Board Bios
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Jason Axsom
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I felt called to help form deeper connections with the Peninsula community, specifically with the youth, by dedicating my service and talents to positively impact this important cause.
Board Member Since: 2023
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Cox Communications (29 years), currently VP of Field Marketing for East Region. Variety of former marketing roles with 17 being in Hampton Roads.
Education: Master’s in communication, University of Nebraska/Omaha
Other Community/Professional Activity: Sports Photographer for Norfolk Christian Schools, Worship Team Drummer at Church
Personal Statement
Family: I live in Chesapeake, VA with my wife, Lynn, and two cats Loki and NuKat. I have a son, Kagen, who lives and works in Nashville, TN.
What do you do for fun? Photography, Musician, Collect Sports Memorabilia, Traveling with my Family, Runner (In as many half marathons as my body will allow)
Superpowers: Building Partnerships, Making People Laugh
Jeffrey M. Belote
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? My father was on the Board of Directors for 50 years and was a past President. I also worked for the club under Mr. Tom in 1978 and truly realized then what a great organization the Club is and how important it is to our community.
Board Member Since: 2019
Current Board Committee(s): Real Estate & Property Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member, Awarded Best New Board Member (first year)
Other Club Experience: Worked for the Club as a teenager in 1978.
Occupation: Owner of Real Estate Appraisal business since 1990, prior General Manager of Cedar Point Country Club and Assistant Manager of James River Country Club
Education: Peninsula Catholic High School, attended Christopher Newport University
Other Community/Professional Activity: Prior Board member of James River Country Club, Head of the House Committee (10 years), Currently serve on the Finance Committee at Warwick Yacht Club
Personal Statement
Family: Celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary this year with my wife, Beckie Belote. I have two daughters, Zoe Belote and Reagan Marstellar. Zoe is an Emergency Room nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Reagan is a dental hygienist in Virginia Beach.
Dwayne Blake
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? After attending the Steak N Burger in 99’ I was moved by the engagement of the adults in the movement. It was clear that there was a tangible difference being made in the lives of the children through consistent programming, messaging, and support from those involved.
Board Member Since: 1999
Current Board Committee(s): Human Resources Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Prior Board Chair – Hampton Roads and Virginia Peninsula
Occupation: Retired Executive Huntington Ingalls Industries
Skills and Expertise: Finance, Leadership, Messaging, Communications
Education: Hampton University, MBA Old Dominion University
Other Community/Professional Activity: Norfolk State University Board of Visitors, Riverside Health System Board of Directors, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple – Treasurer, Hampton Roads Collegiate Athletic League, Habitat for Humanity
Personal Statement
Family: Happily married to Vivian for 32 years. We have three children and a grandson.
What do you do for fun? Travel, Golf, Go to the Lake
Superpowers: Relationship Building
Tanis Broadwell
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I firmly believe that every child deserves a nurturing and empowering environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. The Boys and Girls Club plays a vital role in the community by providing essential resources, support, and mentorship to young individuals who need it the most. By being a part of the Board, I can contribute my skills, experiences, and dedication to help further the organization’s mission and create transformative opportunities for the children and teenagers it serves.
Board Member Since: 2003
Current Board Committee(s): Human Resources Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Owner and founder of Broadwell Insurance Group, est. 2003. Prior to establishing her own agency in 2003, I had a successful career as a licensed insurance agent. I garnered valuable experience and achieved notable accomplishments while working for two different insurance agencies on the peninsula from 1990 to 2003. My expertise and track record of success in the insurance industry laid a strong foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.
Education: Despite not pursuing higher education, my accomplishments and expertise in my field speak to my dedication, tenacity, and ability to succeed through hard work and practical experience. My journey is a testament to the power of determination and the capacity for individuals to achieve remarkable results through their own initiative and self-directed learning.
Other Community/Professional Activity: I have achieved numerous professional awards and designations that highlight my exceptional expertise and dedication in my field. Additionally, my impact extends beyond my individual accomplishments. I have served on a National Producer Council for a major insurance carrier. This role showcases my industry knowledge, leadership abilities, and commitment to shaping the future of the insurance profession at a national level. My involvement in these professional activities demonstrates my continuous pursuit of excellence and my passion for making a meaningful impact within my industry.
