Mary Bunting - City of Hampton

In 2009, Mary Bunting became the first female city manager for the City of Hampton since the position was created in 1956. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, who was city manager of Roanoke, Va. for many years and also enjoyed an illustrious career in public service.

Bunting began her career with the City of Hampton as an assistant to the city manager in January of 1990. In January of 1995, she was promoted to assistant city manager.

Highlights of her career include the creation of the award-winning 3-1-1 Customer Call Center, consolidation of three separate permit functions into a Central Permit Office, development of Hampton’s Crime and Grime campaign, organization of innovative neighborhood initiatives, including the creation of the Neighborhood Office, and coordination of the city’s emergency planning and response efforts for Hurricane Isabel and Tropical Storm Ernesto. In 2012, she was named a White House Local Innovation Champion of Change.

Bunting has a master's degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. She and her husband Mark have three children: Parker, Carter, and Hannah.

Dr. Raymond Haynes - Hampton City Schools

Dr. Raymond Haynes was unanimously approved by the Hampton School Board as the next superintendent for Hampton City Schools during the June 7, 2023, School Board meeting, effective July 1, 2023.

Under his leadership as superintendent of Hampton City Schools, 100% of the division’s schools are accredited without conditions, the highest level rating of accreditation. The class of 2024’s on-time graduation rate of 97.93% is the highest on-time graduation rate in the history of the school division. In addition, the class of 2024’s dropout rate of 0.5% is the fourth consecutive year the division’s dropout rate has been below 1%. 

Dr. Raymond Haynes has been a member of the Hampton City Schools (HCS) Division Leadership Team since 2014, first as the executive director of schools (2014-2019) and then as the chief of secondary school leadership (2019-2023). As a part of his leadership, Hampton City Schools posted the highest accreditation rate in seven years with all schools being 100% accredited. He was instrumental in leading efforts to decrease the dropout rate from 14.1% (2018) to 0.62% (2022). Additionally, through collaboration with internal stakeholders, the division’s community and business partners increased from 80 to 413 partners, representing 16 industries, to support the Academies of Hampton.

His leadership has gone beyond the day-to-day operations of the school division as he has led the partnership between Old Dominion University and Hampton City Schools Leadership Cohort to develop future school and district leaders through a “grow your own” program. He has worked closely with the leadership at Monarch Lead ODU to develop course schedules, recruit and interview participants, teach classes, and evaluate future leaders.

Haynes earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Christopher Newport University, a Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University, and his educational administration endorsement (PreK-12) from the University of Virginia. He further pursued his education and earned his educational specialist endorsement from Old Dominion University and his doctorate from Old Dominion University, where he received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award.

Shawn Avery - Hampton Roads Workforce Council

Mr. Shawn Avery currently serves as the President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. In this role, he provides leadership for strategic initiatives, partner and community relations, business and industry development, industry sector activities, educational initiatives, and management and oversight for the largest Mr. Avery holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Tech and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University. He has received Certificate of Studies in Economic Development from Virginia Tech and the University of North Carolina. Mr. Avery is the recipient of an Inside Business Top Forty under 40 in Hampton Roads award, as well as an Expanding Workforce Opportunities Award and a Chancellor’s Award from the Virginia Community College System. Most recently, he received the Community Builders Award from the Hampton Roads Community Action Program.

Mr. Avery currently serves on various boards and commissions, including the Virginia Advisory Committee for Career and Technical Education, GO Virginia Regional Council, Hampton Roads Chamber, Future Hampton Roads, Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia and the Hampton Roads Alliance.

Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon - Virginia Peninsula Community College

Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, was selected as the ninth president for Virginia Peninsula Community College on January 1, 2021. Dr. Brannon has a 25-year record of administration, teaching and leadership at a diverse array of institutions of higher education. Over the span of her career, she has been a primary architect in creating policies, programs and systems designed to improve college access, retention, and completion. Dr. Porter Brannon believes that community colleges are uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality programs aligned to meet regional needs, satisfy workforce demands, and help students become all they are called to be. She is an equity-minded problem solver, who is committed to innovation, community transformation, and intellectual and moral policies and practices. 

Under Dr. Brannon leadership, Virginia Peninsula Community College, Hampton City Schools continues to expand dual enrollment in all four high schools. In addition, Dr. Brannon’s dedication and commitment to Hampton’s college and career academies resulted in Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) being the first Named Academy Partner - Virginia Peninsula Community College Academy of the College Experience, helping over 50 students in the first two years, earn their high school diploma and associate of arts degree simultaneously.

