Laura Worley Fornash

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Antoinette Jenkins

Dr. Antoinette Carter Jenkins has dedicated her career to supporting the enrichment of people and organizations as an educator, administrator, and organizational development professional. She possesses over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector and academia. She recently served as the inaugural director of the Rappahannock Work and Learn Collaborative at the University of Mary Washington, fostering collaboration among regional stakeholders, securing funding, and facilitating student and employer readiness to advance the Commonwealth’s work-based learning initiatives under the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership. Prior to that role, she served as an adjunct business professor at Northern Virginia Community College for over a decade.

Dr. Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from George Mason University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She earned her doctoral degree in human and organizational learning from George Washington University, where her research interests focused on the nexus between organizational culture and social impact. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from the HR Certification Institute.

Leah Williams-Rumbley

Leah Williams-Rumbley currently serves as the Chief Impact and Operations Officer of YWCA South Hampton Roads. She returned “home” to this organization in July of 2025. She has 27 years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit community services sector. At YWCA SHR, Leah integrates strategic program leadership with internal operations to ensure mission-driven excellence, organizational efficiency, and meaningful and measurable community impact.

In her former role as Chief Programs and Innovation Officer for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, she oversaw innovative community feeding initiatives and stewarded relationships with elected and appointed officials, key community partners, stakeholders, and the business community. She also successfully leveraged functional expertise to diagnose challenges and root causes of complex issues. Leah is passionate about changing lives and leverages her knowledge and connections in the community to bring worthy partners to the table with the goal of centering the community in the work.

Mrs. Williams-Rumbley holds an undergraduate degree in General Studies focusing on Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from Regent University. She actively serves on various community boards and committees such as Women United, Virginia Ed Strategies, and The Up Center. She is a past chair of the Norfolk Division board of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and an alumna of regional and statewide leadership enhancement programs, LEAD Hampton Roads and LEAD Virginia. In November 2024, Leah received a Gubernatorial appointment to serve on the Task Force on Support Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault.

Zuzana Steen

Zuzana Steen is the Director of Academic and Community Relations at Micron Technology, Inc. in Virginia and with her extensive knowledge of educational institutions, industry and non-profits, she is working to foster positive relationships and strategic partnerships in the community around Micron and throughout the Commonwealth. In her role, Zuzana also oversees Micron team members’ extensive group and individual volunteer engagement in the community.

A recognized leader in education, workforce development (WD), and community initiatives, Zuzana serves in several statewide and regional roles, including the Virginia Board for WD, Virginia Works – Northern Region Board, Virginia Ed Strategies Board, GO Virginia Region 7 Council, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Foundation Board, Virginia Cardinal Education Advisory Board, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Workforce and Education Council, Leadership Prince William Board, and as President of the Virginia Microelectronics Consortium (VMEC) since July 2025.

She previously completed two terms on the NOVA College Board, including service as Chair, and chaired boards for the George Mason University (GMU) SciTech Campus, SPARK, the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation, and Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) Education Foundation, as well as co-chaired the Prince William Chamber Education & Workforce Committee.

Zuzana has co-created and supported several innovative models that strengthen partnerships among secondary and post-secondary institutions, business and industry, and nonprofit organizations. The partnerships have advanced programs that prepare students for high-demand careers, lift communities and drive economic growth.

In 2024, Zuzana received the Community Leadership Award from Leadership Prince William; in 2021, the Seed of Change Award from GMU; and in 2018, the Women in Technology Award from NOVA. She was also a 2023 finalist for the ACCT Trustee Leadership Award. Under her leadership, Micron earned numerous honors, including the 2022 Community Leadership Award from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the 2023 State Business & Industry Partnership Award from the Virginia Community College System, Virginia Tech NSBE Business Partner of the Year, and 2024 Business Partner of the Year from the City of Manassas. Additionally, in 2023, Micron was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and Virginia DOE for its impactful career-connected learning partnership with MCPS.

Zuzana is a graduate of the 2013 Class of Leadership Prince William and 2003 graduate of Leadership Fairfax Emerging Leaders Institute.

Born, raised and educated in Czechoslovakia, later the Czech Republic and having lived in Prague, London, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Zuzana currently works, volunteers and resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, Joe, and their sons, Pavel and Milan.