Personal Statement
Family: I reside in Yorktown, and draw strength from my family and cherish the support of my significant other, Dave Hannum.
What do you do for fun? In my leisure time, I enjoy gardening, relaxing poolside, putting my toes in the sand in the OBX, golfing, cooking, skiing the slopes in Colorado, and watching thoroughbred racing. My determined spirit led me to forge my own path to business ownership. My achievements exemplify my tenacity and entrepreneurial drive. I believe in making a positive impact and continue to contribute my skills and experiences to the Boys & Girls Club as a Board of Directors member.
Shaleena Brown
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I feel I am able to relate to the children.
Board Member Since: 2022
Current Board Committee(s): Human Resources Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Human Resource Manager
Skills and Expertise: Human Resources
Education: MBA – HRM (HR Management), PHR, SPHR
Personal Statement
Family: Nieces and nephews.
What do you do for fun? Bowling, Karaoke, Playing Cards
Superpowers: I sing
James “Jim” Burnett
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I want to give back to our community and help make it a better place. Supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula and making it available to our young people is the best way I can think of to accomplish this goal.
Board Member Since: 2019
Current Board Committee(s): Finance Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Chief Financial Officer, W.M. Jordan Company
Education: Christopher Newport University, Graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1993 – Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting
Other Community/Professional Activity: Served as a Marine for six years, worked for “Big 4” accounting firms prior to WM Jordan
Personal Statement
Family: I have been married to my wife Jennifer for 32 years. We have two children, Megan (29) and Christian (27).
What do you do for fun? Travel, Cook, Wine, Golf
Superpowers: I can use movie quotes in just about any situation.
George Clark
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? It is one of the impactful organizations in Virginia that helps kids.
Board Member Since: 2000
Current Board Committee(s): Safety Committee Chair, Executive Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs VA – DC Area Council (past), Board Member VA Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (past), Boys & Girls Clubs of the VA Peninsula: Safety Committee Chair, Secretary(past), 2 nd Vice Chair (past), Vice Chair (current)
Occupation: Insurance Broker with Kersey, Sealey, Clark & Associates
Education: LUTCF Designation from the American College at Bryne Mawr
Other Community/Professional Activity: I stay active in just about everything business and political.
Personal Statement
Family: Me and my dog Tucker
What do you do for fun? Golfing, Boating, Volunteering
Mark Crump
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I have a special connection with the Boys & Girls Club as I attended the Club as a child.
Board Member Since: 2022
Current Board Committee(s): Safety Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Other Club Experience: Attended club as a kid.
Occupation: State Farm Agency Owner
Skills and Expertise: Marketing Background
Education: Hampton University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management
Other Community/Professional Activity: Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Member Virginia Peninsula Chapter 100 Blackmen
Personal Statement
Family: I am married to the beautiful Lisa Redcross-Crump and we are the proud parents of Jerry, Devin and Kyndal, and proud grandparents of Master Jrue.
What do you do for fun? Supporting Local Basketball & Football Teams, Especially my alma maters Hampton High and Hampton University, Road Cycling, Listening to Music and Spending Time with my Family
William M. Francavilla
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? As a boy I learned first-hand the value of the Clubs. I was a member of the Bunker Hill Boy’s Club of Boston attending their summer program at Bald Peak Caddy Camp in Melvin Village New Hampshire. The five summers I spent at caddy camp provided me with a vision of life and reality. We worked, played and otherwise had fun filled days. I knew then and recognized later that Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs truly are a safe place for children and indeed make a positive difference in the lives of so many. The Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has distinguished itself nationwide as one of the premier organizations of its kind. Consistently ranked among the most successful providers for children, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula’s board of directors has received numerous awards as Best Board. I knew I wanted to contribute and help such a noteworthy organization.
Board Member Since: 2001
Current Board Committee(s): Governance Committee, Finance Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Prior Board Chair (2014-2015)
Volunteer at fund raising events through the years
Occupation: Presently Consultant to the financial services industry. Previous Director of Wealth Management, Legg Mason, Baltimore; Financial Advisor and Divisional Sales Director
Skills and Expertise: Published author of two books on creating and preserving wealth.