Dr. John Caggiano - Hampton City Schools

Dr. John Caggiano began his position as deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Hampton City Schools on July 1, 2015.

Dr. Caggiano has more than 20 years of educational experience and previously served as the executive director of school leadership for HCS for four years. In this role, he supervised 11 schools, as well as the Division’s Title I program.  He also managed the Division’s Title II grant and is the Project Team Lead for the HCS/Old Dominion University administrative cohort.

Dr. Caggiano began his teaching career at Burbank Elementary School, where he taught 4th and 5th grades. He served as an assistant principal at Syms Middle School before becoming principal of Asbury Elementary. In addition, he served as the principal of Syms Middle School for three years before serving as the principal of Westside Elementary School in Isle of Wight County Schools for four years.

Dr. Caggiano is also an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, and served in a similar role at The College of William & Mary.  He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from James Madison University, and early childhood certification from Norfolk State University. He earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Doctorate of Educational Administration from The College of William & Mary.

He has presented on a variety of educational topics across Virginia, and was named the HCS Teacher of the Year in 1998. Dr. Caggiano also recently co-authored a book on formative assessment leadership.  

Kirkpatrick "Kapua" Conley - Sentara Careplex

"Kapua" Conley, MHA, FACHE, is the President of Sentara CarePlex Hospital, a 244-bed hospital serving the Lower Peninsula. Kapua joined Sentara in April 2018 and brings years of experience to his new role.

Prior to joining Sentara, he was the Chief Operations Officer of Tri City Medical Center in San Diego, CA. Prior to joining Tri City Medical Center, Kapua served as the CEO for two different Community Health Systems affiliated hospitals, and with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, as the Administrator for a large and comprehensive Multidisciplinary Ambulatory Cancer Center, where he also previously served as the Administrative Fellow.

Kapua’s current professional affiliation includes the American College of Healthcare Executives (Fellow). He earned his Bachelor of Science at the A.B. Freeman Business School of Tulane University and his Master of Health Administration from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Joe Frommelt - Virginia Ship Repair Association

Joe Frommelt is the Development and Programs Manager for the Virginia Ship Repair Association. After retirement from the Navy in January of 2018, he transitioned into the private sector as a Program/Project Manager at L3 Harris. His primary responsibility was the support of alteration and modernization work conducted on submarines and surface ships. In March 2022, brought his 30 years of naval services to the Hampton Roads region when he assumed his current duties as Development and Programs Manager of the Virginia Ship Repair Association.

Joe is married to the former Kelli Smith of Winter Park, FL. They reside in the Chesapeake and are the proud parents of four sons: Ian, Logan, Taylor and Alexander ‘AJ’.

Greg Garrett - garrett Realty Partners

Greg Garrett has been in the Real Estate business for over 40 years, he started his first real estate business at the age of 19. Early in his real estate career, Greg became the #1 agent on the Virginia Peninsula. He has received numerous Top Agent awards throughout his career including the #1 overall agent in Hampton Roads, the #1 agent on the Virginia Peninsula, and the #1 agent in Mid-Atlantic multi-state region for his former franchise. He was also one of 4 brokers selected out of 6,000 nationwide to do a 16-city speaking tour across America, called “Recruiting Centerstage”. He has been recognized in REALTOR® Magazine as one of the top 50 REALTORS® in the United States. Today, Greg is a Real Estate Broker in Virginia and North Carolina.

In addition to more than 4 decades of helping clients buy and sell property, Greg has served as a professional leader in his industry. He is a member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Greg is the former President of the Virginia Peninsula Homebuilders Association and former Chairman of two industry related Political Action Committees.

When not working in the real estate industry, Greg is working hard to improve the lives and well-being of children and families, locally and around the world. . He is the Founder of Orphan Helpers®, an international organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, education, and hope to thousands of orphaned, abandoned, or incarcerated children in Central America.
Greg is the former Chairman of the Newport News Mayor’s Drug Prevention Task Force. His community engagement has included serving on the Board of Directors of Youth Challenge, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program; on the Board of Directors of Operation Breaking Through, an inner-city assistance program; and as the “Clean The Bay Day” Zone Captain for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Greg has been recognized by both professional and humanitarian organizations for his philanthropic work. He was honored in 2014 with an Angels in Adoption award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C. He was a 2012 Humanitarian Award Honoree with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. In 2009 and 2012 Greg was the recipient of Humanitarian Of The Year award presented by Human Relief Organization (HRO) for his dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals facing adversity. In 2005 The National Association of REALTORS® awarded Greg The Good Neighbor Award, recognition given to realtors who make extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work. In 2003 he received the prestigious Kauffman Community/Social Entrepreneur Award for his efforts to transform the lives of abandoned, abused, and incarcerated youth through Orphan Helpers®.