Beth Rhinehart

Beth D. Rhinehart is the President & CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce serving both Bristol VA and TN and representing nearly 600 businesses. The Bristol TN/VA Chamber is a 5-star accredited organization and has been a leader in economic advocacy since 1909. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2015, Beth spent the previous 10 years as Director of Government Relations for Wellmont Health System, building key relationships and overseeing the Virginia legislative processes as they apply to hospitals and healthcare. Beth currently serves on the VA Chamber of Commerce Board, is the Past-Chair of the GO Virginia Region 1 Council, immediate Past-Chair of the VA Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Past President of the Bristol TN/VA Rotary Club, Past Chair of the Bristol TN/VA United Way Annual Campaign and Board, and serves on the Leadership Council for the STRONG ACC – the first Bi-State Accountable Care Community. She previously served as Chairman of the Bristol Virginia Public School Board, Board member/Secretary for the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, Member of the Sorensen Institute State Advisory Board, Board member for the Virginia Center for Health Innovation and served as Governor McDonnell’s appointee to the Virginia Tobacco Commission and Governor McAuliffe’s appointee to the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success.

Beth is a native of Bristol, Virginia, and earned her B.S. degree from Mary Washington College – Fredericksburg, VA, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Counseling degrees from Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD, and an MBA from King College in Bristol, Tennessee. Beth was recognized by The Bristol United Way with the 2019-2020 Inaugural James W. McGlothlin Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2018 received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boys & Girls Club of the Mountain Empire for her exemplary service and citizenship. The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions and attained noteworthy achievements in our region. In addition, she received King University’s Graduate and Professional Studies Alumni Award in 2016. In 2025, Beth was named the King University Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient at their annual Dogwood Celebration and earned the VA Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives -Executive of the Year in August of 2025.

Beth is a 2024 graduate of the LEADERSHIP TENNESSEE Class X, and was appointed by Governor Youngkin to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) in 2023. She is a 2010 graduate of the Sorensen Institute Political Leadership Program (elected President of her Class) and earned her Institute for Organization Management IOM certification in June 2018. She recently graduated from the Association of Chamber Executives (ACCE) Foundation Economic Mobility Fellowship; she completed a Fellowship in the ACCE Education & Talent Development Division in 2019 and completed a Business Leads Fellowship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She recently completed an intensive childcare Master Class as part of her ongoing Business LEADS Fellowship with the US Chamber Foundation. She is a member of the U.S Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Committee of 100 – the top 100 Chamber CEOs in the country. In 2022, Beth earned her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) – one of only 172 nationwide out of over 7,000 Chambers of Commerce.

Kristie Proctor

Kristie Helmick Proctor is a rural Virginia native and accomplished organizational leader. Proctor was appointed as Executive Director of The Virginia Rural Center (VRC) in 2017. The VRC was created in 2004 and works with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure Virginia’s rural communities are successful, productive and prosper in their position as a vital part of the economy.

In addition to serving as Executive Director of VRC, Proctor worked with the VRC Board to create the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI), which currently oversees the program. VRLI is currently in its third year of implementation and serves as the Commonwealth’s first and only leadership program that is focused on retaining, attracting, and developing rural Virginians into innovative, responsible, and civic-minded leaders who build strong local and regional
communities.

Before joining VRC, Proctor served as Senior Grassroots Manager at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s largest small business association, where she managed staff that implemented and oversaw grassroots activities in 17 different states. Proctor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Longwood University and a Master of Arts degree in Government from Regent University. She holds a Law and Public Policy Graduate Certificate and a Homeland Defense and Terrorism Graduate Certificate from Oxford University. She is also a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Proctor lives in Eastern Hanover County, the same area where she grew up, with her husband and three young children. She enjoys outdoor activities, such as rabbit hunting and spending time on the water in Virginia’s northern neck region.

Deborah Jonas

Dr. Deborah Jonas is the Vice President & Practice Director for Education Studies at Westat, where she oversees a portfolio of education research, evaluation, and technical assistance programs and more than 130 staff. She is a strategic, action-oriented leader with more than 20 years of experience developing and leading multidisciplinary teams; designing systems to secure and effectively manage externally funded research, technical assistance, and longitudinal data system enhancements; and conceptualizing and leading research programs to inform and change policy and practice.