Education: B.A. Psychology, University of Dayton; Post graduate University of Virginia, Wharton School and College for Financial Planning
Other Community/Professional Activity: Former board member, Virginia Living Museum; Special Olympics Coach and York County elementary school basketball coach; Volunteer EMT, West Point Fire and Rescue. Nursery volunteer, Living Hope Church, Williamsburg
Personal Statement
Family: Married to Rita Dacey Francavilla, three adult children, ten grandchildren.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy the gym, running and biking, boating on the York River and international travel with Rita
Superpowers: Uncanny ability to make babies smile, can calm a crying baby (sometimes!)
Nancy P. Hill
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe, supportive, and uplifting environment for the kids during a critical stage in their development, which is so needed in today’s world.
Board Member Since: 2022
Current Board Committee(s): Governance Committee
Occupation: Newport News Shipbuilding – Office of the Chief Engineer, analyzing the critical skills and training needs in the engineering and design of aircraft carriers and submarines.
Skills and Expertise: 27 years of experience regarding critical skills, technical training, strategic planning and leadership development.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and English from the College of William and Mary; Master of Arts in International Studies from Old Dominion University; and post-graduate work as a Fulbright Scholar.
Other Community/Professional Activity: Former Board of Director for BayPort Credit Union, lifetime member of the United States Fulbright Association
Personal Statement
Family: Resides in York County with my Golden Retriever.
What do you do for fun? Travel anywhere, the beach, reading, and spending time with friends.
Superpowers: Empathetic listening and learning something new every day.
Bubba Hutchison
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? My father grew up in the Newport News Boys & Girls Clubs. I have always been taken by the huge impact that the Club had on his life. Having experienced the club through that perspective and witnessing the continued impact that it has in our community motivates me to support the cause.
Board Member Since: 2023
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Other Club Experience: My father grew up in the Club
Occupation: President & lead agent for Hutchison & Company, a Howard Hanna Real Estate group that specializes in assisting clients in the purchase, sale & investment of both commercial & residential real estate. Prior owner of Brake King from 2012-2022.
Skills and Expertise: Leadership, Team Building, Real Estate
Education: Graduated from Virginia Tech in 2001, History Major
Other Community/Professional Activity: Prior Board service on The Noblemen and Toby’s Dream Foundation, currently serve on An Achievable Dream board.
Personal Statement
Family: I reside in York County with my wife Amanda and children Claire, Jett & Lilly.
What do you do for fun? Running, fitness, boating, sporting events, reading, and cooking.
Superpowers: My sense of humor.
Jenny Joyner
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? To make a difference on a larger scale than I am able to do with my small organization.
Board Member Since: 2022
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Other Club Experience: Fundraiser
Occupation: Owner, Drain Wizard Plumbing & Drain Cleaning; Office Manager, Walsh Electric; Co-Founder, HoneyJam Productions Non-Profit
Skills and Expertise: Grass Roots fundraising and community service
Education: BA Business Administration, Old Dominion University 2016
Other Community/Professional Activity: York-Poquoson Sheriff Department Citizens Advisory Committee, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Team Member of the Year 2021, LLS Leadership Committee 2022
Personal Statement
Family: Engaged to D’Shawn Wright. We have a blended family of two daughters and three sons. I also care for my mom who lives with me.
What do you do for fun? Nutrition and Fitness, Travel, Nature and our kids sporting events.
Superpowers: Extremely resourceful and Allergic to “NO,” Perseverance, and Patience.
Mickey Marcella
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I have been involved with the Club since 1946 in one form or another. I attended when it was on the corner of 28th. I have spent my life helping to ensure that the Club has the funds to continue to be successful.
Board Member Since: 1984
Current Board Committee(s): Safety Committee
Board Leadership Roles: I have served as prior committee chairs and received many awards for my fundraising.
Other Club Experience: I attended the Club when I was a kid. I also volunteered after the war and was employed for a short time when I was laid off.
Occupation: Ma Bell Phone Company, retired
Education: Served in the Army after high school. Was offered a scholarship from Emory & Henry but chose to enlist.
