Zebra Proudly Presents…
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 for 2019!
Alexandria, VA–They’re your neighbors, your friends, and they’re making Alexandria a better place. CEOs, realtors, attorneys, school administrators, the owner of a spin studio, and many more! The diversity of Alexandria’s young business leadership has always been impressive, and this year’s 40 Under 40, chosen by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, is a powerful group of self-starters.
“We have honorees from a wide range of fields working on both local and more global issues,” says Joe Haggerty, chairman and CEO of the Chamber. “Our 40 Under 40 program has really provided us with the chance to honor amazing up-and-coming individuals who are doing fantastic things in our community, and this 2019 class is no exception.”
The competition was stiff, as there were 140 individuals nominees this year. “We’ve seen momentum for this program grow year over year, and we received a record number of applications this year,” Haggerty says. “To get as diverse a group as possible, the program is open to anyone who lives or works in the Alexandria area. You don’t have to be a chamber member to apply.”
The 40 honorees for 2019 will be recognized in an award ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on July 11, at United Way Worldwide, 701 N. Fairfax Street. The program, which is presented this year by Beyer Subaru, will highlight each individual and his or her impact on the Alexandria community. This is the cornerstone event of the Chamber’s Young Leader’s Network, which has the goal of identifying young leaders in the city.
To the nominees, congratulations on making it to the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 list for 2019!
1. John Armstrong
Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
John is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Joy Riot, an advertising agency with a unique mindset providing attention-grabbing advertising to its clients. John is an Alexandria native who majored in history at Fordham University. He has resided in four cities between Northern Virginia and NYC, but when he needed a place to raise his family and start a business, his first and only choice was Alexandria. John is an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Beverley Hills Church Preschool, and he coaches Alexandria City youth basketball.
2. Robert D. Brant
Land Use Attorney at Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
Bob Brant is an attorney at Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, PC, and an associate in the firm’s Land Use & Zoning practice group. His practice focuses on securing zoning and land use entitlements in jurisdictions throughout Northern Virginia, including the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the Town of Vienna. Bob graduated cum laude from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. As an active member of his community, Bob is an ambassador for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and serves as a reading mentor for a local elementary school student through the Everybody Wins! DC Power Lunch program. Bob and his family reside in Annandale.
3. Emily Bryan
Principal at Cooley Public Strategies
Emily Bryan has been a principal at Cooley Public Strategies for 10 years. Cooley Public Strategies focuses on solving problems through community engagement. Emily’s work primarily involves addressing policy challenges in the health care, energy, and environmental sectors. She also consults for nonprofits about governance and strategic planning issues and provides strategic counsel to for-profit clients. Emily is a native of Houston and graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University. She moved to Alexandria in 2011 and serves as a senior warden and vestry at Christ Church Alexandria and as vice president of fundraising for MacArthur Elementary School PTA.
4. Suzanne Della Pella Carlough
Co-founder /Owner/Lead Designer at Carlough and Company LLC
Suzanne Carlough is a co-founder of Carlough and Company, a residential interior design firm based in Alexandria. After completing degrees at Villanova University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, Suzanne began her career in beauty, retail marketing, and branding. Since moving to Alexandria in 2012, she has dedicated her time and talent as a board member of The Campagna Center. She currently serves on the marketing committee for The Campagna Center and steering committee for Mount Vernon Underground. Suzanne lives in Alexandria with her husband and children.
5. Sean Casey
Lieutenant/Assistant Commander at Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
A native Alexandrian, Sean graduated from T.C. Williams High School in 2000. After earning a BS degree from Virginia Tech in 2004, Sean joined the Alexandria Police Department. For 13 years, he served as a patrol officer, detective, and sergeant. In 2017, Sean joined the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, and as a lieutenant, serves as assistant commander of the Administrative Services Division. Sean is on the executive board of his local civic association in the Seminary Valley neighborhood and participates in the Charles Barrett Mentoring Matters program, Meals on Wheels, and as a coach for the Alexandria Department of Recreation’s youth t-ball league. Sean and his wife live in Alexandria with their two children.
