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Board Chair
Mr. Kurt R. Kondas President / CEO Universal Air & Gas Products Corporation Kurt Kondas- was raised near Pittsburgh, PA where he was active in varsity sports, scouting and his church. Kurt finished his BA at Penn State in 1979 and his MA in 1982 and MBA at William & Mary in 1993. Kurt married his wife Nancy in 1983 and moved to Virginia Beach shortly after. Kurt began work in Norfolk with the newly formed US entity of a German based manufacturer, Bauer Compressors. After more than a decade with Bauer, Kurt left to start his own systems engineering, manufacturing and Service Corporation named Universal Air Products Corporation (dba Universal Air & Gas Products or UAPC) in 1994.
Home based in the Norfolk Industrial Park, Universal operates from two Norfolk facilities and has another sales, service and warehouse facility in Charlotte, NC. UAPC specializes in design / build manufacturing of integrated air or gas processing systems. Five other corporations principally owned by Kurt hold real estate in PA, VA and NC. Kurt serves locally as the board chair for Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads, which is dedicated to empowering at risk children to graduate from high school and be prepared for their next steps in life. |
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Board Vice-Chair
Dr. Winston O. Odom President / CEO KA Education Consultants, LLC Dr. Winston Odom- He is a retired educator with more than 39 years of professional service. He received his doctorate from Virginia Tech, masters from University of Virginia; and bachelors of Science from North Carolina A&T State University. He is currently the CEO/President of KA Education Consultants, LLC., in Chesapeake; vice chairman of the Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads; board member of Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; board member and chair of the Education Committee of the Hampton Roads 200+Men Committee; and board member of the AIM Family Services.
He is a former national president of AASPA and state president of VASPA. He served as an Eminent Scholar and adjunct professor for Virginia State University and adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University and Regent University. He has been recognized with many distinguished awards and honors from numerous professional associations, social groups, community and government agencies, and churches including his selection as an EPFP Virginia Fellow; AASPA’s National Administrator of the Year; and the Virginia Superintendent’s Group Region I Superintendent of the Year. |
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Board Treasurer
Ms. Cyndi Tymoff Community Volunteer Cyndi Tymoff- was born in Shrevesport, LA, moving 7 times during her childhood as part of an Air Force family. She graduated, in Denmark, from Copenhagen International High School and then attended Virginia Tech, majoring in Mathematics, with a minor in Computer Science. During her school years Cyndi was very active in many clubs and sports, but found swimming to be her passion. She participated in the Junior Olympics and was asked to train for the Olympics, but decided against it to further her academic pursuits.
Cyndi went on to a very rewarding career in Information Technology starting at Virginia National Bank in 1976 and after many bank mergers, retiring from Bank of America 36 years later. During this time, Cyndi led many diverse technology teams, ending her career as a technology executive leading a team across the globe supporting the banks ATM’s, Contact centers and the Banking centers. In retirement, Cyndi spends her time traveling, enjoying her family and friends, playing golf and serving on several non-profit boards associated with providing opportunities for all of our young people to succeed in life. |
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Board Member
Mr. Mark Carter Bank of America Senior Vice President Performance Testing Delivery Manager Mark Carter- has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, with expertise in engineering, operations, performance and capacity management, cloud strategy and adoption, project management, relationship management, and contract negotiation and management. Mark is currently the Senior Vice President (SVP) responsible for Bank of America’s Consumer and Wealth Management cloud adoption program. Mark is a graduate of Old Dominion University (ODU) and currently lives in Virginia Beach.
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Board Member
Mrs. Deborah Cassidy PRA Group Global Chief Information Officer Deborah Cassidy- has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, with expertise in strategic planning, process efficiencies, large system implementations, business partnering, and IT best practice. She presently serves as enterprise Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the PRA Group, responsible for the company’s global IT organization. Deborah Cassidy was previously Senior Vice President (SVP) and Business CIO at Genworth Financial, responsible for their Financial, Actuarial, Investment, HR, Risk, Compliance and Legal systems.
She has held senior management positions at Allianz Global Assistance, Tredegar Industries, Vie de France Corporation, Hemingway and Associates, Frank Chervan, and Trinity Corporation. Deborah received her Masters of Science in the management of information technology (MSMIT) from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business systems from Mary Baldwin College. |
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Board Member
Mr. Robert Nutt, MBA, JD Business Attorney and Counselor at Law Robert Nutt, MBA, JD, is a Business Attorney and Counselor at Law, as well as the Founder of his own Law Firm. In his practice Mr. Nutt uses his business and legal expertise to help small business owners survive and to thrive in today’s difficult economic climate. He counsels entrepreneurs and executives, to succeed in all of their pursuits, bringing prosperity and job creation to the Hampton Roads Community. Most attorneys only have legal experience,
Mr. Nutt has the background and experience in business as well as in law, to not only understand his client’s businesses, but also, to use that knowledge to deliver the best possible results for his clients. His specialties are; Sales & Business Development, Marketing & Lead Generation, Prospecting & Qualifying, Presenting, Proposing & Closing, Partner Relationship Development, Enterprise Accounting (ERP), Customer Management (CRM), Multi-Year Phased Planning (ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Legacy), Business Performance Improvement, Business Strategy & Analysis, Process Assessment and Financial Modeling, and Performance Improvement & Change Management. |
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Board Member
Mrs. Wendy M. Hosick, Communities In Schools of Virginia Director of External Affairs (Ret.) Wendy Hosick- is the retired director of external affairs for Communities In Schools of Virginia. She was responsible for legislative affairs, board recruitment and development and fundraising. She served a twenty-year career with Virginia Blood Services serving in multiple marketing-related capacities with her last position as executive director and founder of its 501(c)3 foundation. A published services marketing and business development executive, Wendy has over 40 years management experience in both the not-for-profit and for-profit industries. Currently, Wendy serves on the boards of Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads, The Rotary Club of North Suffolk and is its past-president. She has also been a board member of The Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Henrico Business Council Chair, Western Henrico and Churchland Rotary Clubs, Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives, and Riverside School.
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Board Member
Pamela Connor Suffolk Public Schools Director of Elementary Leadership Pamela Connor, Ed.S, Director of Elementary Leadership for Suffolk Public Schools works directly with administrators, schools, and communities to enhance opportunities and strengthen educational programs for children. She seeks opportunities through partnerships to meet the needs and strives for all students to become life-long learners equipped to succeed as productive citizens in a global society. She is a member of numerous professional affiliations and previously served on the Suffolk Sister Cities International Board. She earned an
Education Specialist Degree from George Washington University, Master of Education Degree from The College of William and Mary, and Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University. Mrs. Connor has previously served as an instructional coordinator, elementary principal, elementary assistant principal, and classroom teacher. She currently resides in Smithfield with her husband, Chris, and daughter, Alexis, who is fifth generation educator. |
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Board Member
Dr. Marie Shepherd Portsmouth Public Schools Coordinator Dr. Marie Shepherd- attended public schools and graduated with honors from I. C. Norcom High School. Upon completion of high school, Marie attended Norfolk State University where she graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. In 1988, she received the Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Norfolk State University. Ten years later in May 1998, she received the Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Her community affiliations include the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (42 years) and holds a Lifetime membership with Portsmouth Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. and P.T.A. Dr. Shepherd continues to reside in the city of Portsmouth.
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Board Member
Martha P. Stewart Community Volunteer Martha Stewart - worked for almost 30 years for nonprofits until retiring in 2016. After graduating from ODU with a masters in English and teaching for several years with Virginia Beach Public Schools and TCC, Martha took another path and began with The Mariners Museum, leaving after 16 years at the time as Director of Annual Giving. Martha then took a position as Director of Development with St. Mary’s Home where she worked for 11 years until retirement. Before moving to the area, Martha graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in English and she lived in California briefly. Martha is from NC where her family still resides. During her time with St. Mary’s she learned about the important work of CIS. She is pleased now to be a part of CIS.
