Alexandria Chamber Honors First Class of “40 Over 40” at Celebration [PHOTOS]
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A “Who’s Who” roster of the Alexandria cognoscenti turned out en masse last night for a festive evening that felt as grand and sweeping as the unrivaled view of the Potomac from the Freeman Headquarters in Old Town North. Sponsored by United Bank, the sold-out event, officially titled “The Inaugural Class: A Decade in the Making,” recognized individuals over 40 who continue to make exceptional contributions to their professions and the Alexandria community.
“After a decade of honoring young leaders, we decided it was time to recognize the many amazing older leaders that make Alexandria and Northern Virginia such a wonderful place to live and work,” said Alexandria Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Haggerty. “To tell you the truth, we didn’t know just how well it would go. We said, ‘let’s just give it a shot’—and we were overwhelmed by the number of nominations. But if you just take a look around at this amazing crowd, you can see just what a success it has turned out to be.”
Honoree Pamela Olivia Gilchrist, director of K-12 programs at Virginia Tech, like so many of her peers, wears many, many hats. One of the most important is fostering partnerships between higher education, schools, communities, and industry to deliver innovative learning experiences for students, educators, and families in Alexandria. Among her industry partners in STEM education are such tech titans as Amazon, AT&T, Boeing, and Northrup Grumman. But Gilchrist was eager to talk about the global impact of her work, citing recent trips to Turkey and Africa. “I just presented at the 2025 STEM and Robotics conference in Ghana, speaking to 300 hundred educators about the educational model we have created right here in Alexandria.”
Jaqueline Lyle, who traveled from Lafayette, La. to attend the event, was among the standing-room only crowd present. “I’m here to celebrate and support my sister,” she said proudly, standing next to inductee Mindy Lyle of Connections Marketing Associates, LLC and Alexandria City Public Schools. “I was a little surprised,” said Mindy Lyle, who was recognized by the chamber for more than two decades of community development in Alexandria. Serving a decade on the Alexandria Planning Commission, Lyle championed thoughtful, sustainable development, benefitting multiple generations. “I just do what I do,” she said modestly to a reporter hungry for soundbites, “but it’s very heartwarming and humbling to be recognized.”
“I am particularly honored to be among the inaugural class,” said Janet Barnett, who has dedicated 32 years to Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. In 2016 Barnett was recognized as one of Alexandria’s Living Legends for her decades of service and leadership, including leadership of Senior Services of Alexandria as executive director from 2007 to 2013. She was also the first director of the Chinquapin Recreation Center and continues to mentor young professionals in the field.
SEE MORE: All 40 over 40 Honorees Pictured with Short Bios
“I’m grateful to those who had confidence in me, and I look forward to continuing my service and mentoring anyone who needs it,” added Barnett, currently serving as community relations manager at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home and as a staff photographer for Connection Newspapers, staying deeply engaged in the community.
“It’s nice to be included among so many great people who have helped the community and I think it’s really awesome that we are all over 40,” said Marion Brunken, executive director of Volunteer Alexandria. A native of Germany, Brunken has devoted her career in Alexandria to civic engagement and strengthening communities, according to the chamber. Prior to her civic engagement, she worked for presidents Clinton and Carter, as well as in the corporate sector. Under her guidance, the once-struggling Volunteer Alexandria has revitalized and is now a fundamental resource that connects volunteers with nonprofits across the city.
And we cannot deny it: Zebra Press is proud that our very own Mary Wadland, editor and publisher, was also inducted into the inaugural class of 40 over 40. Wadland founded The Zebra in 2010, and for the past 15 years has shared uplifting news through print, digital, and social media, engaging the community through positive stories.
“This recognition is truly humbling,” said Wadland. “But more than anything, it reflects the heart of Alexandria itself. Tonight wasn’t just about individuals—it was about the collective spirit of people who care deeply about this city. I’m grateful to be included among such inspiring leaders, and proud that The Zebra can shine a light on their contributions.”
