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After receiving numerous nominations, a panel of local business leaders selected the following 25 young professionals as being among the best and brightest of their generation.
PH OTO G RAPH Y BY M I C HAEL PATC H
Whether they own a small business or work for a large corporation, these individuals are truly “on the move” not only in their places of work, but also in the community.
Sara Abbe BIO: Unit manager in the Engineering Department at BWXT’s Mt. Athos Road facility. Sara has lived and worked in the Lynchburg area for 11 years. She has been with BWXT in roles of increasing responsibility for eight years and previously worked as a process engineer at Georgia Pacific’s Big Island mill. She graduated from North Carolina State University with two engineering degrees and serves on the Engineering Advisory Board at Sweet Briar College.
projects/challenges into smaller steps helps me get started, stay motivated, and provides natural points to re-evaluate my plan.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… the fact that my job makes a real difference in the defense of our nation.
What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the lack of traffic! Whenever I travel to bigger cities I realize how much I take that for granted.
When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… think about what kind of example I want to set for my children. I want them to grow up realizing that life will present us with personal and professional challenges outside our control, but our reaction to them is in our control.
The best piece of advice I have ever received… even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Breaking big
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Ken Arpino
So far in my career, I am most proud of… doubling our company’s revenue two years in a row. Wolfbane has made huge advancements as a business and I am so proud to be a part of it.
BIO: Director of Development for Wolfbane Productions. Ken is an accomplished actor, writer and improviser, and has been seen in the Broadway touring companies of Mamma Mia!, Legally Blonde: the Musical! and Hairspray. Now, splitting his time between Appomattox and NYC, Ken is thrilled to do his part to provide Broadwaycaliber entertainment in Central Virginia. Ken is also a founding member of the newly formed Experience Appomattox campaign and serves on the boards of the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce and the new Lynchburg Artisan Trail.
When I started my career, I wish I had known… there are no wrong answers. Some things will work better than others, but ultimately each decision makes you better, so go for it. Over the next five years… I strive to attract a more diverse tourism base, increase visitor spending, and enhance the “Appomattox Experience” for anyone who finds themselves in Appomattox County. I will continue to grow and nurture arts and culture initiatives and hope to partner with many more local businesses. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… put the fifth cup of coffee down. Caffeine can be your enemy.
Stephanie Atkinson BIO: Owner of The Conscious Mercantile and Live Trendy or Die. Stephanie is a New Jersey native and fourth generation small business owner who currently owns two specialty retail shops in the Downtown Lynchburg area, utilizing a combined 12 years of experience in managing, merchandising, planning and marketing. Believing that organic growth is the key to a uniquely successful Downtown, Stephanie carries over 40 local artisans in her commercial spaces, serving as a springboard for their growth. She will open The Windblown Apothecary in late August 2017. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was, “It took five years for your father and me to make money so stop complaining.” This came from my Mom whenever I was worried about sales during my first year. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that Bob Marley’s song [“Everything Is Going To Be Alright”] was true. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that it is a very small trusting city populated by people who are the first to offer help and then take you to a happy hour. Something not many people know about me is that… I come up with all the visual designs in the shops. Everything is custom built by my husband and I like to reflect the historic integrity of our spaces. 32
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Patrick Bolling BIO: Associate Attorney at Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams. Patrick focuses his practice on commercial transactions and litigation. He also is the President of the Board of the Arc of Central Virginia, serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer’s Division and the Real Estate Section Council of the Virginia Bar Association, is a member of the MIX Committee at the Academy Center of the Arts, and was the 2016 Volunteer of the Year for the Daniel’s Hill Community Garden. Patrick lives in Lynchburg with his amazing wife, Anna, eight-month-old son, Onex, and black lab, Delta. My inspiration and motivation come from… my late grandfather, Onex. He was a WWII veteran and self-made man. He provided opportunity for my whole family with only a degree from Huddleston High School, hard work and the love of my wonderful grandmother, Helen. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that a successful legal practice is built on personal relationships, just like any other business. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… remind myself that I am fortunate to be able to have a tough day at work. Something not many people know about me is that… I am a musician (to stretch the meaning of the word). I play the mandolin, guitar and drums. In law school, I had a band that played local bars and breweries. We never got our big break.
