Julien Patterson, Class of 2005

Julien Patterson
Chairman (Retired), OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation 
Irvington, VA

What is new and exciting with you now or since your time with Lead Virginia?
I, and others, are currently involved in further developing the economy in the Northern Neck. Specifically, we are trying to develop strategies and forge alliances to deliver solutions regarding Broadband, job creation, affordable housing, small business incentives, public education enhancements, etc.  My wife and I have endeavored to set the example by opening four small businesses which have created job opportunities and contributed to the tax base. We are hopeful that this effort, and those of others, will have a “ripple effect”.   

How has your Lead Virginia experience influenced or shaped you as a leader?
Lead Virginia is the entity that brought the Commonwealth into clarity for me; a very valuable benefit that still pays dividends today; specifically in relation to my current economic development work in the Northern Neck. While the Northern Neck is an idyllic setting to live, work, play or retire, as my class and I learned through Lead Virginia, meaningful economic development measures and accomplishments are critical elements for continued success, now more than ever.

Since Lead Virginia, how have you put your social capital to work?
I have been so very fortunate to have participated and/or chaired several state-wide organizations; most recently, the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck, which current serves 400+ youth, is unlike any other organization. It fulfills a vital need in the community – the equipping of our youth with life-changing knowledge, skills, talents and confidence, enabling them to avoid the potential pitfalls of life. Social capital greatly comes into play here, as “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”; the same can be said for a community that strives to be successful. The Boys & Girls Club strengthens and enriches “that link” in our community to assure our on-going success. 

What did you expect from Lead Virginia going in? Did the program exceed your expectations and broaden your horizons?
When I first heard about a new initiative called “Lead Virginia” in 2004, I wrongly assumed that there wasn’t much more to learn or understand about the Commonwealth of Virginia. To my surprise, and good fortune, the Inaugural Class of 2005 brought prior experiences and knowledge together with new and compelling insights on regional issues, challenges and solutions.