Greg has lived in Hampton Roads his entire life. He is a proud graduate of Hampton High School. He has four children and 9 grandchildren.

Kasia Grzelkowski - President/CEO VersAbility Resources

Kasia Grzelkowski has served as the President/CEO of VersAbility Resources since 2006.  VersAbility serves 1,600 people with disabilities in employment, day support, community living, and early childhood programs. With a budget of $46 million and 1,000 employees, VersAbility is a major service provider, business and employer in the region.  Prior to joining VersAbility, Kasia worked for the City of Hampton and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.  Kasia received both her Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University.  Kasia is a Past Chair of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Executive Committee of Greater Peninsula Now and on the United Way Campaign Cabinet.  She also serves on the Boards of: the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Peninsula Workforce Board, and vaACCSES. Kasia is a graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute and LEAD Peninsula. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA, and has received a Unity Award from the Hampton Citizen’s Unity Commission, and  an Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.

Robert McKenna - Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Serves as the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s President/CEO and responsible for the management and operation of the 1400+ member and affiliates business development organization. Coordinates the development of public policy, fosters strategic alliances, and serves as liaison with regional military commands and installations. Facilitates the solution of business related community issues through collaboration and facilitation by bringing solution-oriented resources together.

A 1984 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY. Was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve and activated his commission in January 1985.

Served for 27 years as a Surface Warfare Officer, with service in five ships: USS Estocin (FFG-15), USS Fairfax County (LST-1193), USS Mobile (LKA-115), USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) and USS Ponce (LPD-15).

Retired as a Captain in 2011 and returned, with his family, to make his home in Newport News, VA.

Since retirement, he worked as a contractor supporting the US Navy, and for a nine-month period as a Department of Veteran Affairs community liaison on the Peninsula, working to enhance educational and employment opportunities for transitioning service members and their families.

Married to Kathy for 33 years and they have four children.

Mike Monteith - Peninsula Community Foundation

For many years, Mike has been dedicated to working toward improving the quality of life for citizens of the Virginia Peninsula. He has held various leadership roles in local government, retiring from the City of Hampton as Assistant City Manager.

Mike served as a special advisor to the Office of the Vice President of the United States focusing on intergovernmental relations and efficiency.

Mike has also owned and operated several successful businesses on the Peninsula and he is one of the founding board members of the Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia.

The Board appointed Mike as CEO in November 2010.

John Olson - ECPI University

John Olson is the Campus President for ECPI University’s Newport News’ campus. He has been with ECPI University for 28 years as both a faculty member and a campus administrator. John serves on a variety of boards and currently chairs the Greater Peninsula Workforce Board.

Dr. Kerry Ragno - Virginia Peninsula Community College

Dr. Kerry Sullivan Ragno is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Dr. Ragno’s 15 plus  years of community college leadership experience includes six years as a professor and department chair of early childhood development, and nine years as an academic dean. Her areas of expertise include curriculum development, teaching and learning, and program development and administration. She has a proven track record of team building, creating and executing initiatives that yield greater student success, community partnerships, and support for teaching faculty growth and development. As an advocate for social justice, Ragno is committed to providing quality, accessible educational opportunities to a diverse population of adult learners.

Dr. Ragno has a B.A. in Child Development, M.A. in Early Childhood Education, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Change Management. She currently serves on the Newport News Public School Educational Foundation Board and is a 2022 graduate of Lead Hampton Roads.

Chief Jimmie Wideman

Wideman began his service to Hampton as a volunteer with the Northampton Fire and Rescue Squad at the age of 16. He attended the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy after graduating from Bethel High School in 1987 and joined the Hampton Fire and Rescue Division as a Medic Firefighter in 1988. He also worked for the Hampton Newport News Community Services Board as a Social Detox Technician. In 1994, he joined the Hampton Police Division and had the pleasure of several assignments to include Public Information, Special Projects, Recruiting and several command assignments in Investigative Services, Professional Standards, and a Firearms Enforcement Task Force. He rose through the ranks before retiring as a Captain in 2019. Since that time, Wideman has served the Department of the Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst for the Law Enforcement Division in Quantico, Va., providing tactical and strategic analysis to investigations and operations in support of the Air Force’s law enforcement mission.

His formal education includes a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters of Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. He has additional leadership and police disciplines training through the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA Session 267), University of Virginia Senior Executive Institute, and Command Officers Program, which prepared him well for command roles within the Division and supported promotions to the executive ranks.