Jessica Clarkson BIO: Assistant Vice-President of Business Development at Member One Federal Credit Union. Jessica is also a member and Social Chair of the Lynchburg Morning Rotary Club, Chair of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Ambassador Team and Board Member for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Board Member for Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge, Council Member for Leadership Lynchburg, but most importantly (and challenging) is her job of being mom to a spunky four year old named Olivia. So far in my career, I am most proud of… having the opportunity to chair Lynchburg’s first “Big Wigs” campaign for Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge. Our goal was to raise $10,000 and we raised almost $22,000 for local mammograms, breast cancer screening and breast cancer research. The best piece of advice I have ever received… came from my dad who would always tell me, “Don’t sell yourself short.” When I start to doubt myself or feel overwhelmed I think about that and realize that life has thrown me some curveballs, but I am capable of persevering. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that there are people out there who are eager to take you under their wing and help you grow in your career. It’s important to have a mentor. Something not many people know about me is that… I’m an avid reader. I always wished I had a cooler talent, but I can read really fast and read about three books a week. Also, I’m super competitive with Fantasy Football (and have won our family’s league the past two years… in case they are reading this).
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Shaun Conway BIO: Senior GIS Programmer/Analyst for the City of Lynchburg. Shaun also serves on various committees focusing on wellness, process improvement and volunteering. Before joining the City of Lynchburg in 2007, Shaun received a B.S. degree with an emphasis in geography from James Madison University. Having spent the majority of his childhood as a military dependent living in Germany and traveling Europe, he now calls Lynchburg home. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the small things I get to do every day that help others. Whether it’s a cop who needs a map or a professor who needs demographic data, knowing I was able to help someone do what they love to do is always rewarding.
on that opportunity if you are unwilling to admit what you don’t know. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that Lynchburg offers the very best of two worlds. It has the charm, character and community of a small southern town while, at the same time, it benefits from the energy, excitement and diversity of a larger city. Lynchburg is truly unique. Something not many people know about me is that… although my job is dependent on technology, I am a collector of hobbies that don’t require screens or a WiFi connection. My current focus is on beekeeping and woodworking.
When I started my career, I wish I had known… just how little I actually knew. Every day is an opportunity to grow and learn and you miss out
Codie Cyrus BIO: Co-owner of C&C Piping and Fabrication. Codie is the owner of a husband and wife–run, welding repair and maintenance company that specializes in process piping and mechanical support. She was awarded a $15,000 grant from Altavista On Track and the company was recognized as the Small Business Development Centre “Business of the Year” for 2017. So far in my career, I am most proud of… growing. We started this company with trade knowledge and a prayer. We are what we are today due to hard work and building great relationships. Over the next five years… I would like to add an apprenticeship/internship program at our company to allow the youth in our area to get some
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hands-on experience in their field of choice. I feel that if we have skilled labor in our area then the economy will grow around it. My inspiration and motivation come from… God. We are all put in a place on this earth and He blesses each of us with a talent or talents. It’s our job to take them and use them for the growth of His kingdom. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was from my father who said, “Don’t get above your raising.” It was his way of reminding me to stay humble and don’t let it go to your head.
2017 Moore & Giles would like to congratulate
Elizabeth Stroud on her selection as one of Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Millennials Magazine on the Move.
Congratulations to Jamie Glass, an amazing young professional, and all of the other Millennials on the Move in the Lynchburg Region. Together, you are creating positive change in our Region.
