VENTURE RICHMOND - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chief Operating and Culture Officer / the Martin Agency
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager, Riverfront Canal Cruises
Raised along the Potomac, Alex has chosen to establish his family's roots on the banks of the James River where he enjoys taking his boys on adventures, whether it be in the river on a boat, climbing the vertical surfaces or biking and hiking the trails. Alex loves sharing his enthusiasm for Richmond, its stories and history, with everyone who will listen. He can often be found on the Canal Walk or a canal boat working to make Richmond's Riverfront a beautiful and inviting world-class amenity.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Executive Director
A Maryland transplant who's made Richmond her home, Anedra spends her professional and personal time trying to make Richmond's resources known to many. With a focus in marketing and public relations, she has spent her career promoting local and statewide tourism assets. A serial volunteer, Anedra dedicates time serving on local boards focused on underserved populations of women and children, enjoys traveling and spending time playing and dining throughout RVA with her husband, two young children and entertaining friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Carol has spent more than 20 years crunching numbers! Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Carol has been in the accounting field since 1995. Prior to that, Carol was a member of the Army Reserve. The leadership and diligence she's gained from her experience outside of the office helps the entire Venture Richmond team stay on track to succeed.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Owner / EAT Restaurant Partners
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
In 2023, Erika marks 13 years with Venture Richmond both as a full-time employee and as a consultant. A Richmond native, Erika holds degrees in historic preservation, community planning and art history from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. In 2004, she was named one of Style Weekly's "Top 40 Under 40," and in 2015 was chosen to represent Richmond as one of only 10 National Park Service Urban Fellows. Erika loves live music, being outdoors and Downtown RVA. To contact her, please email media@venturerichmond.com.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
A Virginia native, Hunter grew up in a small community in the Hampton Roads region, where his zeal for life in Richmond's Downtown began. Hunter moved to Richmond in 2018 to pursue a degree from the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, and following his graduation in 2021, he's found his forever home in Richmond. As a marketing professional who loves all things Richmond, Hunter is committed to expanding access and awareness of our beloved Downtown, its community events, green spaces, and local businesses. Outside the office, you'll find Hunter around town checking out the local art and delicious food scene, taking care of his many houseplants, or enjoying RVA's gorgeous riverfront.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
A native of Nashville, Lisa's professional roots run from Journalism to Tourism. While in Asheville, NC, she was the executive director of the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. She moved to Richmond to work at what is now Richmond Region Tourism. Working with national and international organizations, she is a natural at relationship-building. A mother of three, a cancer survivor and marathon and half marathon runner - Lisa's love of Richmond ranges from our public schools and Massey Cancer Center to the outdoors and James River. Most mornings, you can find her running through the Fan or after work sampling the city's food scene.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
A Richmond native, Lucy is a champion of Richmond's creativity, innovation, revitalization and future. For decades, she has worked with many community partners to enhance the vitality of Richmond. She was in commercial real estate development before discovering a passion for downtown and non-profit leadership. One of Lucy's favorite accomplishments was leading the collaborative team effort that created the unique open source community brand: RVA. You'll find Lucy around town cycling, oil painting, gardening and savoring Richmond's art and food scene. She loves to travel and rarely passes up an opportunity for an adventure.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President / Virginia State University
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President & CEO / M. H. West & Co.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- SVP - Investment / Director / Davenport & Co., LLC
In 2019, Mavis celebrated her 20th year at Venture Richmond as the Event Operations Manager. Before stepping into the role, she contributed her time to the organization as a volunteer for many years. Now, she uses her extensive experience to facilitate everything from volunteers to vendors. She is a behind-the-scenes master whose resourcefulness and focus allows for Venture Richmond's events to continue to thrive. She is also the mother of a Hampton University graduate, active within her church and community, enjoys watching college basketball and working out when she's not in the office.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Senior Wealth Advisor / South State Bank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Managing Director - Richmond / Harris Williams & Co.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- CEO / Shamin Hotels, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Renee is a "hometown girl," who's been a proud advocate for downtown Richmond for over 20 years. She has marveled at the renaissance of downtown Richmond and is proud to have played a small part in its transformation. She is a proud graduate of RPS, go JAYEM Justices, and enjoys Venture Richmond's partnership with RPS. Renee is a proud mom to one daughter and granddaughter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
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- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Putting smiles on people's faces at Venture Richmond events isn't only one of Sharon's favorite pastimes, it's part of her job! As the Events & Booking Manager, Sharon takes great pride in knowing the success of our events is supported by her 20+ years of event management experience and dedication to making Richmond a more joyful city. Starting her journey as an event volunteer, Sharon now works directly with clients, artists and vendors looking to bring their talents to downtown Richmond. Sharon is a proud graduate of two Virginia universities that share the coolest shade of blue: Hampton University and Virginia State University. When she's not dancing at 2nd Street Festival and loving the fruits of her labor, Sharon enjoys traveling, live music, spending time with friends and family and being an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, a community service sorority.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- CEO / Community Foundation
Stephen is a Richmond native, and the proof of his love for the city can be seen on his upper left arm where his "RVA" tattoo lives. The creativity and whole-heartedness he brings to the table can be seen in every event he works on throughout the year, especially when it comes to the music. Stephen offers his own musical talents as drummer to his band VILLAGES and frequents concerts and events all around Richmond. When he's not rocking out, he can be found kayaking on the James River and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Developer
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors