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Board Chair
Alison Johnson Reed & Associates Marketing (R&A) Director of Operations Alison Johnson - 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 Vice-Chair
Johnny Garcia SimIs, Inc CEO Dr. Johnny Garcia has over 25 years of engineering experience that includes systems architecture design, software development, database development, C4I systems development, logistics systems development, and new technology insertion for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Garcia has received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree from St Leo College, Master of Business Administration and Masters of Science from Florida Institute of Technology and completed his PhD in Modeling and Simulation from Old Dominion University. Dr. Garcia is a result-oriented professional with experience, and comprehensive expertise in development of Models and Simulations, Command and Control, Targeting and Service Oriented Architecture applications. He has sixteen years of experience and training in combat, aerospace, and related systems. Dr. Garcia served in the US Navy for six years as an Operations Specialist and received numerous awards and commendations. Dr. Garcia used this experience and simple core values of integrity, quality and honesty to build SimIS. |
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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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Past 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. |
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Board Member
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 Member
Mrs. Chris Burroughs PRA Group Chief Technology Officer Chris Burroughs has more than 25 years of experience in information technology. Her previous roles include vice president of IT infrastructure and architecture, Americas Zone for Allianz Global Assistance, network manager for McGuire Woods LLP and IT director for Circuit City Stores, Inc. She is also an adjunct instructor in the Fast Track Executive Master of Science in Information Systems program at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches IT financial management, unified communications and LAN/WAN architecture. Burroughs earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in information processing systems, summa cum laude, from the University of Richmond. She holds an OPEX Blue Belt Certification from the Allianz Six Sigma/Lean Program and an ITIL Foundation Certificate, and was a recipient of a CIO 100 Award in 2009. She serves on the St. Joseph's Villa Technology Advisory Board and is a member of Richmond Technology Council's Women in Technology forum. |
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Past Board Chair
Mrs. Wendy 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
Michael T. Cromartie, Ed.D. Chief of Schools Portsmouth Public Schools Dr. Michael Cromartie develops and supports the instructional and administrative leadership of 13 elementary, three middle and three high schools along with the division’s three preschools and alternative center. Previously, Dr. Cromartie served as assistant superintendent of Middlesex County Public Schools (2011-2016) and principal of two Peninsula high schools: Phoebus (2006-2007) and Denbigh (2007-2011). Dr. Cromartie has worked as an adjunct assist professor with the Darden College of Education’s (Old Dominion University) Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership since 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (English/Journalism) from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Education, and Doctor of Education (Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership) from The College of William and Mary. His dissertation research is in academic optimism citing the importance of teacher efficacy, academic emphasis, and trust between schools, families, and communities. He is married to Elizabeth, a local elementary school principal, and resides in Smithfield, VA with their four daughters: Jamila, 18 (Longwood University); Kaniya, 15; Layla, 10; and Michaela, 1. |
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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 - Treasurer
Mrs. Olivia Foreman GEICO Sales Service Supervisor Olivia Thomas- attended public schools in Portsmouth, VA and graduated with honors from Churchland High School. Upon graduating Olivia attended Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communications – Public Relations, with a minor in Business. During her years in college, Olivia had the pleasure of volunteering and interning with several different non-profits. She became very active with the Faces of Hope, fighting to prevent and end childhood obesity. Over the last 5 years Olivia’s career has grown and developed in leadership with GEICO Insurance. She is also a board member of The Portsmouth Service League. Olivia is excited to continue the mission of Communities in Schools of Hampton Roads. |
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Board Member
Thomas Cross The Port of Virginia Director, State and Local Government Affairs Thomas Cross is the Director of State and Local Government Affairs for the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) where he oversees The Port of Virginia’s state and local government relations, community outreach, economic development, engineering, environmental services, and maritime incident response. He is the former Legislative Aide for Senator T. Montgomery "Monty" Mason. He is a graduate of The College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Government. |
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Board Member
Mr. William Comer Jr. B&B Contracting LLC Owner William Comer Jr. was born and raised in Virginia. William A. Comer Jr. is a proud father, community-leader, and thriving entrepreneur. As a life-long native to the Hampton Roads area, entrepreneurship started for William in 2006 when he launched B&B (Building & Burgeoning) Contracting LLC; a world-class, Class-A contracting company specializing in residential, commercial, and government renovations and build-outs. This family-owned business has been providing jobs and services to the 757 area for over 10 years, and William is excited to offer even more opportunity, and now entertainment through 1865 Brewery. But 1865 Brewery is more than another investment. As contractor of the brewery, the architecture will project William’s style, expertise, and high-quality workmanship. William is excited to welcome your family to the 1865 Brewery family. Raise your glasses! |
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Board Member
Stacy Nixon, Ed.S. CFRE Norfolk Collegiate Assistant Head of School for Advancement Stacy Nixon’s experience includes strategic planning, staff recruitment and training, developing annual fund and campaign solicitation strategies, marketing strategies, planned giving, prospect management, prospect research, and event planning. She earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2016. Currently, Stacy proudly serves as the Assistant Head for Advancement at Norfolk Collegiate School in Norfolk, Virginia. Her responsibilities include leadership for marketing and communications, development, and enrollment. Before joining the Norfolk Collegiate team in 2020, Stacy was the Philanthropy Director at the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast. Her responsibilities included developing strategic philanthropic partnerships to support the mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. She is passionate about sharing her fundraising knowledge with nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers to help assist their organizations to have a positive impact on our community. Having grown up in Hampton Roads, Stacy is passionate about serving her community. Stacy is proud to have recently joined the Communities in Schools Hampton Roads Board of Directors and looks forward to advancing such an important mission. She is also a proud 2016 graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads and serves on the Board of Trustees for the organization. Stacy is a Past-President and current Foundation Chair of the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads. Most recently, Stacy became Chair of the Board of Directors of Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocates after serving as a CASA Volunteer for several years. She serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for Troop 874 and loves the outdoors. Stacy lives in Virginia Beach enjoys spending time with her three children – Taylor, Colton, and Mackenzie. |