Where Creativity and Commerce Connect
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Ted Delaney BIO: Executive Director of Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum. Ted is at the helm of this destination, now the most visited historic site in the City of Lynchburg. He was raised in Lynchburg and graduated from the University of Virginia. He writes, lectures, and consults extensively on many topics related to local history and genealogy. Ted currently serves on the boards of Historic Sandusky and Opera on the James.
My inspiration and motivation come from… local history and its incredibly rich and colorful—but often forgotten—people, places, artifacts and stories. I love the challenge of finding the missing pieces, putting them back together, and sharing them in interesting ways. When I started my career, I wish I had known… change is normal and healthy. Pretending it won’t happen or fighting it ultimately makes things worse. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… literally stop and smell the roses outside our office.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… contributing to something that will long outlive me.
LaShonda Delivuk BIO: CMO, Brand Strategist & Commercial Film Producer at About 90 Marketing and Life Focus Pictures. LaShonda Delivuk is a serial entrepreneur from Dinwiddie, Va. She made her home in Lynchburg in 2008, and since relocating she has started four successful ventures that all generated profits within the first year. She is the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Lynchburg Morning and serves on the board for Living Bread Ministries. She is happily married to her husband Josh. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the Kickstarter campaign I facilitated with my husband which saved a theater in Virginia from closing by generating $25,000 in 15 days. Since this fundraiser, they have successfully funded multiple summer theater seasons using the system we created. Over the next five years… I hope to release my first book, start a movement and be debt free. The goal is to have more… to give more away. I would also love to take a trip to Brazil to visit the churches I’ve helped plant through Living Bread Ministries. When I started my career, I wish I had known… to get a loan before you officially start. But here’s the thing—if I had known how hard it would be to be an entrepreneur I would have never gotten started. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… sit still, sing worship music until the truth of the lyrics sinks in and reminds me how good God truly is. 36
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2017 BIO: Executive Vice President and Senior Operations Officer at Bank of the James. Brandon began his Bank of the James career in 1998 as an intern while finishing his business degree at Virginia Tech and was hired as a management associate in January 2001. He leads a dynamic team of 13 employees within the functional areas of Deposit Operations, Information Technology, Bank Secrecy Act, Facilities Management and Real Estate Valuation. He serves on several boards: the Downtown Lynchburg Association, the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Parking Authority. When I started my career, I wish I had known… how to effectively communicate in order to achieve success personally and professionally. I believe we need to continually
Brandon P. Farmer work on improving our communication skills, which leads to improving our relationships. Over the next five years… I want to explore Italy, France, Scotland, England and Australia. I appreciate the historical sites of Europe, great wine and challenging golf courses. My inspiration and motivation come from… my wife April. She is my best friend, and she always provides the support and critical feedback I need to succeed. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… try to focus on prioritizing my tasks to lessen the anxiety of work. If I can resolve an issue or achieve a goal, there is that bit of satisfaction when you’re done.
Nicholas Steven George BIO: Founder of The Listening, Inc. Since 2013, The Listening has sought to use the performing arts to mentor young people and engage the community by holding regular events. Nicholas also works as a schoolbased clinician for the local community services board, and lives in Lynchburg with his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Naomi and Noah. When not binge-watching “Parks and Recreation” or “The Walking Dead,” Nicholas enjoys spending time with family and friends and perfecting his own horchata recipe. So far in my career, I am most proud of… being able to send a local young artist to the 2017 Artist as Citizen Conference in New York City. My inspiration and motivation come from… my parents, Steve and Margaret George, and each educator who showed me the life-changing power of words and art. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… being constantly surprised at the passion and talent found in its citizens! Something not many people know about me is that… I used to be a part of a lip-syncing cover band called “Hawt Sawse.” We released a few videos way back when, but the band broke up once we started getting married. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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CONGRATULATIONS
Jessica!
