by a strong sense of determination and a deep appreciation for the unwavering support of my family and community.

Hobbies: My personal interests include reading, running and spending time with my family. I am married with two children: a son, 8 years old, and a daughter, 4 years old.

BRYAN ROTHAMEL
Director of economic development, Culpeper County

Before coming to Culpeper in 2021, Rothamel worked for his native Fluvanna’s economic development department and previously was a county beat reporter for a website he founded. He received his certified economic developer credential last year.

His “Choose Culpeper Farms” campaign, with a $5,000 budget, was nominated for Best in Show by the International Economic Development Council. Rothamel also serves as vice chair of Foundation First, a nonprofit for early childhood education.

Something surprising about me: My website was the most read news site in Fluvanna County and won a First Amendment lawsuit, and I designed a water tower painting that was ranked the Top 10 water tower in America.

Hobbies: I’m a father of two little girls, so my hobbies are a lot [about] helping them learn about their world. I love baseball and devote a lot of brain power and time to the New York Mets.

AVERY DURELL ROUSE
Regional maintenance director, The Breeden Co., Virginia Beach

A Virginia Beach native who lives with his wife and two children, Rouse has been with Breeden since 2021. He currently manages seven communities’ maintenance operations, totaling 1,637 units.

Rouse, with his brother, has started a nonprofit known as Rouse’s House, which provides resources and support to low-income students in Hampton Roads’ public schools.

Key to my success: I frequently asked my mother what my gift was, and she advised me to pray for clarity. I made a solemn promise to myself to work diligently, persevere and continually strive for improvement, embracing constructive criticism and utilizing it to my advantage.

How I give back: I assist my brother in distributing backpacks for school and turkeys for Thanksgiving, but to be honest, the most impactful way I give back is by providing young adults with opportunities to excel in this field that I am grateful to be a part of.

JUSTIN A. SAUNDERS
Vice president of membership and strategic growth, Hampton Roads Chamber, Norfolk

Under Saunders’ leadership, the Hampton Roads chamber earned five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was ranked in the top 1% of chambers nationwide.

A Lead757 alumnus who is an honorary commander of the U.S. Air Force, Saunders serves on the Virginia African American Cultural Center and Tidewater Community College boards and the Virginia Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. He also volunteers as a youth coach at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and supports medical nonprofit Operation Smile.

My biggest inspiration: The person who has made the most significant impact on my career is undoubtedly my son, Jeremiah. Watching how he admires me every day motivates me to work harder and be better.

Something surprising about me: I’ve never played hockey, but I took an ice-skating elective in college and still skate fairly well.

ROSS WILLIAM SNARE IV
Associate chief external affairs officer, UVA Health, Nokesville

Part of a military family, Snare is a Christopher Newport University alumnus and worked for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce as chief operating officer before joining UVA Health. In addition to his job, Snare serves on the Prince William Chamber board, the county’s parks and recreation commission and the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System.

Most significant professional accomplishment: In my position at UVA Health, my team and I increased the total number of community events from less than 60 per year to between 230-250 a year. We also restarted and have increased the amount of community grants we give out each year.

Something surprising about me: My first job out of college was at a cherry canning plant in northern Michigan, where I worked on the assembly line as we packed cherries during the 2007 season.

ANDY SPICKNALL
President, Bon Secours Harbour View Medical Center, Suffolk

As its inaugural president, Spicknall leads operations for Bon Secours’ Suffolk hospital, set to open in May. A Richmond native, Spicknall joined Bon Secours in 2014 as an administrative resident and received his master’s degree in health administration from VCU in 2015.

Spicknall was part of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk executive committee in Hampton Roads.

How I give back: Since 2009, I have served as a national key volunteer with Scouting America through their honor society known as the Order of the Arrow. I serve as the co-creative director responsible for writing and directing inspirational and educational theatrical shows at the Boy Scouts’ national events.

If i wasn’t in this industry: I would want to be a teacher. I’m a lifelong learner who finds real joy in helping others grow and discover new things.

NIRALI RAVAL TROVATO
Senior vice president, Towne Wealth Management; financial advisor, Raymond James Financial Services, Virginia Beach

A George Mason University alum, Trovato joined TowneBank in 2023 as a senior vice president and adviser, having worked for Cary Street Partners for a decade as a financial adviser.