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Board Member
Erin Colston YMCA of Portsmouth Executive Director Erin Colston has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with expertise in project leadership, leadership development, fundraising and community engagement. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the YMCA of Portsmouth, a location of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. The Y’s cause is to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This cause is central to the work that Erin does at the Y through programs like Swim Gym, a partnership with Portsmouth Public Schools to ensure all second graders have access to Safety Around Water instruction. Most recently Erin has served on the board for Healthy Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Service League. She is a graduate of Roanoke College and currently resides in Chesapeake with her husband Ryan, and two girls Parker and Blair. |
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Board Member - Secretary
Mrs. Joy Morbia Activist|Philanthropist Joy Morbia is a social entrepreneur, philanthropist and the founder of WOWW Campaign and WOWW Podcast. She is passionate about bringing people together by encouraging vulnerable and authentic conversations centered around topics related to personal development, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Check out her ‘Female is my Greatest Asset’ tee: https://wowwcampaign.threadless.com Also, WOWW Podcast is a bilingual platform, in English & Spanish, that inspires women through weekly life lessons and interviews with female leaders. |
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Board Member
Dr. Jane Elyce Glasgow EVMS Executive Director, Minus 9 to 5 | Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Jane Elyce Glasgow is the Executive Director of EVMS Minus 9 to 5 and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. She holds both a Doctorate of Philosophy and Master of Science degree in education from Old Dominion University with a concentration in early childhood and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and special education from Longwood University. Her research and work have focused on parental engagement and building on family’s strengths to empower them as their child’s first teacher. Dr. Glasgow is passionate about helping children and families within the community, especially those dealing with the daily challenges of poverty, racism, and social discrimination. |
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Board Member
Jessica Avery Suffolk Public Schools Coordinator of Employee Relations Born In Arizona, Jessica Avery, was raised in a military family which allowed her to live in several different places throughout her public education journey. At the age of twenty-one, she joined the Navy where she served for five years. After leaving the Navy, Mrs. Avery finished college and made the decision to become an educator. Mrs. Avery began her career in education in Suffolk as a Special Education high school teacher in 2004 at Nansemond River High School. In 2006, she became a 4th grade teacher where she taught at Booker T. Washington and Oakland Elementary for a combined five years. A servant leader at heart Mrs. Avery felt she could have a positive impact on students and teachers by becoming and educational leader. In 2011 she was named Assistant Principal at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School. In 2014 she was named the Principal of Elephant’s Fork Elementary School, where she remained for six years before being named Coordinator of Employee Relations for Suffolk Public Schools in June 2021. During her tenure as Principal, she built a strong leadership team and led Elephant’s Fork from being a school in focus to a Fully Accredited school. As the leader of a school that is a model for school improvement, Mrs. Avery was asked to present at Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. n addition, she presented to the Suffolk leadership team sustainable strategies for school improvement, using data to drive instruction, and effective use of professional learning communities. Elephant’s Fork became the first school in Suffolk to partner with Communities in School. This partnership was successful and still remains today. Building relationships is her passion and more specifically, identifying students that are underserved and finding a way to become proactive to help them succeed in school. |
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Board Member
Mr. Justin W. Sorensen Edward Jones Investments Partner Mr. Justin W. Sorensen is a partner at Edward Jones Investments and operates an Edward Jones Investment Practice in Historic Downtown Suffolk servicing over 500 local families. Additionally, he currently holds a Key Leader position within the firm’s management team focusing on the firm’s growth opportunities. Prior to his Key Leader position, Mr. Sorensen has held multiple leader positions within the firm and has helped build this fortune 100 company by bringing a unique perspective of what it takes to prosper financially. Justin is a Suffolk native and product of Suffolk Public Schools. He is a proud graduate of Nansemond River High School, Class of 2004. After graduating from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2008, he began his career as an Edward Jones Home Office intern in St. Louis, MO where he established a strong foundation of knowledge in order to begin his own practice locally. Professional Memberships and Associations include Knights of Columbus, Ruritan, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Committee Member, Suffolk’s Premier Art, Retail, and Cultural (SPARC) Board Member, The Suffolk Historic Committee, Preservation of Historic Suffolk, Norther Suffolk Rotary, Churchland Rotary, UVA-Wise Alumni & Basketball recruitment, and Cedar Point Club. He currently resides in Suffolk, VA with his wife Laura, son Jaden, and newborn. |
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Board Member
Marko Frigelj PMA IT Solutions President and CEO Marko Frigelj has over 15 years of project, program, and portfolio management experience. He is the President and CEO of PMA IT Solutions, an information technology company that provides IT management consulting support to the Federal Government and large corporations. Marko is also the founder of The IncuHub, a Portsmouth-based entrepreneurship center and co-working space. Over the years, Marko has utilized his organizational development focus and his passion for community building to support a number of independent business ventures and non-profits. Prior to joining the Communities in Schools team, Marko served as an Officer of the Portsmouth Olde Towne Business Association and as the President of the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve. |