Member One is proud to recognize Jessica Clarkson, Associate Vice President of Business Development, for being selected as one of Central Virginia’s 2017 Millennials on the Move.
congratulates
Brittany McGeoch
on being chosen as one of Lynchburg Business magazine’s Millennials on the Move! We commend Brittany on her outstanding work in the Campbell County Youth, Adult and Community Services and her dedicated service to our residents.
To learn more about Campbell County Youth, Adult and Community Services, visit www.co.campbell.va.us/ 367/Youth-Adult-andCommunity-Services
Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Congratulates our incredible Millennial on the Move: Heritage High School Future Center Director Leidra McQueen 434.515.5082 PO Box 1261 Lynchburg, Virginia
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Blake Gederberg BIO: Co-owner of Speakertree, Lynchburg’s Record Shop. Blake is an aspiring serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a local focus. His sole mission is to grow Lynchburg to be a city filled with excitement and entertainment. Coming up on one full year as a new owner of Speakertree, he recently moved the shop to Downtown Lynchburg (901 Jefferson St. G7). He plans to continue growing the shop with his business partner, Nick Cotrufo, while also looking to the future for more business opportunities and ventures. Over the next five years… I hope to be a full-time entrepreneur and start working towards other goals in my life such as being a venture capitalist and investing in local projects that I feel could be huge for our city and its entertainment market.
The best piece of advice I have ever received… is the world tries to convince you that you must work on your weaknesses but the most successful people in the world focused on their strengths and built a career they were proud of. Life is too short to worry about your shortcomings. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… OPPORTUNITY. It’s pretty much an open canvas right now. If you’re determined, you can build a life for yourself as an entrepreneur. Something not many people know about me is that… I was an awful student in middle school and elementary school. I hated school. No teachers believed I would succeed in anything and then I turned my life around and ended up going to college and getting my degree. I’m still not a fan of “school,” but I like to learn.
Jamie Glass BIO: Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Jamie is instrumental in the marketing and recruitment efforts of the organization and is responsible for economic development research, project assistance and regional support. Jamie serves as immediate past President of the Board of Directors for the Town of Altavista’s Main Street program, Altavista On Track. She also serves on the Altavista Area YMCA Board of Directors. Over the next five years… I want to help our region reach its full potential. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a five-year plan, so assisting to accomplish the goals set forth by our regional leaders would be a great start. I am thankful for the opportunity to assist with the execution of this project with our partners at the Local Government Council.
My inspiration and motivation come from… hands down my daughter, Kentley. I want her to look back when she is older and say, “Mom rocked it!” Whether we realize it or not, our children are always watching us. The best piece of advice I have ever received… find your work/life balance. Sometimes it is hard to turn off the email and allow yourself to recharge, but I have found it is key to managing stress and being a better employee. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… Google work-related memes. I use humor to balance stress. I email funny stuff to my co-workers, and we have a good laugh. There is nothing Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute can’t cure!
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The City of Lynchburg is proud to congratulate Shaun Conway, Senior GIS Programmer/ Analyst, for being recognized as one of the “Millennials on the Move.” Providing excellent customer service, creating innovative solutions and having a positive, can-do attitude are hallmarks of Shaun’s work.
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2017 COMMUNITY
IMPACT
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Community Impact Awards
Does your company support local charities? Is your company making a difference in the Lynchburg community? If so, we want to highlight you and your incredible work that makes our area a great place to live.
Nominate your business today at
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Chris Glover BIO: Assistant Principal at P.L. Dunbar Middle School for Innovation. A Lynchburg native, Chris was formerly a history teacher and coach at Heritage High School and served as an Urban Education Doctoral Fellow and Evaluation Coordinator for Freedom School Partners in Charlotte, NC, where he also received his Ph.D. in Urban Education. He is passionate about diversity, education and racial reconciliation and is an active participant at Hill City Church. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the relationships I have built with students and communities. I have worked with diverse students, families, and communities in both Lynchburg and Charlotte, and I enjoy the opportunity to build relationships and bridges across differences. One of my favorite things as an educator is seeing students when they are adults. My inspiration and motivation come from… family, friends and faith. I have been beyond blessed in my life to have so many wonderful influences and opportunities—things that many others never receive. I try to use my blessings and privileges to help others, and this motivation comes from Jesus, in whom I see love, service, justice, reconciliation and community building as central. When I started my career, I wish I had known… the systemic issues and inequities in education and the community that marginalize some and elevate others, including myself. Researching, listening and learning about those issues changed the way I educate and advocate. Something not many people know about me is that… I twice modeled for bridal shows while in college, which had me walking down runways and dancing to country music in various tuxedos.