6. Andria Cook
Financial Director at Department of Defense
Andria is double major graduate of Fayetteville State University and holds two master’s degrees from Strayer University and the National Defense University. As the mother of a child with special needs, Andria has dedicated herself to bettering the world that her daughter will one day lead. She is president of the Zeta Phi Beta, Incorporated Nu Xi Zeta Chapter and serves extensively with their Nu Xi Zeta HAVE Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing STEM-based programming and scholarship opportunities to students in Alexandria. Andria has led the foundation in awarding $26,000 to students in Alexandria, in the creation of two scholarships with the Alexandria Scholarship Fund for T.C. Williams High School seniors, and in book scholarships for the Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU College Fair.
7. Patrick Coye
Owner at Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement
Patrick is the owner of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement, a small business focused on residential home improvement throughout Northern Virginia since 2007. Patrick attended Northern Virginia Community College and is an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Scholarship Program. He was born in Schenectady, New York, but the Navy relocated his family to Alexandria at an early age. Patrick is a member of Alexandria Rotary and the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. He volunteers his services for Rebuilding Together Alexandria and organizes the Flags for Heroes project. Having lost his father at the age of ten, Patrick’s passion project is volunteering and mentoring with the Capital MMA, Crossfit, and Old School Boxing, helping kids, teens, and adults in learning self-defense and the importance of goal setting and achievement.
8. Mike Dameron
Owner at Windmill Hill, LLC
Mike Dameron is co-owner of Windmill Hill Design Build, a custom-home building firm specializing in full-scale renovations and new construction in the City of Alexandria. Mike graduated from Virginia Tech’s Department of Architecture and Urban Studies with a degree in building construction. Prior to starting his own company, Mike joined NVHomes where, over an eight-year period, he built 121 homes in Alexandria, including 97 townhomes in Cameron Station. Mike is a member of the City of Alexandria’s Green Building Council, has worked for the past three years to install the Del Ray Christmas tree, donated eight houses to the Alexandria Fire and Police departments for training, and built a smart home for a triple-amputee veteran through the Gary Sinise Foundation. Mike resides in the Del Ray neighborhood with his wife and three daughters.
9. Kate Ellis
General Manager at Hotel Indigo
Kate Ellis is the general manager of Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. Kate received her degree is hospitality business from Michigan State University. She has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having begun her career with Kimpton Hotels as a front office manager. Kate currently serves as the Alexandria Hotel Association’s president and on the board of directors and executive committee for Visit Alexandria. She volunteers for Volunteer Alexandria’s Spring for Alexandria Community Service Day and supports the PTA Care & Share campaign, Together We Bake, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Kate lives in Alexandria with her husband and two children.
10. Dr. Lauren Fisher
Owner & Clinical Psychologist at Del Ray Psych & Wellness, LLC
Dr. Lauren Fisher is a proud Alexandria resident and owner of Del Ray Psych & Wellness LLC, a holistic wellness center. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified trauma professional, and wellness coach. She graduated cum laude from Mary Washington University and received her doctorate from Argosy University. Dr. Fisher serves as the wellness chair on the Del Ray Business Association’s board of directors. She has been committed to growing the wellness arm of DRBA through the creation of the Fit Crawl, Wellness Week, 12 Days of Wellness, and two annual charity fundraising bar crawls: the Candy Cane Bar Crawl and the Spring Bar Crawl. She co-founded Made in Del Ray, a t-shirt company that donated proceeds to the Dunbar Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria.
11. Abby Froemming
Lead Business Financial Manager at Department of Defense
Abby works with the Department of Defense as a lead business financial manager for new construction aircraft carriers. In 2018, her efforts yielded $245 million of “new” cash influx to the CVN 78 / USS Ford through reducing ship builder costs and funding reprogrammings from within the DOD. Abby graduated cum laude from the University of Nebraska and holds a master of science degree. Abby was appointed to Alexandria’s Park and Recreation Commission and is president of the Townes at Cameron Parke HOA. She is a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, the Capitol Hill Lions Club, and Mount Vernon Country Club, and served on a 2018 City Council campaign. Abby lives in the West End with her husband, Adam, and their son, Johnny.
