Mariners’ Museum has scheduled its September programs: September 10, Friendly Hours (in-person program); September 21, Evening Lecture: Wayfinding: How Humans Navigate the World with M. R. O’Connor, journalist and author. Events are subject to change. For times, registration and fees, visit www.MarinersMuseum.org.
Dr. Michele Mitchell has been appointed Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) superintendent. Named acting superintendent in January, Mitchell had served as executive director of student advancement for 11 years, overseeing social work and psychological services, dropout prevention programs, special education services, gifted programs, school counseling, social emotional learning and school-based mental health programs. She brings educational leadership to NNPS through her service as a teacher, principal, director of special education and interim chief academic officer. She has spent the last 29 years in service to the students and staff of Newport News Public Schools.
Lynn Smith and Kim Kline have joined the Newport News Visitor Center as part-time travel counselors, responsible for providing tourism information, selling gift-shop merchandise, proofing promotional materials and assisting with data entry. Smith recently retired from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, where she worked for 12 years as an assistant manager at East Coast Gateway Welcome Center in New Kent. Kline serves as a volunteer team leader at Fort Eustis with the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula will host its 27th annual dinner auction on September 29 at the James River Country Club. For more information, ticket purchase or to become a sponsor, visit www.bagclub.com/events/auction.
Thelma Satchell, former social services coordinator with the Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula, has been promoted to social service program manager with full oversight of the Gloucester and Hampton social service operation and staff and seasonal programs, such as angel tree and summer camps. Jim Colston has accepted a new role as property specialist, working directly with property committees on addressing continued property and fleet matters. He will continue working with seasonal operations, including the Red Kettles. Shanna Hensley has accepted the new position of development director, overseeing fundraising, grants, donor management, volunteer management and special events. Pictured left to right: Hensley, Satchell and Colston.
Lackey Clinic is partnering with Generated Health to allow the clinic to add a messaging system designed to empower patients and improve clinical outcomes. The service, called “Flo,” is a digital health coach that helps ensure patients follow care plans prescribed by the clinic’s primary care physicians. The clinic expects this system to impact diagnoses of new conditions, improve how the clinic addresses acute episodes and reduce unnecessary emergency visits. Larry Trumbore is Lackey Clinic’s CEO and Dr. Jill Cottel is medical director.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has filled four key positions. Daniela Cigularova has been named vice president, enrollment management and student success. Her role will include records and registration, retention and student success initiatives, academic advising and student life and leadership. Steven Felker has been named vice president, institutional effectiveness and transformation. He oversees development, human resources, marketing and college relations institutional research and effectiveness. Eric Pesola serves as director of marketing and college relations, leading efforts in promoting and communicating VPCC’s brand to the public. He will also execute the marketing goals of VPCC’s Thrive 2027 strategic plan. Scott Stauble has been named dean of the science, technology, engineering and math division. He earned his undergraduate degree from Morehead State University, a master’s degree in teaching from Bellarmine University and a doctorate of education from Wingate University.
Phillip Jones, Newport News mayor; Ralph “Bo” Clayton, assistant city manager; and Allison Dichoso, director of human resources, have been selected to participate in the seventh class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. They will be joining 40 mayors and 80 senior municipal leaders from across the globe who are taking part in the yearlong professional management training program. Established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, this program will cover topics including the development of new policies, engaging with residents, poverty reduction, equitable growth and jobs, climate, resiliency, affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure. Jones is one of the 40 mayors from nine countries and six continents who joined Harvard faculty and renowned management leaders in New York City for a four-day classroom experience. Clayton and Dichoso, along with two senior leaders from each of the cities, have also begun their participation in the program.
Amber Lempke, former president of the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center Newport News, handed the gavel to Allen Kemp, incoming 2023–2024 president. Kemp will continue the club’s mission with the theme, “Hope in the World.” Pictured (left to right, back row) are 2023–24 officers and board members Rudy Garcia, incoming district governor; Mike Gleason, community service chair; Chris Walton, member; Priscilla Bele, foundation chair; Leslie Borwick, sergeant-at-arms; Gee Horton, public image; Judi Hines, treasurer; Ann Wozniak, membership chair; Lauren Devitt, secretary; and Sharon Martin, programs chair. In the front row (left to right) are Lempke; Holly Kidd, president elect; Kemp; and Robbie Person, president nominee.
At the Rotary District 7600 Awards celebration in July, the club earned awards for community service, education, youth leadership, club administration, outstanding president, club bulletin and Rotary Foundation. Longtime member James Probsdorfer was presented with the Golden Rotarian Award, a newly added category recognizing District Rotarians who have served for 35 years or more and who have actively engaged in their club. The club was also selected one of 10 clubs included in the Governor’s Circle. Pictured (left to right) are Probsdorfer; Ella Abney, past district governor; Kidd; Lempke; Kemp; Davetta Rinehart, district assistant governor; and Kenny Janes, immediate past district 7600 governor.
Rotary District 7600 awarded Rotary Clubs of Newport News, Oyster Point, Virginia Peninsula, Warwick at City Center and Yorktown a multi-club district grant of $25,000 (project total $27,500) for “Connections that THRIVE,” a project benefiting THRIVE Peninsula. THRIVE Peninsula will move into its new location on Nettles Drive in early fall, and Rotarians will focus on renovating several rooms in its Community Connect Wing, building self-watering garden beds for its outdoor patio garden and purchasing laptops, a smart board and dividers for the conference room. In addition, Rotarians will be volunteering for “The Market at THRIVE,” a full-service food pantry. The project is expected to conclude in late January 2024.
Savitri “Vidi” Payne has joined Liz Moore & Associates as director of property management. Payne will oversee a diverse portfolio of nearly 600 residential properties and a team of nine property managers and support staff, implementing strategies to optimize a return on investment for owners, enhancing client satisfaction and strengthening the company’s position as the region’s premier property management service provider. Payne has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry.
Top July agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty’s Peninsula office were Jamie Coldsnow, top listing, selling and producing agent; Rose Matthews, top selling agent; and Angelena Hankins and Carla Stokes, top referral agents.
PBMares, LLP ranks 80th in public accounting firms in the U.S., according to the 2023 INSIDE Public Accounting’s
top 100 list. Harvey Johnson is partner and CEO of the firm.
