Christopher Newport University’s 26th Annual Gardening Symposium will take place at the David Student Union on Saturday, April 12. The annual symposium provides education to community gardeners. For additional information, visit
cnu.edu/gardening.
Bronach Branan, CPA, ACMA, CLSSGB, has been promoted to partnership in the Newport News office of PBMares, LLP. Branan has more than 15 years of public accounting experience, with 10 years in private industry in London and Ireland, serving clients in telecommunications, media technology and banking. Branan’s industry knowledge provides audit and assurance services to the firm’s hospitality, construction, government contracting and employee benefit plan clients. She oversees the firm’s engagements through planning and implementing project design and strategy, directing and reviewing fieldwork and managing the financial reporting aspects of the jobs. Branan is a partner with the firm’s risk advisory team.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula will host its 18th Annual Smart Smiles 5K on Saturday, June 14. The event is a Peninsula Track Club 5K Grand Prix, Run/Walk Event and is supported by partners such as Delta Dental VA. The Smart Smiles 5K is a fundraiser supporting initiatives, including the Smart Smiles Dental Care and health and wellness programming. For more information and to register, visit www.bagclub.com.
Conway H. Sheild, III has joined Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. Sheild is Of Counsel in the firm’s Newport News office and a member of the firm’s real estate strategies group and commercial section. He comes to the firm with more than 50 years of law experience. His practice focuses on aiding clients in a variety of areas, including commercial banking and business transaction work. A U.S. Army veteran, Sheild received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington & Lee University and his Juris Doctor degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law. Prior to joining Kaufman & Canoles, he most recently practiced law with Jones, Blechman, Woltz & Kelly, P.C.
Top December listing and selling agent for Coldwell Banker Traditions’ Peninsula office was Joyclyn Kananen.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones has been selected to serve a one-year term on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). His term is effective immediately and will conclude on January 21, 2026. The committee, established in 1993, serves as a critical advisory body, providing the EPA with guidance and recommendations to strengthen its partnerships with local governments and support the development of effective environmental policies at the local level. The EPA’s collaboration with the LGAC is vital in ensuring that environmental programs are not only scientifically sound but also responsive to the needs of local communities. As a new member of the committee, Mayor Jones will have a voice in shaping national policies that affect local governments, communities and the environment.
Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III has been appointed to serve a one-year term on the National League of Cities’ finance administration, intergovernmental relations and large cities council committees. Bethany represents the city’s North District and is in his third year of his first term on the City Council. As the youngest vice mayor in Newport News history, he chairs the Financial and Governmental Performance Committee and serves as liaison to the Charter Review Committee and the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board. Bethany holds a Master of Arts degree in public policy, with a concentration in public administration from Liberty University. He is also a graduate of Virginia Peninsula Community College and Old Dominion University. Additionally, he earned a Business Analytics Certification from Cornell University, enhancing his expertise in governance and leadership.
Cindi Fields and Makeva Perkins have joined the Peninsula office of Howard Hanna. Fields and Perkins are in residential sales, having received their licenses in 2024. Both realtors have a strong background in customer service and live on the Virginia Peninsula.
Qwayshawn Adams, former marketing coordinator with Old Point National Bank, has been promoted to community relations manager. Adams has been with the bank since 2020. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.
Johnae Meekins and Nelson Howard have joined Visit Newport News as part-time travel counselors. In their roles, they assist guests with tourism information, directions, phone inquiries and promotional materials. Meekins is a 2018 graduate of Woodside High School and has a strong background in customer service, having worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Newport News, Newport News Public Libraries, Kingsmill Resort and VersAbility Resources. Most recently, she was a merchandise associate at HomeGoods. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the Military Police School at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He spent more than 20 years in leisure and tourism at King’s Creek Plantation Resort and Vacation Village in Williamsburg. In his most recent role as a tour guide with Explorer Tours, he educated visitors about America’s early history. Also joining Visit Newport News are trolley drivers Shatae Foster-Dancy, Keisha Washington, Sherwood Turner and Nikia Evans.
Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon (in scarf), Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) president, joined Newport News dignitaries, officials from the Peake Childhood Center and children in cutting the ribbon for the Newport News Early Childhood Development Center. The project, a collaboration among VPCC, the Peake Childhood Center and the City of Newport News, was more than two years in the making. The Peake Center will handle day-to-day operations and is for children six weeks old through five years and features preschool programs. It can accommodate 200 children.
The Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center held its Companion Club meeting to discuss several service projects and plans for club inductions. Attending were (from left) Sharyn Fox, Holly Koons, Kotiba Malek, Holly Kidd, Kimberly Abney, Carolean Sorenson, Katey Fox O’Brien, Erlinda and Michael Gleason, Lynn Lambert, Tanner Baile and Stephanie Paine.
Members of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center welcomed new members to the companion club. Shown (left to right) are Kevin Siege, guest; Holly Koons, new member; Stephanie Paine, new member; Tanner Bailey new member; Sharyn Fox, current member; Kyle Folkes, new member; Hillary Klass, new member; Felicia Fisher, guest; Lynn Lambert, new member; Ann Wojniack, current member; Ella Abney current member; Kim Abney, new member; and Holly Kidd, club president.