12. Dr. Vivian Greentree
Senior Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Citizenship at First Data Corporation
Dr. Vivian Greentree is a senior vice president and head of global corporate citizenship at First Data, where she oversees philanthropy, diversity and inclusion, social responsibility, and workforce wellness. Vivian created First Data Salutes, a companywide military engagement strategy of access to career opportunities and premier business solutions to veteran-owned businesses. In recognition of First Data’s success under Vivian’s leadership, in 2017 and 2018, First Data was ranked Military Times’ #1 Best for Vets: Employer. She received her PhD from Old Dominion University while raising two small boys while her husband was on regular military deployments. Vivian herself is a Navy veteran and a member of the Cerner Corporation Military Advisory Group. She serves on the board of directors for Dog Tag Bakery, and is a Governor of Virginia-appointed citizen member of the Virginia Military Advisory Council.
13. Stephanie Harris
Owner at Discovery Time Learning Center
In 2014, at just 26 years old, Stephanie achieved her goal of opening Discovery Time Learning Center. As its sole owner, she leads a team of more than 45 teaching staff in two locations, providing high quality early childhood education to more than 200 Alexandria families. Stephanie earned her BBA and master’s in education from Howard University and George Mason University respectively. She is also an alumnus of Teach for America. Stephanie actively gives back in partnership with T.C. Williams Child Development Program, Alexandria’s Community Lodging Speakers Program, and Project Discovery. She has provided more than $40,000 in scholarships to children to attend Discovery Time Learning Center and an additional $15,000 in scholarships to current college students. She received George Mason’s Academic Excellence and Vision Award, the Charles Hart Outstanding Dedication to Special Education Award, and recently the Virginia Outstanding Business of the Year Award by VATFACS in 2018.
14. Jillian Keck Hogan
Owner and Realtor at Jillian Keck Hogan Group
Jillian Keck Hogan, a Richmond native, is owner of the Jillian Keck Hogan Group with McEnearney Associates, Inc. Jillian received a degree from James Madison University prior to starting her career in real estate in Alexandria. After supervising a team of agents as a director of sales and training, she started her own group. Jillian teaches a First Time Home Buying adult education class through Fairfax County Public Schools and was voted by her colleagues to serve on McEnearney Associate’s advisory board. Jillian volunteers as a patient care volunteer on the Hematology/Oncology floor at Children’s National Hospital and is spearheading the extension of the Children’s National Blood Drive into Old Town. She partners with Atlantic Coast Mortgage for their toy drive, providing a stuffed bear for every home sold. She volunteers and provides financial support to Volunteer for Alexandria, Spring2Action, ACT for Alexandria, The Campagna Center Wreath Sales & Bright Futures Gala, and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and she is a tile sponsor of the Pacers GW Parkway Classic.
15. Michael H. Kirby
Chief Information Officer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division
As the chief information officer for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Michael is the senior civilian responsible for enterprise-wide information technology service for the 2,700-person staff. He has supported the Navy throughout his career and risen quickly through the ranks, achieving a civil servant grade of GS-15 before turning 30. In 2013, Michael was credited with saving the lives of many of his co-workers during the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. He received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for exceptional contributions to the United States Navy. A George Mason University alumnus, Michael is also a board member for the Board for Correction of Naval Records, an appointment from the Secretary of the Navy; committee chair for the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program; and he volunteers for the Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training nonprofit.
16. Richard Lawrence
Special Assistant to the City Manager at the City of Alexandria
As special assistant to the city manager, Richard works closely with the city manager to implement citywide policy initiatives. Richard has managed or worked on some of the City’s most complex initiatives, including the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station, Waterfront Plan, and Oakville Triangle & Route 1 Corridor Plan. He double majored at SUNY Buffalo and later received his master’s degree in community planning from the University of Maryland. Richard serves on the board of directors for the Alexandria Transit Company, is president of the Alexandria Metropolitan Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), and represented Alexandria in two trans-Atlantic delegations to Germany. He was honored with the Steven D. Ford Memorial Award: Young Public Administrator of the Year by the NFBPA and is a Sign Research Foundation Scholar. He has pursued professional training opportunities, mentorship, and community partnerships with the Alexandria Library and Alexandria Health Department to train and equip the next generation of black public administrators.
17. Brian Lundeen
Partner at Grobstein Teeple LLP
Brian is a partner of Grobstein Teeple LLP, a consulting and accounting firm. He is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner in Virginia, D.C., and California. An Illinois native, Brian attended Northern Illinois University for undergraduate and graduate studies in accounting. Brian has more than ten years of experience in public accounting. His practice focuses on litigation consulting and forensic accounting, business management, and business consulting. His community service accolades include serving as the interim-CFO of Bet Tzedek, which provides free legal services to vulnerable communities, including Holocaust survivors, elderly fearing an illegal rent increase, the LGBTQ community, and more. Brian is an Alexandria Citizens Corp Council appointee and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Development Committee member. He resides in Alexandria with his wife, Crystal, and daughter, Ellie.
18. Micki MacNaughton
Realtor at the Jen Walker Team/McEnearney Associates
Micki MacNaughton is a real estate agent with McEnearney Associates and the Jen Walker Team. Starting her career on the Hill, she now helps buyers and sellers navigate the Alexandria market, and assists Alexandria in their mission to help Alexandrians. Hailing from South Carolina, she graduated from Clemson University in 2002. An Alexandria resident for nearly 18 years, Micki knows and loves the city and its people. Her community service is entwined with the Jen Walker Team’s focus on service to community and clients. You can find Micki and the Jen Walker Team sponsoring a donor lounge for ACT for Alexandria, leading a team for Rebuilding Together Alexandria, volunteering at every event in Del Ray, supporting Senior Services of Alexandria and ALIVE! Events, delivering Meals on Wheels, and shoveling for their “snow buddies.”
19. Daniel Mallon
Program Director at Friends of Guest House
Dan Mallon is serving the Friends of Guest House team as their program director responsible for strategic planning, day-to-day delivery, and the safety and security of their full and part-time staff and 100+ volunteers. An Alexandria native, Dan obtained a master’s level addiction specialist degree from the Breining Institute before returning to his hometown. He spearheaded acquisition of a residential property Second Chance Community, which offers eight affordable housing options to women wanting to make Alexandria their home. Dan serves on the board of the Del Ray Business Association and has contributed to much of their programming.
20. Sarah Marcella
Owner at Sarah Marcella Creative
Sarah Marcella has been professionally photographing businesses and individuals in Alexandria since 2015. Her Sarah Marcella Creative clients include many local businesses, including TSALT, The Campagna Center, Del Ray Business Association, Extraordinary Alexandria, Alexandria Living Magazine, Old Town Boutique District, and more. Sarah also serves as creative director of the Alexandria Stylebook, a local lifestyle blog. Sarah earned her BFA in photography/computer imagery from Shepherd University. Sarah is founder of The Stargirl Scholarship, which is awarded to female students in the arts who lead their community through open-mindedness. She also started a community service venture, Gift Bags for the Homeless. Last year alone, Sarah collected coats, blankets, sleeping bags, and more for more than 50 members of the Alexandria/D.C. homeless community going into winter.
21. Ryan Taylor Ward McCreedy
Project Manager & Transportation Engineer at T3 Design Corporation
Ryan Taylor Ward McCreedy has been a project manager and transportation engineer with T3 Design Corporation since 2012. A Northern Virginia native, Ryan leads many complex engineering designs throughout the D.C. metro area. Ryan attended George Mason University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the Extension School at Harvard University. He serves on the board of the American Society of Highway Engineers Potomac Section and volunteers with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Community Wealth Building Initiative and the Leadership Fairfax Emerging Leaders Institute Program committee. He enjoys traveling the globe with his fiancé and pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
22. Monique Miles
Managing Partner at Old Towne Associates, P.C.
