Lead Virginia Celebrates Impact Award Recipients

Lead Virginia – the nonpartisan and nonprofit statewide program for proven leaders now in its 18th year of engaging Virginia’s leaders on issues most relevant to the Commonwealth – celebrated four Impact Award recipients during its April 12 Spring Gathering.

“Our Impact Awards recognize leaders who are driving innovation – who have made a true difference in their communities,” said Susan Horne, Lead Virginia’s president and CEO. “They represent the very best of the Commonwealth. They inspire other leaders. After experiencing the Lead Virginia program, they’ve been forces for true, positive change.”

This year’s recipients include:

Sheryl Garland, Class of 2005, Vice President for Health Policy and Community Relations at MCV Foundation and Chief of Health Impact at VCU Health – For her leadership in advancing a vision for health equity and actionable outcomes in the greater Richmond area, Garland received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.  

 

 

B.K. Fulton, Class of 2011, Chairman and CEO at Soulidifly Productions – For his gift of uplifting storytelling and his leadership in elevating a positive media narrative featuring multigenerational and multiethnic voices, Fulton received a Lead Virginia Impact Award.

 

Bryan Stephens, Class of 2015, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce – For his leadership in creating direct community links and resources between the military and Hampton Roads community through the Veterans Employment Centers, the Hampton Roads Military Affairs Committee, the U.S. Chamber Military Spouse Empowerment Zone, and his work to meaningfully address veterans’ mental health, Stephens received a Lead Virginia Impact Award. Williams Mullen sponsored the award. 


Laurie Head, Class of 2016, Co-Owner and Vice President of Marketing Communications with AIS Network – For her continuing leadership of Lead Virginia’s communications committee, board service, and enthusiastic support of the program, she received the Jorman Granger Service to Lead Virginia Award. 
“These leaders deserve the spotlight,” Horne said. “We take great pride in their success, and their work is evident within their thriving communities and beyond.” 


JP Morgan Chase was the Spring Gathering’s presenting sponsor. Columbia Gas sponsored the reception, and WealthSpire Advisors sponsored the luncheon.

Julien Patterson, founder, and retired chairman with OMNIPLEX World Services and alumnus of the inaugural Lead Virginia class of 2005, was the event’s keynote speaker.