Other Community/Professional Activity: Born and raised in Newport News, Served as President of the Newport News Pioneers
Personal Statement
Family: Married to Carolyn, she graduated in ’56 and I graduated in ’54. I have two sons, Neil and Donnie. Neil is a graduate of Christopher Newport University and Donnie the Apprentice School. Donnie served as the past president for the Gloucester Boys & Girls Clubs Unit Board.
What do you do for fun? Loved sports when I was young, football and basketball. Love to garden.
Superpowers: Giving back!
Jim Mears
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? “It is all about the kids.”
Board Member Since: 2020
Current Board Committee(s): Finance Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Other Club Experience: Attended club as a kid.
Occupation: President/CEO, BayPort Credit Union
Education: Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA – Bachelor of Science, Business Administration – May 1983
Other Community/Professional Activity: Member, Former Treasurer, Rotary Club of Newport News (1993 – Present), Advisory Board Member, The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula (March, 2016 – September 2021), Board Member, Immediate Past President, The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (July, 2020 – June 2022) Board Member, President, The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (July, 2018 – June, 2020) Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer, The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (July, 2016 – June, 2018) Board Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (July, 2020 – Present) Board of Governor Member, Town Point Club (February 2022 – Present), Board Member, Chairman, BayPort Foundation (October 2020 – Present)
Personal Statement
Family: I have been married to my wife Cindy for 39 years. I have two adult children, Brooks and Macy.
What do you do for fun? Beach, Travel
Sheriff Ron Montgomery
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I have heard many positive statements about the Boy & Girls Clubs in the area, but when George Clark invited me to the Steak ‘N Burger Dinner and I had the opportunity to witness how powerful this organization is with regard to impacting the lives of young people, I knew then I wanted to be a part of this outstanding organization.
Board Member Since: 2023
Current Board Committee(s): TBD
Occupation: Sheriff, York County and the City of Poquoson
Skills and Expertise: Over 45 years of law enforcement experience with more than 35 years of senior leadership.
Education: B.A Criminology St. Leo University
Other Community/Professional Activity: I have been active in coaching youth sports for more than 20 years. I have coached all levels of football and baseball in the Williamsburg area. I was the head baseball coach at Bruton High School. I serve on the Board of the York County Chamber of Commerce and I am on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
Personal Statement
Family: I am married to my beautiful wife Terri and we have three sons, two daughters, and three grandchildren
What do you do for fun? I love lifting weights and watching baseball with my wife.
Superpowers: I am a very positive person and I try to bring that can do attitude to any project, job, or endeavor that I am involved in. I am always telling the people around me “Don’t tell me what you can’t do, tell me what you can do”. I intend to bring that positive attitude to this organization.
Liz Parker
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? The club has been a part of my family since the late 40’s. Both my father and uncle attended the club as children, followed by me beginning at the age of six. It provided me with leadership skills and an opportunity to learn about the importance of kindness to others. The environment at the club was always one of equality. It didn’t matter who you were or where you were from, all were welcomed and equal.
Board Member Since: 2022
Current Board Committee(s): Safety Committee
Other Club Experience: Attended the club as a child. In addition to my father and uncle.
Occupation: General Manager of LTD Hospitality Group
Skills and Expertise: Finance, Leadership, Human Resources, Communication
Education: Associates Degree from TNCC, Accreditation and Training from Marriott International
Other Community/Professional Activity: Executive Board, Vice Chair- Link, Board Member Newport News Public School Foundation, President Newport News Hospitality Foundation
Personal Statement
Family: I have a daughter and two grandchildren.
What do you do for fun? Outdoors, Nature, Golfing, Boating, Hiking
Superpowers: I’m a lobbyist. No is not in my vocabulary. Do the right thing!
Sam Rose
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? The kids! The most powerful fact I can point to as to why this organization has become so important to me is 70% of former members say the Club actually saved their life.
Board Member Since: 2020
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Chair, Resource Development Committee (22,23)
Other Club Experience: My closest connection to the club growing up was my mom dated one of the club directors. He was in my life for a short time (18 months) and had a meaningful impact on me with his mentorship. I saw firsthand how lucky club members are to have these type of role models in their lives.