Monique Miles founded Old Towne Associates, P.C. in 2013, and advises clients in matters involving employment agreements, employment discrimination and retaliation, whistleblower claims, wage and hour compliance, sexual harassment, business torts, breach of contract, and third-party investigations. She litigates employment cases from inception to settlement or trial. Monique graduated from the University of Virginia and Regent University of Law, achieving her 5th grade goal of becoming an attorney. She has received the National Black Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 recognitions, and the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference’s Significant Service and Outstanding Service Awards. Monique serves on the boards for the D.C. Metro Chapter of the Christian Legal Society, Community Lodgings, and the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association. She previously served on the boards of the Legal Services of Virginia Corporation and the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference.
23. Jonathan Moak
Manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP
Jonathan Moak is a manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP in the Finance & Enterprise Performance practice. He has more than 12 years of active duty military, federal civil service, and consulting experience in leading program development and implementation for both defense and civilian agencies. Jonathan graduated from the University of Alabama Birmingham, Norwich University, and the University of Virginia. He is a fierce advocate of veteran’s support initiatives and is an active volunteer in the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation’s NGSendurance program, which raises money for the children of wounded and fallen service members. As a reservist in the Army National Guard, Jonathan has served as a ranger-qualified infantry officer in various positions, to include a mobilization to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and is currently an operations officer in the District of Columbia Army National Guard.
24. Meredith Patel
Owner at barre3
Meredith Patel is the owner of barre3, a fitness studio focusing on the disciplines of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. She opened her business in 2016, after working on a series of presidential and U.S. Senate campaigns. Meredith received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University. She volunteers for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, the Carpenter’s Shelter, and the Women Helping Women event hosted by Dr. Jill Biden at Northern Virginia Community College. Since opening, barre3 has helped its clients raise money for their charity of choice by donating personal instructor time and studio space. Meredith loves being a small business owner and is proud of the studio community she has built. She lives in Old Town with her husband, Roshan, and their pup, Dak.
25. Ellen Patrick
Realtor at the Bobi & Ellen Homes of Alexandria Team
Ellen Patrick is a realtor and partner of the Bobi & Ellen Homes of Alexandria Team at Compass. The Homes of Alexandria Team has received the Zebra Reader’s Choice Award, is a Washingtonian-named Best Residential Real Estate Agents and Top Residential Real Estate Producers in Washington 2013-2018. After graduating from George Mason University, Ellen met her husband JP, a Del Ray native. Together they founded ROAM, Rock of Ages Music, and they work closely with the nonprofit Friends of ROAM to bring music education to children of all backgrounds in Alexandria. Ellen serves as vice president of the Del Ray Citizens Association and chair of the Del Ray Music Festival. Ellen and her business partner have been proud sponsors of Art on the Avenue, First Thursdays, Rebuilding Together, Del Ray Artisans, Alexandria Retired Police K9s, and more. Ellen lives in Del Ray with JP and their daughter Mera.
26. Mohamed Seifeldein
Councilman, City of Alexandria
Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein is the first Sudanese immigrant to be elected to the Alexandria City Council. Prior to election, Mo worked as a court-appointed attorney and volunteer with local legal aid to help indigent clients in civil cases. Mo also provided pro bobo immigration services. He received degrees from the Florida Coastal School of Law and Old Dominion University. In 2014, Mo was honored as a Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers. In his spare time, Mo mentors children from the community and serves on the board of Moving Forward Sudan and regional boards and commissions on behalf of the City of Alexandria.