Throughout her career, Jonas has conceptualized, led, and supported educators and policymakers in diverse states and in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Her research has resulted in changes to community college course placement policies, the untracking of middle school mathematics course placement policy, revised high school graduation accountability policies, new data in state systems, and reports to monitor and analyze student access to programs and learning outcomes.

Prior to joining Westat, Jonas held leadership roles in the public and private sectors, serving as the Managing Research Director at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Executive Director of the Center for Education Research & Innovation at SRI International, and Executive Director for Research & Planning at the Virginia Department of Education.

Andy Gail

A resident of Winchester, Virginia, Andy Gail serves as President and CEO of the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley. With a background in corporate leadership and business strategy, Andy brings a results-driven and collaborative approach to strengthening communities across the region. His leadership at United Way NSV emphasizes cross-sector partnerships that unite local government, businesses, and nonprofits to address complex challenges and create lasting impact. A dedicated community advocate, Andy serves on several regional boards, including Fremont Street Nursery, the Winchester Department of Social Services, Virginia Ed Strategies, and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, which recognized him as its first Emerging Leader Award recipient for his vision and commitment to regional progress.

Emily Webb

Emily Webb joined Advantus Strategies in May 2025 as Senior Director of Government Relations. A seasoned policy leader with experience across multiple administrations and, most recently, as Senior Vice President with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Emily brings deep expertise in education and workforce development, a strong network of relationships, and a proven understanding of the legislative process. At Advantus, she leads the firm’s municipal and public sector practice, with a particular focus on education and workforce issues.

Emily has held key leadership roles in both the public and nonprofit sectors. She served as Director of the Virginia Board of Education, where she oversaw policy development, regulatory reform, and strategic communications to advance the Board’s comprehensive vision for public education in the Commonwealth. Her prior roles include Director of Government Relations at the Virginia School Boards Association, education policy advisor to Governor Bob McDonnell, and Deputy Director of Virginia21.

A proud Hokie, Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Emily resides in Goochland County with her goldendoodle, Kobe.

Alicia Uzzle

Dr. Alicia R. Uzzle, manager at the Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), was raised in Accomack County on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She moved to Hampton in 1989 to study physics at Hampton University (HU) as an Office of Naval Research scholar, there receiving her BA and MS degrees.

Dr. Uzzle taught in Newport News Public Schools for three years before returning to HU to complete her PhD and postdoctoral research at Jefferson Lab in experimental nuclear physics. She was an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Peninsula Community College before coming to The Apprentice School at NNS as an academic instructor in 2004. By 2008, Dr. Uzzle was an academic supervisor, and in 2015, she became manager of Academics.

While serving in her current position, she was selected into the Sorensen Institute class of 2019 Political Leaders Program, appointed to serve on the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center board of directors, and member of the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation. Since 2021, Dr. Uzzle has been a manager of Trades Training Integration, a department which manages all aspects of workforce proficiency at NNS. Dr. Uzzle lives in Hampton with her husband and they have three adult sons.

Jeremy Satterfield

Jeremy Satterfield is the new TechSpark Community Engagement Manager for Boydton, Virginia. He is a lifelong resident of Southern Virginia having completed his K-12 education in Halifax County and obtained his bachelor’s degree at Longwood University. Jeremy spent three years teaching high school marketing courses at Bluestone High School in Mecklenburg County immediately after college. After leaving the education field, he went to work with the local community-owned not-for-profit hospital as their community outreach representative. After six years, Jeremy left healthcare to take a new position for Mid-Atlantic Broadband, a growing middle-mile provider in Southern Virginia. His time in telecommunications shed light on the disparities between rural and urban communities. One of the most impactful programs he has worked with is the Homework Gap Initiative, a TV white space pilot project in rural southern Virginia that helped bring connectivity to students in unserved and underserved areas.

