Lee Householder, Class of 2013

Lee Householder
Chief Executive Officer, project:HOMES
Richmond, VA

What is new and exciting with you now or since your time with Lead Virginia?
I am excited about the growth opportunities with project:HOMES. We recently accomplished some significant milestones - we built our 1000th Wheelchair Ramp, our 100th home, and we are nearing completion of the rehabilitation of the William Byrd Hotel Senior Apartments - a 104 unit affordable senior apartment building with an excellent location in the City of Richmond. On the personal side, I recently moved into a newly renovated historic home in the Museum District in the City of Richmond. I am excited to live in an urban neighborhood. 

How has your Lead Virginia experience influenced or shaped you as a leader?
By engaging leaders throughout Virginia, I had the opportunity to build my social capital. Learning about how leaders are addressing challenges throughout Virginia was inspiring.

Since Lead Virginia, how have you put your social capital to work?
I am fortunate to have been a part of the 2013 class - the most connected and decorated Lead Virginia Class. Our class remains close both socially and professionally and we call share a common bond.

What is something that Lead Virginia inspired you to do that you were not doing before your class year?
To take advantage of the social capital that I have built in my role as the leader of project:HOMES. There are many opportunities to further the mission of project:HOMES and my own professional development by leveraging the connections I have made via Lead VA.

What did you expect from Lead Virginia going in? Did the program exceed your expectations and broaden your horizons?
To be honest, I was not sure what to expect. I knew there was a time commitment and we would be traveling throughout the state. I was immediately enlightened by the opportunity to learn about successful initiatives throughout Virginia and the wonderfully committed and engaged leaders that are making a difference every day in Virginia.