27. Melissa Sizemore
Partner at Cotton & Company
Melissa Sizemore is a partner at Cotton & Company LLP, an audit and accounting firm located in Old Town Alexandria. Since joining the firm in 2007, Melissa has specialized in federal financial management and consulting and has extensive experience providing a wide range of financial, accounting, and audit support services to her clients. She holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from George Mason University and is a certified public accountant (CPA) and certified government financial manager (CGFM). In addition to Cotton & Company’s giving to the Carpenter’s Shelter, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and the Campagna Center, Melissa is involved in volunteer leadership with Lifepoint Church.
28. William Smith
Director of Growth to Director of Business Development at McChrystal Group LLC
Will Smith is a principal and director of growth for McChrystal Group, a leadership consulting firm founded by General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal. Will leads the business development, sales, and marketing functions of the 100-employee firm. He served as an officer in the Virginia Army National Guard, departing in 2018 at the rank of captain. He received his bachelor of arts in government, magna cum laude, from Georgetown University, and is currently enrolled in the Wharton Executive MBA Program of the University of Pennsylvania.
29. Kari Steinberg
Realtor at Long and Foster Real Estate
Kari Steinberg serves Alexandria as a licensed realtor with Long and Foster. She is driven by a passion for client-centered work and helping others make the dream of home ownership a reality. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Kari double majored before making the move to Alexandria. Kari is a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award and is an active member of the office community relations committee. She serves as a junior friend of The Campagna Center, has received their Unsung Hero Award, served twice as chair of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, as president of her homeowner’s association, and on the new member committee at Mount Vernon Country Club. Kari and her husband, Paul, love living in Old Town and appreciate all its character and offerings.
30. Dr. Joseph F. Stoltz III
Co-director of Leadership Programs at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Joseph Stoltz, Ph.D., is co-director of the George Washington Leadership Institute, which teaches leadership and management courses utilizing George Washington as a case study. Joe earned his BA and MA from the University of New Orleans before receiving his PhD from Texas Christian University. After graduation, Joe joined the United States Military Academy Department of History at West Point, where he revised his dissertation into a book, A Bloodless Victory: The Battle of New Orleans in History and Memory. It was published by the Johns Hopkins University Press and earned a book tour across United Kingdom. Joe has volunteered his time as a football coach and currently serves on the board of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.
31. Jennifer Rose Street
Head of Lower School at Alexandria Country Day School
Jennifer Street, an Alexandria native, is the head of the lower school at Alexandria Country Day School (ACDS), a private co-ed K-8 school. After graduating from James Madison University, Jennifer taught third grade and was a talented and gifted specialist in North Carolina and in Alexandria City Public Schools. She attained her master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. Jennifer serves on ACDS’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and as a middle school basketball team coach. She served as the citywide odyssey of the mind coordinator for seven years, where one of her teams achieved first place in the world finals. She also serves as part of the PTA at Douglas MacArthur Elementary.
32. George Zachary Terwilliger
United States Attorney at United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia/Alexandria
G. Zachary Terwilliger is the presidentially appointed and senate confirmed 62nd United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA,) where he leads an office of 300 employees and serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the eastern half of the commonwealth. Zachary earned a bachelor of arts in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and graduated with highest honors from the William & Mary School of Law. He is a 1999 graduate of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, where he served as an executive board member on the alumni board. Zachary is the founder of the Saints Legal Affinity Group and a past member of the Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Zachary and his family live in Alexandria, where he serves as the youngest U.S. Attorney in the country.
33. Ryan Touhill
Chief of Staff at Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
Ryan Touhill is a local government leader with more than ten years of experience driving growth in Alexandria, including as a leader on the team responsible for winning the Amazon HQ2 bid and securing the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. He is currently chief of staff at the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and previously held positions with the City of Alexandria. Ryan is Sorensen Institute Political Fellow and a graduate of George Washington and George Mason Universities. Ryan has served on the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council, the Alexandria City Public School’s Health Sciences Academy Advisory Board, and is the incoming chair of Rebuilding Together D.C./Alexandria. Ryan lives in Alexandria and has completed a 50-mile ultramarathon.