The opportunities that Jeremy has had in education, healthcare, and telecommunications have helped forge his commitment to bridge the gap to rural communities. As a father of three, Jeremy has a vested interest in bringing opportunities into rural Virginia for the next generation. Kylie, 16, Kameron, 13 and Layne, 11, are all enrolled in Halifax County Public Schools where his wife, Kristy, is a third-grade teacher. Life as a father to three children keeps him busy but Jeremy has found time to coach Kylie’s travel softball team and Layne’s recreation and travel baseball teams. Jeremy has served on various boards throughout the region, chambers of commerce, IDA’s, and educational foundations. As a proponent of lifelong learning, he recently earned his certificate of Leadership from the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia.

Nat Marshall

Nathaniel (Nat) X. Marshall is truly a product of Central Virginia. He was born, raised, and educated in Bedford County; he graduated with a degree in Business Administration & English from the University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College); he married an Amherst County native; he worked for BWXT, the largest employer in Campbell County, for 41 years before he retired in the fall of 2025; he currently lives in the mid-town section of the city of Lynchburg with his wife and two daughters.

Nat has served on a number of boards and committees including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way, the University of Lynchburg, the State and Regional Workforce Boards, the State Board for Community Colleges, Central Virginia Community College Local Board, Johnson Health Center, VA Center for Inclusive Communities, and Dance Lynchburg. He remains engaged in these and a number of other organizations, including his church, with the simple purpose of making a small difference in his community.

Tom Brewster

Dr. Thomas Brewster currently serves as the Assistant Director of Human Resources for Montgomery County Public Schools. His extensive career in education includes roles as a high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, university professor, student service coordinator, deputy superintendent, and school superintendent.

Before joining Montgomery County, Dr. Brewster served as the Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences at Bluefield University, where he played a key role in expanding graduate programs, including degrees in educational leadership and counseling. During his tenure as Superintendent of Pulaski County Public Schools from 2012 to 2016, he led initiatives to enhance advanced placement, dual enrollment, and workforce training opportunities for students, along with efforts to improve digital connectivity across the district.

Dr. Brewster has held leadership positions in several educational initiatives. He chaired the Commonwealth of Virginia Advisory Committee on Adult Education and Literacy, led a national study group on improving graduation rates for the National Association of State Boards of Education, and co-chaired the Taskforce on Workforce Readiness for the Virginia School Boards Association. In 2016, Senator Mark Warner invited him to participate in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Education and Workforce Roundtable for the United States Senate.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brewster has received recognition for his contributions. In 2013, he was named Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Executive of the Year and received the Bluefield College Alumni of the Year award. His achievements have been honored with inductions into the Pulaski County Career and Technical Center’s Wall of Honor and the Tazewell High School Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work in education, Dr. Brewster has served on various boards and committees, including the Virginia State Board of Education, the Virginia State Community College Board, the Bluefield University Board of Trustees, and the Radford University Board of Visitors. He also served as a member of the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors.

A Southwest Virginia native, Dr. Brewster holds a doctorate from Virginia Tech, an MS from Radford University, and a BA from Bluefield College.

Liz Povar

A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Liz Povar founded The RiverLink Group, a Virginia SWAM-certified economic development consulting firm focusing on the intersection of higher education, workforce and community development. The RiverLink Group’s clients include economic development organizations across Virginia, as well as education, corporate and non-profit organizations; it has a special focus on rural Virginia.

With nearly 45 years in economic development, Liz has public, private and non-profit experience. With 9 years as a small business owner, she also served for 21 years in various leadership roles in the public sector with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, retiring as Vice-President for Business Expansion, where she was responsible for leading VEDP’s Business Retention/Expansion, Partner Communications, Higher Education Partnerships, and Virginia Jobs Investment Program. Before joining VEDP, she served for 10 years as Director of the Emporia-Greensville Industrial Development Corporation, a local non-profit rural economic development agency. Prior to that she served for 4 years as the Executive Director of the Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce.

She is a graduate of Bluefield College with a B.S. degree in Organizational Management, has held her Certified Economic Developer designation since 1997, and currently holds the CEcD Emeritus designation. She is co-founder of CARES (Children Are Really Extra Special), a rural business-education partnership. She is serving her second term as a Governor’s Appointee to the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Rural Center; is immediate past chair of the Board of Directors for Virginia Ed Strategies, Inc.; is immediate past chair of the Board of the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges; is a founding member of the Rappahannock Region Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Council for GO Virginia Region 6; is a member of the Rappahannock Community College Advisory Board; and the Advisory Council for Cardinal Education. She remains active in various committees of the Virginia Economic Developers Association.