Jawansa Hall BIO: Owner and Creative Director of Blackwater Branding. Jawansa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Graphic Design from Virginia Intermont College. Within two years of launching his advertising agency, Jawansa and his team have created strong campaigns for James T. Davis Paint Center, Bowen Jewelry Company, the Lynchburg Hillcats and others. Jawansa also helps support area nonprofits, including Riverviews Artspace and the YWCA, by developing marketing materials that help them advance their mission. Over the next five years... I want businesses as well as nonprofits to view Blackwater Branding as the premier branding and advertising agency in Central Virginia. Our goal is to develop strong relationships with each business we serve. Additionally, we want to leave a positive social footprint throughout the region—not just for branding and advertising, but also for community engagement. The best piece of advice I have ever received... has come from my mother, father and father-in-law. Mom: “Son, when you know better, do better. Lack of knowledge is never a strong excuse.” Dad: “Ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution is what makes you valuable.” Fatherin-law: “If you ever find yourself the smartest and brightest in your circle, it’s time to get a bigger circle.” When I started my career, I wish I had known… PATIENCE! Put away the checklist and time tables, slow down and enjoy each part of the career. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… it’s large enough to allow economic opportunities that can sustain strong new businesses yet still small enough that you can sit down with the Mayor or a city council member and have your thoughts directly heard. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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Dave Henderson BIO: Owner of The Water Dog. Now at the helm of Lynchburg’s riverside taphouse and oyster bar, Dave comes to the position from the corporate world. After 10 years, 18,250 conference calls and 10,950 coffees, he left that life behind to pursue his passion. He figured life is too short. Over the next five years… I hope to continue being part of helping make Downtown Lynchburg an amazing place!
When I started my career, I wish I had known… that if you really want something, you have to work your tail off to get it. No one is going to change your personal situation in life except you. You have to be the change you want to make. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the true community that’s here—running strong through Lynchburg’s social scene to its arts and cultural opportunities. It’s just a fun place to live and work! Something not many people know about me is that… my wife would claim that I have too many hobbies in life…but I call it simply being constantly curious!
Brittany MC Geoch BIO: Children’s Services Act Coordinator for Campbell County. Brittany completed her Bachelor’s in Social Work at James Madison University in 2010. She is a Campbell County native and is delighted to be working in her home community. When not at work, Brittany loves spending time with her husband, one-year-old son and their two dogs. She also volunteers at her local church and in the community. So far in my career, I am most proud of… collaborating with Rustburg Elementary School, Robert Dawson and the United Way to start a backpack program to provide at-risk students with meals for weekends and holidays. My inspiration and motivation come from… the youth and families I work with each day. I try to strive to make our community and our system of care better for all families in Campbell County. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… think about my family and the joy I feel when I see their faces when I get home each evening. Something not many people know about me is that… whether it’s at lunch or dinner, I always eat the dessert.