Occupation: Founder and Principal of SR19 Consulting, LLC, Ferguson Enterprises for 30 years (March 2023)
Skills and Expertise: Relationship Building, Team Building, Change Management, Sales Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Coaching, Presentation Skills
Education: Harvard Business School: Advanced Management Program (2018); Global CEO Development Program, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School: Ferguson Leadership Program (2015), University of Virginia Darden School of Business: Financial Management (2010), Wolseley Leadership Program (2005), James Madison University: Bachelor of Science (1990)
Other Community/Professional Activity: YMCA Board, Newport News Education Foundation
Personal Statement
Family: I am blessed with a wonderful family including my amazing wife Tasha Rose. My Tyler, Madison, Cooper, Alex, and Harper. My bonus daughter Liz and two beautiful grandchildren.
What do you do for fun? Adult Baseball in FL (53+ Tournament), Golfing, Boating, Working on my Home, Entertaining Friends, Fitness
Superpowers: Connecting with people and getting large groups of people behind an idea. I especially enjoy using my superpower to spread the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs to more people to enable us to serve more kids.
Scott Russell
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? It is all about the kids and providing them opportunities to reach their full potential.
Board Member Since: 2010
Current Board Committee(s): Board Governance and Executive Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Chair (2020-2022), Ex-Officio (2022-2024), Board Governance Chair (2023)
Occupation: Senior VP of Category Management, Ferguson Enterprises (1985-current)
Skills and Expertise: Negotiation, Leadership, Strategy
Education: Duke University (Math and Psychology) 1981-1985, Harvard AMP 2013
Other Community/Professional Activity: James River Country Club Board
Personal Statement
Family: Happily married to Tricia since 1989. I have three sons, Scott, Robbie and Josh.
What do you do for fun? Weightlifting, Golf, Travel, Vineyards
Superpowers: Make an intentional effort to make a difference in the lives of other people every day and I wish that I could fly!
Tom Ryan
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I love the mission of the organization and the difference they are making in the lives of people in our community, beginning with the kids but also the impact to families throughout the Virginia Peninsula.
Board Member Since: 2016
Current Board Committee(s): Governance Committee, Human Resources Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: 37 year career working in the credit union industry with the last 11 years serving as President/CEO of Langley FCU.
Skills and Expertise: Banking/Finance
Education: Bachelor’s Degree – Business
Other Community/Professional Activity: Langley for Families Foundation
Personal Statement
Family: Married to Lisa for 39 years, two kids and three grandchildren.
What do you do for fun? Family, Beach, Travel – best when combined!
Mark Short
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? My father, David Short, was a long- time board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. He was passionate about this club and he inspired me to get involved in the club.
Board Member Since: 2018
Current Board Committee(s): Executive Committee, Real Estate Committee
Occupation: Attorney/Partner with Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. for 24 years. Prior to this, I worked at Jones, Blechman, Woltz, & Kelly, P.C.
Skills and Expertise: Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Real Estate.
Education: B.A. in Economics, College of William & Mary (minor in English); J.D., College of William & Mary School of Law
Other Community/Professional Activity: Virginia Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute, Civic Leadership Institute, Board Member of Hampton Roads Academy, Board Member/Treasurer of Hampton Roads German Club, former President of Newport News Bar Association, former Board member of Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, former Board member of Monarch Bank
Personal Statement
I’m passionate about learning new things and pushing my physical limits.
Family: My wife, Heather, and I have been married for 22 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Siena (19) and Caroline (14).
What do you do for fun? Functional training, cycling, boating, golf, William and Mary sports, travel
Superpowers: Love pushing my physical limits, and learning anything new.
Steve Sigmon
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? We are opportunity equalizers.
Board Member Since: 2007
Current Board Committee(s): Executive, Finance, Board Governance
Board Leadership Roles: Board Chair (2022-2023), Secretary (2020-2021)
Occupation: Certified Financial Planner/ Financial Advisor since 1996. I’ve been a small business owner – Point Comfort Wealth Management – with offices in Newport News in Williamsburg for 18 years.
Skills and Expertise: Anything Financial or Business related with emphasis on investments (equity/fixed income/real estate/currencies/metals/collectibles), business structures, risk management, retirement strategies, taxes, estate planning, and insurance of all types.
Education: College of William & Mary (BA 1992)
Other Community/Professional Activity: I’m currently on the advisory board of the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and lead/host a monthly neighborhood cleanup in West Freemason, where I reside and adjacent to downtown Norfolk.
Personal Statement
Family: My wife, Vanessa, and I raised a niece and nephew – Ariel (18) and Shawn (17) Starkey – since they were very young and live in Norfolk. My wife is from Newport News and I’m from Oklahoma. We have two cats, Frankie and Kitty, and Kitty in particular is one of the great loves of my life.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy anything fitness related (just slower than I used to), restoring old properties, college football, boating, and I just started giving golf a serious effort for the first time in my life. I’m terrible. My wife is getting me into pickleball.
Superpowers: I really love hot sauce, the hotter the better, and so much so that I’ll enter the occasional contest. I’m also thoroughly “double-jointed”, which I think is why I’ve never broken a bone!
Jim Steineke
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? To educate and for the betterment of today’s youth.
Board Member Since: 2007
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Other Club Experience: BGC experience through exposure to past club members. The service manager at my business attended.
Occupation: Owner, Cycle City Corp
Skills and Expertise: Business Owner
Education: Associates Degree, University of Wisconsin, Apprentice School, also taught at the Apprentice School for four years
Personal Statement
Family: Wife Sharon, Daughter Susan, and Son Craig. All of my family has been involved with hosting kids that attend the club. Prior to Covid, we would host 10-12 kids at my home with food, crabbing, fishing, slides and games.
What do you do for fun? Boating, Gardening
Brendan Summers
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I believe all kids need to have a safe place to go to play, laugh, learn, compete, and grow in their community.
Board Member Since: 2023
Current Board Committee(s): Safety Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Regional Director of Operations, Virginia Natural Gas
Skills and Expertise: Leadership, Emergency Management, Customer Service, Project Management, Employee Development
Education: Bachelor of Science, Justice Studies, James Madison University
Other Community/Professional Activity: Board member of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. VPCC LEAD Peninsula Graduate Class of 2021
Personal Statement
Family: I have been a resident of the Peninsula since 1992, a military family transplant like many in our community. My wife Angela and I have 3 children, Adrianna, Bryant and Camden. Our daughter Adrianna is an undergraduate at Virginia Tech pursuing a DVM of Veterinary Science. Our sons, Bryant and Camden are entering high school and love football, wrestling and lacrosse.
What do you do for fun? Through the children’s various sports, I have been able to be a volunteer coach. My wife and I believe in organized sports to build teamwork skills for young people.
Alexis N Swann
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? The mission of this organization touches my heart because I know that the world will be a better place if the young know how much they are valued, cared for and necessary to our society. We must all do our best to provide them with the tools they need to be successful and make positive contributions to our community in the future.
Board Member Since: 2020
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee and Finance Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: President of Towne Bank Peninsula/Williamsburg Region
Skills and Expertise: Finance, Financial Literacy, Teamwork
Education: MBA from College of William and Mary, BBA from Harvard University
Other Community/Professional Activity: Board of Visitors VCU, Board Member for Jamestown Yorktown Foundation, United Way, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Riverside Hospital Systems
Personal Statement
Family: I have built a life with my partner, Darren Swann for the last 30 years. We have two children, Mikaela, a rising third year medical student at Howard University and Chandler, a sophomore majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy at Florida A & M University. I spend my time with family and friends. I am a true community supporter that believes it is important that we leave the world better than we found it. I am active in many nonprofits because I want to have a global view of the community I live in and serve and work hard to bring about positive impact and change.
What do you do for fun? I love the beach and swimming and when that is not possible, I organize family and friend gatherings to spend time with those that I love!
Superpowers: I have contagious energy and live in a state of positivity and grace!
Helmuth W “Chip” Trieshmann MD
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula is a valuable community asset to promote the development of successful and responsible citizens in a safe and nurturing environment.