In 2014, Liz was named the 2014 Alumna of the Year for Bluefield College and received the Jorman D. Granger Service Award from LEAD Virginia. She is a past President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and received its Cardinal Award in 2011. A past president of the Emporia Rotary Club, she also previously served as a Board member of LEAD Virginia. She is married to Tedd Povar, who retired as Associate Director for the Virginia Institute of Government, and is currently affiliated with The Berkeley Group. She is a proud mom and step-mom to seven young professionals and a blessed grandma of ten exceptional grandchildren. Liz and Tedd live in western Henrico and in Deltaville (Middlesex County) and enjoy international travel, time with family, and boating on the Rappahannock River.

Michael Bolling

Michael Bolling currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Stafford County Public Schools. Just prior to this appointment, Michael was the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation at the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). In 2017, Michael was the founding executive director of CodeRVA, a regional high school in Richmond focused on equity, educational innovation, and preparing a diverse population of students for college and careers in the tech sector. Mr. Bolling also served as the Coordinator of Mathematics and Director of the Office of Mathematics and Governor’s Schools at the VDOE. His teaching career began as a high school mathematics teacher at Atlee High School in Hanover County. He has also served in leadership positions in Chesterfield and Powhatan Counties.

Carol Fleming

Carol Fleming joined the Virginia Ed Strategies board in 2019. Carol is the Assistant Dean for Professional & Continuing Education at James Madison University. In this capacity, she is focused on creating mutually beneficial partnerships between the university and the community and connecting PK-12 schools with faculty, children with community engagement programs, and businesses and non-profits with professional training. She serves as a board member with the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and The Alliance for Non-Profit Partnerships. She’s also involved with national associations like the University of Professional and Continuing Education (UPCEA.) Prior to joining JMU, Carol worked in arts education in Chicago, first with Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education and then with Chicago Public Schools. She’s always had a passion for the arts and for connecting schools, children and teachers with cultural institutions, performing companies, and residency artists. Humor and Happiness are key values to her approach to work.

Andrew Sinclair

Andrew M. Sinclair joined the Virginia Chamber of Commerce in June 2025. As the Vice President of Public Policy, Andrew supports the Chamber’s efforts to shape policies and build programs that benefit the business community, including managing the development of Blueprint Virginia, the Chamber’s comprehensive strategic plan aimed at maintaining the Commonwealth’s ranking as the best state for business.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Andrew spent more than a decade at the Port of Virginia, where he oversaw the development and execution of the port’s federal government relations programs including advocacy for and management of the Norfolk Harbor deepening and widening project. Before that he worked for Organization Management Group, the Hampton Roads Partnership, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, Inc.

Andrew is an Eagle Scout, earned his bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College, and has been part of several leadership programs including Leadership Chesapeake (2005), LEAD Hampton Roads (2007), Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula (2009), Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership (2015), and LEAD Virginia (2023). In 2008, Andrew was included in Inside Business’ Top Forty Under 40. He currently serves on the Boards of the Virginia Maritime Association, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and Cub Scout Pack 901.

Dorothea Shannon

Dr. Dorothea Shannon is a charter member of the Virginia Ed Strategies Board. She is an educational consultant and retired educator with experience as a school superintendent for several Virginia school divisions, Executive Director of the Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, a school improvement consultant and Chief Academic Officer for the Virginia Department of Education, and adjunct professor.

kim mckay

Kim McKay

Kim McKay joined the Virginia Ed Strategies Board in 2018. Kim serves as the Director of Public Policy for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Deputy Director of the Virginia Chamber Foundation. Prior to her position with the Chamber, Kim held several state and federal government positions. She also served as a Research and Policy Analyst and Interim Deputy Director of the Council on Virginia’s Future. In her recent roles, she has helped develop Blueprint Virginia 2025.

Katherine DeRosear

Katherine DeRosear joined the Virginia Ed Strategies Board in 2012. Katherine is the Senior Vice President, Community and Partner Engagement for Headed2, a cloud-based career and transition planning platform. She has served as the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Skills Institute at the Virginia Manufacturers Association, Deputy Senior Adviser for Workforce Development in the Governor’s Office, Deputy Director for the Council on Virginia’s Future, and Director of Workforce Policy for VCCS.

