Newport News Department of Human Services (DHS) received national recognition for its Parents as Teachers (PAT) affiliate program by earning the prestigious Blue Ribbon Endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc. (PATNC). This recognition distinguishes the Newport News program as one of the top performers within PAT’s international network. The PAT program includes home visits, group connections, child screenings and connections to community resources. It provides parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to prepare their children for a stronger start in life improving chances for greater success in school through a comprehensive approach to education spanning from Pre-K through secondary education.
Tammie Dantzler has been appointed Newport News city auditor. Dantzler will be responsible for providing independent and objective evaluations of city programs, operations and finances. With a distinguished career in public sector auditing of more than
27 years, she joins the City of Newport News from the City of Norfolk, where she served as city auditor since 2019. In addition to her civilian profession as an auditor, Dantzler serves as a master sergeant in the United States Army Reserves, 7/80th Transportation Battalion, where she is the Quality Assurance Program Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge. She holds a master’s degree from Claflin University and is currently pursuing her doctorate at Antioch University.
Joyclyn Kananen has joined Coldwell Banker Traditions’ Peninsula office, transferring from the Williamsburg office. She was overall company’s top sales agent for November.
The Peninsula Agency on Aging will host its 43rd Annual Community Forum on Aging on Thursday, March 6, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Live, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton. This event will offer information, education and resources to help older adults live fully at every age. To register online, go to www.pentfa.org or for additional information, call 757-246-1911.
Members of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center volunteered to stock shelves, check out customers and unpack supplies at the market at THRIVE. THRIVE is one of the organizations the Club is sponsoring through fundraising efforts during the year. Shown are club members Judi Hines, Rusty and Nancy Sprouse, Sharyn Fox, Jennifer Daknis, Davetta Rinehart and Erlinda Gleason.
Cathy W. Liles has been appointed senior vice president (SVP) and chief financial officer (CFO) of Old Point Financial Corporation and executive vice president and chief financial officer of Old Point National Bank. Liles joined Old Point in May 2024 as SVP and chief accounting officer (CAO). Previously, she had served as SVP and CAO at American National Bankshares Inc., SVP and CFO for Carter Bank & Trust, and as a partner in the accounting firm of Forvis LLP (previously named Dixon Hughes Goodman). Liles is a certified public accountant and holds her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Belmont Abby College in North Carolina.
Jeff Merritt has been appointed Cox Communications vice president and market leader for Hampton Roads. Merritt will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations across the market, championing both customer experience and employee engagement. He will lead day-to-day operations with a focus on business growth, talent development and fostering strong relationships with community, government and civic organizations. With more than two decades of experience at Cox, Merritt served in the same position in Roanoke. A native of Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake, Merritt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Natural Resources and Global Sustainability degree from Virginia Tech.
Dee KarlssonJamie ColdsnowChaz FiscellaLuther Elmore
Top December agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty’s Peninsula office were Dee Karlsson, top listing and closing agent; Jamie Coldsnow, top selling agent; Chaz Fiscella, top producing agent; and Luther Elmore, top referring agent.
Impact 100 Greater Peninsula Chapter awarded $50,000 to Literacy for Life to build capacity and long-term sustainability to expand its outreach to the more than 31,000 residents of Hampton and Newport News who are eligible to receive its services.
Impact 100 Greater Peninsula Chapter awarded $50,000 to THRIVE Peninsula to expand its operations to offer Saturday hours to reach more food insecure families by providing fresh and healthy food in a dignified, stigma-free environment.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has signed a transfer agreement with George Mason University, allowing a dual-admission transfer partnership. Shown here are Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, VPCC’s president, left, and Dr. Janette Muir, vice provost at George Mason University, finalizing the agreement. VPCC became the sixth community college in the state to join GMU’s ADVANCE program.
More than 20 graduates were on hand last week as Virginia Peninsula Community College recognized its 2023 and 2024 Fire and EMS graduates.
VPCC has partnered with the City of Newport News, and the Bethea Family Foundation for the opening of the SafeHaven Empowerment Center. The center is operated by the Bethea Family Foundation, whose founder is former NFL star and Denbigh graduate Antoine Bethea. VPCC men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as its women’s volleyball team, will play their home games at the center. Shown here is VPCC student-athlete Asheton Glass speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Tammie Dantzler has been appointed Newport News city auditor. Dantzler will be responsible for providing independent and objective evaluations of city programs, operations and finances. With a distinguished career in public sector auditing of more than
Joyclyn Kananen has joined Coldwell Banker Traditions’ Peninsula office, transferring from the Williamsburg office. She was overall company’s top sales agent for November.Members of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center volunteered to stock shelves, check out customers and unpack supplies at the market at THRIVE. THRIVE is one of the organizations the Club is sponsoring through fundraising efforts during the year. Shown are club members Judi Hines, Rusty and Nancy Sprouse, Sharyn Fox, Jennifer Daknis, Davetta Rinehart and Erlinda Gleason.
Cathy W. Liles has been appointed senior vice president (SVP) and chief financial officer (CFO) of Old Point Financial Corporation and executive vice president and chief financial officer of Old Point National Bank. Liles joined Old Point in May 2024 as SVP and chief accounting officer (CAO). Previously, she had served as SVP and CAO at American National Bankshares Inc., SVP and CFO for Carter Bank & Trust, and as a partner in the accounting firm of Forvis LLP (previously named Dixon Hughes Goodman). Liles is a certified public accountant and holds her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Belmont Abby College in North Carolina. 
Jeff Merritt has been appointed Cox Communications vice president and market leader for Hampton Roads. Merritt will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations across the market, championing both customer experience and employee engagement. He will lead day-to-day operations with a focus on business growth, talent development and fostering strong relationships with community, government and civic organizations. With more than two decades of experience at Cox, Merritt served in the same position in Roanoke. A native of Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake, Merritt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Natural Resources and Global Sustainability degree from Virginia Tech.
Impact 100 Greater Peninsula Chapter awarded $50,000 to Literacy for Life to build capacity and long-term sustainability to expand its outreach to the more than 31,000 residents of Hampton and Newport News who are eligible to receive its services.
Impact 100 Greater Peninsula Chapter awarded $50,000 to THRIVE Peninsula to expand its operations to offer Saturday hours to reach more food insecure families by providing fresh and healthy food in a dignified, stigma-free environment.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has signed a transfer agreement with George Mason University, allowing a dual-admission transfer partnership. Shown here are Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, VPCC’s president, left, and Dr. Janette Muir, vice provost at George Mason University, finalizing the agreement. VPCC became the sixth community college in the state to join GMU’s ADVANCE program.