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Board Member
Alison Johnson Reed & Associates Marketing Director of Operations Alison Johnson - is the Director of Operations at Reed & Associates Marketing (R&A). Prior to joining R&A, Johnson was the vice president of sales for Pilot Media Inc., a Landmark company, where she had held several positions prior. She was with Landmark for over 17 years. She has long been interested in philanthropy and giving back to the community. She was the ambassador for the United Way Women in Leadership drive and most recently was recognized as one of United Way’s 10 for 10 women in 2017 – now known as the 100 Women United. She still serves as a member of the society and communications committee. In addition, Johnson has served on the following boards over the years: the USO, US Navy League, Tidewater Youth Services Foundation, and the Virginia Zoological Society. R&A President, Ashley Knepper says that “R&A encourages its employees to pursue philanthropic and leadership opportunities and is proud to recognize Johnson for her outstanding achievements. She sets the bar high in all areas of business, and philanthropy is no different.” Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. She currently lives in Virginia Beach with her husband Tom and two boys, Henry and Thomas.
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Board Member
Dustin Rinehart The Port of Virginia Director State & Local Government Affairs Dustin Rinehart - is a native of southern Virginia Beach and a graduate of Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School. In his youth, he was heavily involved in the Virginia Beach 4H Livestock Club and the agricultural community as whole. Dustin’s interest in agriculture led him to Virginia Tech, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Animal and Poultry Science. After college, his passion turned toward politics, eventually heading the legislative office for a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. In 2017, Dustin Rinehart was hired by The Port of Virginia as the Director for State and Local Government Affairs. Dustin played a major role in securing the full funding from the Virginia General Assembly for the Norfolk Harbor Project, which will ensure Virginia remains one of the few ports that can welcome the largest container vessels calling on the US East Coast. Dustin continues to reside in Virginia Beach, and is heavily involved in the Hampton Roads Community. He is passionate about this area and believes that the best way to serve the citizens is by having all of Hampton Roads work together. Dustin strongly believes that the foundation for success is through education
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Board Member
Lakeisha Carey REECH Foundation Executive Director Lakeisha Carey - graduated Northwestern State University with a B.S. in Pre-Law/Criminal Justice. During her college career, she was very active in different community service projects and organizations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then attended Southern University Law Center where she graduated in the top 5% of her law school class in May 2011. She was sworn into the Louisiana State Bar in October 2011. From 2011-2014, she was a practicing attorney representing children. During that time, she became a new children's book author; the book is titled "Cankeyo" You Can Keep Your Dreams Alive! Now she serves as the Executive Director of the Don Carey REECH foundation, a non-profit organization geared to Reaching, Educating, and Empowering Children in the area of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and physical wellbeing. The REECH foundation is known for its flagship event, the STEAM DAY and Football camp.
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Board Member
Dr. Dorie Gilbert Norfolk State University Professor Dr. Dorie Gilbert - is professor and director of The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Norfolk State University (NSU). Prior to coming to NSU, Dr. Gilbert taught at the University of Texas at Austin for 20 years where her scholarly work focused on interdisciplinary, international social work in Africa.
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Board Member
Brenda Fleming Norfolk Redevelopment Housing & Authority Property Manager Brenda Fleming - is a native of Chesapeake, VA and serves as the Property Manager for Grandy Village in Norfolk, VA (property of NRHA). In this role, she serves the needs of mixed-income families by providing resources that affect their educational, recreational and social needs which address the essential and changing needs of families in the Grandy Village community. The mission of NRHA is to provide quality housing opportunities that foster sustainable mixed-income communities. One of Brenda’s major focuses is on supporting and building partnerships in the Grandy Village Community and creating collaborations that can offer opportunities to youth and adults. Additionally, her expertise includes strategic planning, program management/development, community outreach, staff development and allocation of resources.
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