34. Anh Tran
Senior Associate at Little
Anh Tran is a senior associate at Little, a nationally recognized architecture and design firm. Anh has always been curious about how human culture and patterns of behavior interact with the built environment. Through this lens, she seeks to improve human experiences and mitigate human impacts through design and policy. Anh completed degrees from the College of William & Mary and Northern Virginia Community College, and she is currently working toward a master of architecture from Virginia Tech. Anh has worked with the City of Alexandria’s Resolution 830 Working Group and North Old Town Quality of Life. She is a board member of the American Institute of Architects Northern Virginia Chapter, and is heavily involved with Rebuilding Together D.C./Alexandria to design and construct the Charles Houston Teen Center and their upcoming Chick Armstrong Recreation Center.
35. Samantha Tricoli
Lead Director of Community Relations at Brandywine Living at Alexandria
Samantha is the lead director of community relations for Brandywine Living at Alexandria. She oversees sales and marketing for the luxury assisted living and memory care community, and facilitated their Alexandria opening. Samantha is passionate about helping seniors and their families navigate senior living options. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Delaware. Outside of her work with Brandywine Living, Samantha is actively involved with the Junior Friends of The Campagna Center, sits on the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Professional Network and Development Committees, and volunteers with Senior Services of Alexandria’s Meals on Wheels program. Samantha, her husband, and two dogs reside in Alexandria.
36. Elizabeth Jones Valderrama
Executive Director at OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church
Elizabeth Jones Valderrama is executive director of Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church (OAR), which envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the criminal justice system enjoy equal civil and human rights. She has been an integral member of the OAR team for 14 years, with a focus on implementing best practices and creating a work environment with quality staff, professionalism, and a commitment to growth. Elizabeth received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia and University of Phoenix respectively. She serves on the Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board, the Alexandria Arlington Regional Workforce Council, the Leadership Center for Excellence’s Board of Regents, Washington-Lee High School Education Foundation Board of Directors, and is the co-facilitator of an Encore Learning course on criminal justice.
37. Willie James Williams, Jr.
Senior Systems Engineer & Release Train Engineer at OGSystems – Springfield & Alexandria
Willie James “W.J.” Williams is a senior systems engineer and release train engineer for OGSystems – Springfield & Alexandria. He is also founder and CEO of W2W Technologies, LLC. W.J. has worked in the aerospace and defense industry for more than 14 years, supporting the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. He is a graduate of Clemson University and Boston University. He has earned recognition at the IMPACT Awards and National Engineers Week, and received the Modern-Day Technology Leader Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference. In addition to his professional passion, he is an active community leader with a focus on serving under-represented communities and STEM awareness and engagement. W.J. is an active member and leader in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., co-founder and board member for the Aspire 2 Inspire Foundation, and board member for the Bernie L. Bates Foundation.
38. Kezia M. Williams
CEO at The Black upStart
Ms. Williams (@keziamw) is chief executive officer of The Black upStart, a national training initiative serving African American innovators interested in starting successful, profitable, job-creating small businesses. Through administration of a mobile incubator program, The Black upStart administers a culturally sensitive, innovative curriculum that integrates experiential learning methods, lean startup methodology, and business case studies featuring African American entrepreneurs. Kezia is a graduate of Christopher Newport University. She has been a featured presenter at the National Action Network, recognized as a Top 50 Global Impact Leader by the Schusterman Family Foundation, received the Presidential Honors Awards from UNCF, and been an Entrepreneurship Speaker at SXSW and Team Lead on the 2008 and 2012 National Day of Service Team Lead preceding President Obama’s inaugurations. Kezia is an Alexandria resident.
39. Anthony Wilson
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home
Anthony Wilson is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria. Anthony performs these duties professionally and with a caring spirit as he works to assist families through loss and grief. Anthony received his degree from the Pittsburg Institute of Mortuary Science and holds licenses and certificates from the Commonwealth of Virginia, District of Columbia, Cremation Association of North America, and the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. He is currently studying to attain a degree in religious studies, to better serve in working with families as a funeral director.
