Danielle Nikolaisen, CPA has been promoted to partner with Brown Edwards, CPAs. Nikolaisen has been an integral member of Brown Edwards’ Newport News office since joining the firm, with public accounting experience dating to 2008 with focus areas in audit, assurance and consulting services. Her industry expertise encompasses government, not-for-profit, construction and real estate sectors. She earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Christopher Newport University.
Liz Moore & Associates held its third Charity Golf Tournament as part of the efforts of the Liz Moore Charitable Foundation in May at Williamsburg National. The tournament raised $55,000 for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones has been selected as one of the United States Junior Chamber’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) for 2025. This prestigious national honor recognizes 10 individuals under the age of 40 who exemplify exceptional leadership, service and character in their communities and beyond. Since 1938, the TOYA program has honored more than 600 individuals, including U.S. presidents and Olympic athletes. Past honorees include John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Elvis Presley.
Christopher Newport University’s (CNU) LifeLong Learning Society’s fall 2025 semester begins Monday, September 8. This is a membership organization dedicated to people of retirement age who seek opportunities for learning in an environment of sharing and fellowship. There are no requirements as to previous educational experience. Visit cnu.edu/lifelonglearning
or call 757-269-4368 for additional information.
Employees from AH Engineering Consultants spent a day volunteering at the Elizabeth River project in Norfolk, clearing grasses and invasive plants at the Ryan Resiliency Lab to protect and maintain the water quality. These employees are involved in many community projects, contributing time and attention to improving the area’s environment. Employees are involved in Rotary International and are members of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center. Pictured from left to right, back row: Tanner Bailey, Matt Reed and Georgie Hyde. Front row: Dale Keafer, Derrick Bowden, Hillary Klass and Sara Meriyeg.
The Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center celebrated three extraordinary individuals who embody Rotary’s mission of service above self, honoring Anne Wozniak, Gee Horton and Ella Abney as Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of the highest honors bestowed by Rotary International, acknowledging individuals who have made significant contributions to Rotary’s mission — either through exceptional service or by donating $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation. Shown here are Kevin Lyles, club president; Abney, club member; Wozniak, membership chair; Horton, club member; and Priscilla Beale, Rotary Foundation chair.
Katie Murphrey (right) was inducted by Holly Kidd, president of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center (left) during a recent Companion Club meeting. Also shown is club member Sharyn Fox, Murphrey’s sponsor.
Literacy for Life (LFL) celebrated its 50th anniversary in June at its annual Celebration of Lifelong Learning. In the past year, the organization supported more than 1,000 learners from 79 countries, speaking 47 languages. More than 650 learners came from the greater Williamsburg area and more than 400 from the Lower Peninsula. To accommodate growing demand in the Lower Peninsula, Literacy for Life moved into office space in Grace United Methodist Church, located near Christopher Newport University. To honor LFL’s 50th anniversary, the Virginia House of Delegates commended Literacy for Life with House Joint Resolution No. 687. Del. Amanda Batten, who represents the 71st district where LFL is located, presented the commendation to Jason Thornton, LFL’s executive director. Batten lauded Literacy for Life for its core literacy programs and for programs focused on specific community needs such as computer skills, financial literacy, workplace skills and the navigation of the health care system.
Top June agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty’s Peninsula office were Angel Hankins, top listing, producing and referral agent; Denise Smith, top selling agent; and Dee Karlsson, top closing agent.
James L. Windsor has been selected to become a member of the Boyd-Graves Conference, which seeks to improve the quality of civil justice
in Virginia. The Boyd-Graves Conference is an invitation-only group of highly esteemed attorneys, judges and law professors who meet annually and by consensus of its membership, recommend changes to the Code of Virginia and the Rules of Court relating to state court civil litigation.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has appointed Shannon Kelly as its new president and CEO. Kelly has been VSO’s vice president of development since January 2023. She succeeds Dr. Andrea F. Warren, who has led the organization since December 2022 and retired at the end of June. Prior to joining VSO, Kelly served on the senior leadership team of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia, where she oversaw government relations for the Foundation. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory with a concentration in music-in-education and a master’s degree in public policy from American University with a concentration in public budgeting and finance. She is also a former studio voice instructor and professional singer.
The Peninsula SPCA received a $5,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of its lifesaving work for pets in Hampton Roads. Petco Love is leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger and healthier. Megan Steele is executive director of the Peninsula SPCA.
Deb Vollmer, chief experience officer with Langley Federal Credit Union (right) was named Professional of the Year by the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates at its 2025 ENGAGE Conference. This honor recognizes Vollmer’s exceptional leadership and contribution to the credit union system. Vollmer has served as chair, secretary and now vice-chair of the Credit Union Service Company of Virginia. Presenting the award was Samantha A.M. Beeler, president of the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates.
Denbigh Lions President, James Dean, presents a check for $500 to THRIVE Ambassador Dan Clark at the latest club meeting. The Denbigh Lions, 61 years strong, supports THRIVE’s efforts to serve the community via food assistance, counseling and critical bill aid.