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2017 BIO: Director of the Beacon of Hope Future Center at Heritage High School. Leidra is a graduate of Heritage and the University of Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Leidra is a former member of UVA’s College Advising Corps and the University of South Carolina’s TRIO programs. Ultimately, passion for student access and success in higher education for students in her hometown brought her back to Virginia in 2013. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the students I have watched grow into young men and women pursuing their dreams, contributing to their collegiate communities, and wanting to “pay it forward.” Watching their maturation process is what I live to see! The best piece of advice I have ever received… is, “Finish strong.” My dad is a retired college football coach and this is one of
Leidra Mc Queen the many -isms he taught me. I use this advice as a motivator in my professional and personal life. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that life could be this good and that there could be longevity in making a career out of service and passion. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that bar none, this is home. I moved a lot growing up, but I proudly claim Lynchburg as home. It’s true that “there’s no place like home” and I love contributing to the betterment of this city.
Derek L. Polley BIO: Self-Employed Financial Consultant. Derek is married to his lovely wife, Nina, and they have three children: Lauren, London and Ace. He founded Lynchburg’s first and only professional basketball team, the Lynchburg Legends. He currently serves on boards for Lynchburg City Schools, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and Friends of Lynchburg Parks and Rec. Originally from Houston, Texas, Derek graduated with a degree in business management from Liberty University with a focus in finance. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the Lynchburg Legends completion of over 600 hours of community service right here in the Hill City while serving local nonprofits, after school programs and community events. My inspiration and motivation come from… my wife and kids. AKA #TeamPolley. They believe in me and support my crazy ideas, even when nobody else does. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that my mistakes would eventually build the foundation for my success. Something not many people know about me is that… I collect globes, maps and any form of cartography.
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Megan Robinson BIO: Director of Flames Club Operations at Liberty University. Megan has primary responsibility for the donor experience, including management of football game days for 1,500 members and guests at multiple locations. She is responsible for fulfillment of member benefits and privileges, including priority seating and parking for football, basketball and baseball. Megan coordinates daily Flames Club operations, including directing more than 50 annual events, managing the annual budget and more.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… being able to help the Flames Club grow from about 600 members before I started to over 1,000 members now. The best piece of advice I have ever received… is don’t be afraid of taking risks. Even though my resume did not reflect any prior development experience in athletics, I am glad I took a chance and pursued this new career field. I found a job I enjoy, where I can serve and support others. When I am having a tough day at work, I always… turn to my faith. Even during the tough days, I know that the Lord will guide me through it and I try to look at every opportunity and experience with a positive mindset. Something not many people know about me is that… both of my parents were in the Army, so we had the neat opportunity to live in two foreign countries, Germany and South Korea.
Justin Siehien BIO: COO and General Manager at Blue Ridge Optics. After graduating from the University of Florida in 2007, Justin relocated to Virginia to work at BRO as the operations manager. Since starting there nearly 10 years ago, and under his shared guidance, the company has grown to over 30 employees at an average yearly growth rate of 15 percent, with no signs of slowing down. He currently lives with his wife and two children in the greater Lynchburg area. Over the next five years… we hope to transition Blue Ridge Optics from a service based optics company to a vertically integrated brand. From crystal growth, fabrication and thin film coating to final assemblies, we are aiming to be a single source solution. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that each failure is an opportunity and that you need to keep an eye on the big picture when things don’t turn out as planned. Some of my strongest relationships in business have come from proving we can handle unforeseen problems, and we stand behind our work. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… it is a small city with big resources. The influence from multiple colleges, tech companies such as Areva, BWXT, and the Centra network have been a catalyst for growth and development in the city. Something not many people know about me is that… I’ve recently become quite obsessed with traditional Japanese culture. The concepts of simplicity in mind and movements (Zazen, Umami, Wabi-Sabi) offer a balanced and, for many, an essential perspective of life—yet these concepts are so foreign to the western lifestyle.
