Kathy Rogers, Class of 2005

Executive Director
Piedmont Arts Association

What is new and exciting with you now or since your LEAD VIRGINIA class year?

Since graduating from the inaugural class of LEAD VIRGINIA in 2005 I have made a career change. Formerly executive director of the United Way, I am now executive director of Piedmont Arts Association in Martinsville. This has been a very exciting change for me.

How did your LEAD VIRGINIA experience help to shape you as a leader?

Being in LEAD VIRGINIA was such a great experience. It enabled me to connect with people across the Commonwealth that I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Making these connections and becoming more knowledgeable about issues throughout Virginia gave me more confidence as a leader.

Since LEAD VIRGINIA, how have you put your social capital to work?

Working in a nonprofit, it’s important to have connections with a cross-section of leaders, whether corporate, governmental, or individuals. Advocating for the arts in my community and Virginia, I feel comfortable meeting with legislators, corporate CEOs, or influential individuals and having a conversation about the importance of the arts in our schools and communities. LEAD VIRGINIA helped give me that confidence. I have been at events in Richmond and come across other LEAD VIRGINIA alumni and there is always that instant connection.

What is something that LEAD VIRGINIA inspired you to do that you were not doing before your class year?

Right after graduating from LEAD VIRGINIA, I was elected to the Henry County School Board and have served as the board’s chair for the past three years. LEAD VIRGINIA also played a role in giving me the confidence to change careers. Because of the intensity of the LEAD VIRGINIA experience, you create lasting connections and friendships.