Board Member Since: 2002
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Prior Board Chair
Occupation: Retired Orthopedic Surgeon, Practiced on the Peninsula since 1982
Education: Princeton University 1971, University of Rochester Medical School 1976, Harvard Orthopedic Residency 1981
Other Community/Professional Activity: Board of Visitors, Christopher Newport University 1996-2004, Rector 2003-2004
Personal Statement
Family: I am happily married to Tamzen. I have a son Scott in Colorado and a daughter Lindsay who lives in Hilton with my granddaughter Kaia.
What do you do for fun? Exercise, Boating, Travel and reading American history
Superpowers: Equanimity
Dwight West
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? My father was passionate about supporting this wonderful organization and I guess it rubbed off on me.
Board Member Since: 1992
Current Board Committee(s): Human Resources Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Prior Board Chair, Human Resources Committee Chair
Occupation: Insurance Agent since 1985, Currently with Bankers Insurance
Education: Wake Forest University (BS)
Other Community/Professional Activity: Board Member YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and An Achievable Dream
Personal Statement
Family: Married to Barbara and have four grown children. This makes us empty nesters!
What do you do for fun? Golf, Boating and Travel
Bob Wharton
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I have always enjoyed working with youth, whether that be through coaching sports or employing hundreds through the years at our business. I love running into them in town or getting a phone call and hearing about their career and family! I hope to continue to make a positive impact on the youth in our community through the BGCVP.
Board Member Since: 2023
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Occupation: Branch Manager of the OVM Financial Newport News branch. Loan Originator for 17 years. Founder and partner of Crab Shack on the James and James River Fishing Pier.
Skills and Expertise: Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurial
Education: Campbell University and East Carolina University, Graduated from ECU in 1995
Other Community/Professional Activity: Spent years working with kids and coaching baseball. Served on the St. Andrews vestry.
Personal Statement
Family: “I met my wife Melanie at ECU and have been happily married for 26 years. Melanie and I have three children: Maggie, Bobby, and Libby. Maggie is 23 years old, Bobby is 22, and Libby is 20. The family also includes a beloved golden retriever named Banks. I take immense pride in my family and consider them to be the most important part of my life.”
What do you do for fun? “I am an avid fisherman and appreciate skiing, golfing, hunting, and attending live concerts. Additionally, I find joy in cooking with my wife, Melanie.”
Ashley J White
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? To help promote this organization that supports the youth in our local communities by providing a safe place to grow and become upstanding citizens.
Board Member Since: 2019
Current Board Committee(s): Finance Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: CPA, AJ White & Associates LLC
Skills and Expertise: CPA, EA, CGMA (licenses)
Education: Christopher Newport University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA)
Other Community/Professional Activity: Supervisory Committee, BPCU, Board Member OPCCUOA, Yorktown Rotary (former member), Board Chair AICPA PCPS Small Group (2023-2024)
Personal Statement
Family: I am married and reside in Poquoson
What do you do for fun? Travel, Enjoy Food Tours, Reading
Superpowers: This is a work in progress
Alan Witt Jr.
Why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula? I am very passionate about at-risk youth and working to provide pathways out of poverty. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula fits as a top tier organization to address these needs in our community.
Board Member Since: 2019
Current Board Committee(s): Resource Development Committee
Board Leadership Roles: Board Member
Occupation: Wealth Advisor with Old Point Investments
Skills and Expertise: Fundraising, Leadership, Networking
Education: Christopher Newport University, Class of 2007
Other Community/Professional Activity: Incoming president of Tom and Ann Hunnicut YMCA Advisory Board, Previous president of the Warwick Rotary Club, Current Board member of CCVR (Non profit that hosts sailboat racing in Hampton Roads, Previous usher at Peninsula Community Chapel, Previous Boy Scouts of Virginia Peninsula Board member, Previous Fundraising committee member for the local Red Cross and the Newport News Green Foundation. Class 2023 LEAD Peninsula member through the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Founder and former chair of the non-profit E.Y.E. of the World, Inc.
Personal Statement
Family: Wife – Happy Witt, Three Children (Asher, Eliza, and Callan)
What do you do for fun? Sailing, Reading, spending time with family
Superpowers: Creating projects from the ground up and seeing them through.