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Elizabeth Stroud BIO: Vice President of Bags and Accessories at Moore & Giles. Elizabeth is a graduate of Hollins University and Parsons School of Design. She previously worked for Hermès in New York City. Elizabeth returned to Lynchburg in 2009 and is married with two children. In addition to her work at Moore & Giles, Elizabeth co-founded MIX, a young donor’s society of the Academy Center of the Arts, and has guest curated two art shows at the Ann White Academy Gallery. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the relationships I have developed. I work with an incredible team of people within Moore & Giles and within our industry. In the eight years I have been with the company, we have seen a lot of change, and I think we are one of the hardest working and most fun groups of people in Lynchburg. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that jobs, companies, people are always evolving. As soon as you’ve figured something out, it changes. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the pace of life. After living and working in New York, it has been incredibly refreshing to live and work in a place that values family, community and rest. Something not many people know about me is that... my “alternate” career is jingle writing. I love to make up little jingles about everyday life. My children, though young, are already very embarrassed by it.
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Chelsey Tomlin BIO: Associate Director of Patient Engagement and Outreach at Johnson Health Center. Chelsey was born and raised in Amherst County and recently moved to Nelson County with her husband and dogs. She joined Johnson Health Center in 2014. Her background is in health promotion and she’s currently pursing a Master of Nonprofit Leadership Studies at Lynchburg College. She enjoys kayaking, reading and shopping at vintage stores in her spare time. Over the next five years… I hope our community will continue its focus on poverty initiatives and be able to show the impact made on lives. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was from my grandmother. She said, “God laughs at the plans we make for ourselves.” When things don’t go as I plan, this phrase often comes to mind! When I started my career, I wish I had known…what I was passionate about. There’s nothing more fulfilling than meshing your passion and career together. No worries to those who aren’t sure what their passion is; experiences often help illuminate your passion. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… take a deep breath and eat dark chocolate covered raisins. Research the benefits of dark chocolate and you’ll be doing the same!
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Kevin Welsch BIO: Marketing Manager for robotics and conveyor manufacturer, Simplimatic Automation (Forest). Kevin has prior marketing experience with Innerspec Technologies and as a co-founder of Hello Studios. Kevin is a graduate of Liberty University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. Kevin and his wife, Mandy, are active with Gospel Community Church, its church plant in Rhode Island, and with other area nonprofits. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the positive impact I’ve had on my employers and the community that I call home. Lynchburg has
been a great place to build my career and I’m thankful for the successes I’ve had so far. When I started my career, I wish I had known… how important it is to build, develop and maintain meaningful relationships. Having strong interpersonal connections is vital to not only career advancement, but also to personal development and overall well-being. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… try to focus on the important things. All too often we can get caught up in the details of life and forget about the big picture. Also… Maylynn’s ice cream with my wife always helps. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… how we have all of the perks of a major metro without the headache. We have tons of restaurants, a great airport, rail service, entertainment, and beautiful mountain views (all without a major commute).
Leah Wiebe BIO: Executive Director of Vintage Lynchburg. Leah created Vintage Lynchburg—a bi-annual vendor market—as well as Regeneration—a home décor business— in 2012. Leah has also worked alongside the Downtown Lynchburg Association and volunteers on various committees. While she is proud of her Midwest roots, Leah has lived in Lynchburg for 14 years and has fallen in love with its residents, history, beauty and potential. Along with her husband and four kids, she is thrilled to call this city home. So far in my career, I am most proud of… Vintage Lynchburg! This event has brought so many of our residents together to shop from local makers, create community, and provide inspiration. Over nine events, our little event grew from 17 vendors and 800 in attendance in 2012 to a highly anticipated, bi-annual event in Downtown Lynchburg with nearly 100 vendors and over 4,000 attendees. The best piece of advice I have ever received… “Learn how to say, ‘No.’” This is something I am working really hard on, but seem to forget so often! There will always be more good things than we have time for and learning how to say no to some of those good things allows us to be more present and focused on what’s at hand. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… take a deep breath, get a (another!) coffee, and fight through. Having stress-relief built in to my schedule outside of work really makes those tough moments more bearable. For me: it’s a run or yoga and time with my friends and family. Something not many people know about me is that… I come from a large family. I have three brothers and three sisters!
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LynchburgBusinessMag.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017