Julie Duregger has been named executive director of FirstSpark, the lead agency for collaborative early childhood education initiatives in Ready Region Chesapeake Bay. FirstSpark was formerly known as Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula. Duregger previously served as deputy director and assistant director, responsible for program management and marketing/communications. Also, she served as a co-leader for fund development and strategic planning.
Tiffany Boyle, Newport News commissioner of revenue, and Marsha Hudgins CEO, Hudgins Contracting Corporation, were featured in the April/May issue of CoVaBIZ magazine.
Liz Moore & Associates has been included in the RealTrends 500, a ranking of power brokers in the United States. The real estate firm was ranked no. 105 among private independent brokerages in the country, based on 2025 transaction sides. RealTrends has been ranking the nation’s best brokerages for 35 years. Companies are ranked based on sales volume and transaction sides. The RealTrends 500 represents the top half of one percent of all brokerages in the United States. RealTrends is a publishing and communications company considered to be a leading source of analysis and information of the residential real estate industry.
Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announced the sale of 11821 Rock Landing Drive to Indian Creek Holdings, LLC. The 12,622-square-foot office building was purchased from Comb Bay, LLC. Indian Creek Holdings plans to occupy the majority of the building, with an additional tenant secured to fully occupy the property. Teresa Nettles of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the purchaser.
Paul Criner, owner of Criner Remodeling, has made industry history by become the first professional in the United States to earn the Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) designation through the National Association of Home Builders. This newly established certification represents the highest level of recognition for remodeling professionals, highlighting advanced expertise in project management, building science, business practices and code compliance. With 18 years of experience in the industry, Criner’s achievement sets a new national benchmark for excellence.
Dr. Xavier D. Clark has been appointed Newport News City Clerk, following the retirement of longtime City Clerk Mabel Washington last year. Clark will serve as senior executive support official to city council, reporting directly to the governing body and leading the strategic, administrative and operational functions of the city clerk’s office. Clark holds a Master of Public Administration in emergency management and homeland security and a Ph.D. in strategic, organizational and health communication from George Mason University.
Members of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center chatted with Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones about the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event. They included (seated, from left) Stephanie Paine, Holly Koons, Ruth Rasmussen and Kimberly Faith. Top row (from left) Kimberly Abney, guest Cheryl Wilson, Sharyn Fox and Mayor Jones.
DeGood Foundation Executive Director Kyle DeGood presented Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones with the first book for his son Alexander from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has partnered with Hampton Roads Workforce Council for a new funding opportunity for local businesses across key industries, including advanced manufacturing, maritime, healthcare, IT and emerging sectors, to build a skilled workforce pipeline tailored to their needs. Shown here instructor Kenneth Logan (right) works with an MTT electrician student at VPCC’s Newport News Trades Center.
Governor Abigail Spanberger (fourth from right) was joined by Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) officials at the signing of a bill promoting workforce development. Attending from VPCC were (from left) Bobby Perkins, director of manufacturing, skilled trades and transportation; Steven Felker, vice president for institutional effectiveness and transformation; Barbara Mason, executive assistant and project manager; Dr. Kerry Ragno, vice president for academic affairs; Daniela Cigularov, vice president for enrollment management and student success; (Gov. Spanberger); Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, president; Todd Estes, vice president for workforce development and innovation; and Ada Badgley, chief of staff and director of strategic initiatives.