Keith Perrigan

Dr. Keith Perrigan started his career as a teacher in a self-contained classroom for students with emotional disabilities. He then served as an administrator in Washington County, Virginia for 13 years, 9 of those as principal at Patrick Henry High School. He spent 2.5 years as Superintendent of Norton City Schools and then 6.5 years as Superintendent of Bristol Virginia Public Schools. Dr. Perrigan became Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools in June of 2023 and continues to serve there. He is also a founding member of the Coalfields Coalition, which was the predecessor of the Coalition of Small and Rural Schools of Virginia, of which he now serves as President.

Latoya Smith

Latoya Smith is vice president–Employee Experience and Talent Strategy.

She is responsible for the strategic oversight of employee experience programs and initiatives, talent acquisition compliance, the student employment program, the staff augmentation program, workforce development, talent management, employee & leader development programs, HR technology strategy & analytics, and HR shared services.

Smith joined Dominion Energy in 2020 as managing counsel in the Law Department, advising on labor and employment matters. In 2021, she was named director–Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning and was responsible for leading and developing strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning initiatives to promote an inclusive work culture at Dominion Energy. She was promoted to her current position in August 2023.

Before joining Dominion Energy, Smith served as vice president – inclusion, diversity & belonging at Verisk, where she partnered with executive and business leaders on strategy and programs to accelerate efforts to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. Prior to that, Smith served as director – associate general counsel at E*TRADE Financial Corporation, where she provided strategic legal counsel on matters impacting the company across the globe. She also served as manager – human resources and labor relations at NewMarket Corporation, where she provided strategic human resources leadership in various business units and managed labor relations activities at the company’s U.S. plants. Earlier in her career, Smith worked as a labor and employment litigation attorney at McGuireWoods LLP and taught high school at Sahel Academy in Niamey, Niger.

Smith is currently a member of the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium, a member of the Center for Energy Workforce Development Executive Council, a member of the EEI DEI Executive Advisory Committee, and Vice Chair of the Congressional School Board of Trustees. She also serves as adjunct faculty at George Mason University’s School of Business and as an adjunct lecturer in Georgetown University’s Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Management program.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University and a J.D. from William & Mary School of Law.

ted bennett

Ted Bennett

W. W. “Ted” Bennett, Jr. is a charter member of the Virginia Ed Strategies Board and was the key advocate in the creation of the organization in 2007. He serves as the Board Vice-Chair. Prior to his retirement, Ted served as the Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Halifax County and the Executive Director of SVHEC. He also practiced law and served as a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly. Ted served as the Chair for the Virginia Math and Science Coalition.

Gena Keller

In 2024, Gena Keller retired from a notable and productive career in Virginia K-12 education. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Commonwealth Learning Partnership (CLP), a collaborative of professional learning organizations, higher education leaders, and educators with a deep commitment to transforming public education in Virginia with a laser focus on equity. Just prior to her work at the CLP, Gena retired from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as Assistant Superintendent for Learning. During her tenure there, she was integral in connecting credible statewide professional learning organizations in assisting school districts in implementing the competencies and skill sets that comprised the Profile of a Virginia Graduate. Gena also assisted in the creation of supporting profiles – Profile of a Virginia Leader, Educator, and Classroom – that became drivers for the Virginia Superintendent Leadership Academy and the Virginia Learning Innovation Network and caused shifts in the preparation of educators in higher education institutions.

Before moving to the VDOE, Gena served as superintendent for seven years in the Fluvanna County Public Schools District in Central Virginia. In 2017, Gena was named the Region V Superintendent of the Year by her colleagues. She received the AASA National Superintendent Certification and is known for her “dogged determination” while championing every student who walks through the doors of a public school. Gena served as President of Women Education Leaders of Virginia (WELV) and continues to be active in professional organizations that support learning opportunities for all educators.

Early in her career, Gena served students as a teacher for children with special needs, home-school coordinator, counselor, administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and assistant superintendent for instruction before becoming the superintendent in Fluvanna. She earned a BS Degree from Radford University and two Masters in Education from the University of Virginia.

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