Outside of work, she volunteers with the Greater Norfolk Corp.’s mentorship program and local United Way Women United events, assisting people in need. She also is on the board for the Youth Justice Center, which offers legal representation and guidance for young people. Trovato lives with her husband, two children and two Boston terriers.

Greatest professional accomplishment: The privilege to serve as an adviser for individuals and families while they navigate complex financial decisions.

Something surprising about me: I played American football since the age of 8, finally retiring in 2020. In fact, I met my husband in 2014 while playing in a sand flag football league.

JELISA TURNER
Department of Outreach and Engagement director, Henrico County, Henrico county

Since 2024, Turner has led Henrico County’s newest department, which is focused on seniors, individuals with disabilities and others with specific needs. She previously managed Henrico’s Community Assistance Resources & Education (CARE) program through its fire and EMS department.

The CARE program was recognized with a national award from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and Turner has been acknowledged for her work on the county’s COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Transforming the CARE program. While I didn’t start the program, it was entrusted to me to develop it into what it is today. Over a span of four years, I’ve worked tirelessly to reimagine and expand its scope, turning it into a robust, impactful initiative.

Something surprising about me: I grew up on a farm. From harvesting vegetables to rounding up sheep and pigs when they broke through the fence, or even jumping hay bales, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

ABIGAIL R. WESCOTT
Managing director of external affairs, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Richmond

At VEDP, Wescott manages relationships between economic developers, state leaders and federal policymakers, and before joining the state organization, she was chief operating officer for the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, which she helped lead during the pandemic.

While pursuing her MBA, Wescott was assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the DeSales University women’s lacrosse team. Wescott is a gubernatorial appointee to the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) and is its vice chair.

Something surprising about me: One of my favorite New Year’s resolutions is to cook 52 new recipes every year.

Who made a significant impact on my career: Retired Supreme Court of Virginia Justice Elizabeth McClanahan, then dean of the Appalachian School of Law. She took a chance on me after just one conversation, believing in my potential at a time when I was navigating a significant career transition.

TROY WIIPONGWII
Director of innovation and entrepreneurship in conservation, Institute for Integrative Conservation at William & Mary, Williamsburg

A STEM advocate who works at the intersection of academia, business, community and governance, Wiipongwii researches the impact of technology and policies on food systems, including production, consumption and entrepreneurship. He received his master’s degree in public policy from William & Mary in 2018 and followed that with a doctorate in data science and technology from Capitol Technology University.
Wiipongwii has worked with chefs, farmers and community leaders and founded IndigineiTEA and the Traditional Eastern Woodland Foodways Alliance.

Where I see myself in 10 years: I see IndigineiTEA being a multiproduct company generating $20 million in sales annually. I see myself continuing in my role as the director of innovation and entrepreneurship for conservation at the IIC, with an increased role of supporting the academic side of the foodways alliance.

Something surprising about me: I hope to get my pilot’s license within the next five years!

JAMES A. WILTSHIRE III
Portfolio manager, Bank of America, RICHMOND

Since 2014, Wiltshire has advised high net-worth individuals and families, as well as private foundations, on their finances. He previously was an associate wealth management adviser at Northwestern Mutual and says if he could trade places with any business leader for a day, it would be Warren Buffett.

A VCU graduate who received a chartered financial analyst designation, Wiltshire enjoys running and traveling, as well as spending time outdoors with his family. He’s a member of the Sports Backers president’s council and served as a board member for Viridiant for three years.

Key to my success: The key to my success is the combination of my unwavering discipline, a growth mindset, genuine curiosity and the ability to adapt to challenges.

Something surprising about me: I raised bantam chickens in my backyard and taught one of them to fly on command to my arms.

BENMING ZHANG
Associate attorney, Kaufman & Canoles, Williamsburg

Zhang practices corporate, securities, zoning and estate planning law at Kaufman & Canoles, and as a William & Mary student, was the first Asian American person elected to Williamsburg City Council. He is married to his former law school classmate, Kelsey Abell, and they live in Williamsburg with their two children and co-own a bed-and-breakfast with Abell’s mother. Among Zhang’s volunteer duties, he has served as president of Literacy for Life for four years, offering adult education and English classes.

Greatest professional accomplishment: Successfully representing a client that completed its initial public offering and listing on Nasdaq this past year.

If I wasn’t in this industry: I would start and run my own non-legal business full-time. I have a strong entrepreneurial drive, which has been rooted in my father’s experiences owning his medical practice for much of his career.