Session Speakers
Listed alphabetically by first name.
Andrea Brown 
Pre-Award Assistant Director
"Financial Wellness: Supporting the Whole Person"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Andrea Brown is a senior administrator with over 20 years of management experience and more than 17 years dedicated to cancer center and research administration. Currently, Andrea serves as the Pre-award Assistant Director at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Before joining VCU, Andrea held leadership roles at institutions including the Blood Center of Wisconsin Blood Research Institute, the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Siteman Cancer Center. Along the way, she played a key role in securing National Cancer Institute designation for both Hollings Cancer Center and Siteman Cancer Center and then achieving comprehensive cancer center status for the Siteman Cancer Center.
But there is more to Andrea than her impressive career in research administration. She has also been a Certified Empowerment Coach for over 19 years, combining her passion for personal growth with curriculum development. Her coaching programs—like the Audacious Path, the Personal Power Formula, and the M.O.N.E.Y. Course—help clients unlock their full potential.
In this session, Andrea shares her journey and offers powerful insights into Financial Wellness: Supporting the Whole Person.
Andy Riddler 
Coordinator for Orientation Programs
"Building Support Systems: Nurturing the Well-Being of Student Workers"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Andy graduated from VCU in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. While at VCU, he was an RA and Orientation Leader for two years. He later graduated with a master’s degree in Student Affairs from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, he served as a Residence Life Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he supervised a small RA staff. He has been working professionally with the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs since May 2022. With Orientation, he trains and supervises the Orientation Leaders, Senior Orientation Leaders, and Graduate Assistants. Andy has completed six marathons, including the Chicago Marathon and Richmond Marathon with a personal best time of 3:05:51. In his spare time, you can almost always find him watching the Rams battle it out at the Siegel Center, spending time with his dog, or catching up on his new favorite show, Severance.
Ann Griffin 
Student Success Operations Manager
"Working Smarter Not Harder: The Transformation of The VCU Business Professional Development Fund Through Smartsheet"
Track: Innovation and Technology
Ann Griffin joined VCU in 2022 as part of the School of Business Student Success team where she provides fiscal support, and process management, and oversees Commencement for the School of Business. Ann earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University and her Master’s in Higher Education Administration from William and Mary. Before VCU, Ann worked in Colorado with CU Boulder’s office of Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations. For fun, Ann enjoys reading and playing board games with friends.
Beverly Walker 
Program Manager for Career Development
"SMART Goals and You!"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Beverly Walker is the Program Manager for Career Development with VCU Division of Human Resources. She has been with the university since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across the university, spending her years of service in the Division of Student Affairs and Human Resources. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the efforts of designing and implementing the career development program at the university, promoting the importance of employee development and growth. Beverly has worked in various levels of the education field, teaching and facilitating diversity and inclusion, student and employee engagement, customer service, leadership, and various career development skills.
Beverly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and a Master of Education in Adult Education and HR Development. Beverly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and engaging in community service.
Bobbi Gouffon 
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
"SMART Goals and You!"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Bobbi is the Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a BA in English, a Master's of Business Administration (MBA), and is SHRM-SCP and LEAN certified. During her 14-year career in higher education, Bobbi has specialized in many aspects of HR including HR Services, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Bobbi's passion is animal rescue and advocacy. She dedicates her free time to running her non-profit animal rescue, Mae’s Mutts. Bobbi lives in Richmond with her husband and daughter.
Brianna Wayne 
Business Foundations Advisor
"Welcoming Collaboration"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Hello! My name is Brianna Wayne, and I am a Business Foundations advisor in University Academic Advising. I have been an advisor at VCU for two years. I have a background in Education, specializing in working with middle school students, i.e. students in transition! This skillset has directly transitioned to a lot of the things I do as an advisor. Since my first day here, I found it integral for me to build strong relationships within my department and beyond. I am naturally an outgoing person and find that when I make efforts to welcome and include others, it contributes to me working harder and more efficiently in my own role because of the sense of community I foster. When I took the time to discover my passions, it allowed me to capitalize on creating materials and initiatives that I have shared across departments at the university. Usually, these initiatives come in the form of graphics that I share with my team and with the other teams within my department. My goal is to help others discover the "fun" within their jobs and use their strengths to foster their own version of Welcoming Collaboration"
Cait Burns 
Director, Student Engagement
"Working Smarter Not Harder: The Transformation of The VCU Business Professional Development Fund Through Smartsheets"
Track: Innovation and Technology
As the Director of Student Engagement at the VCU School of Business, Cait leads a team that focuses on facilitating student professional development opportunities, supporting and celebrating academic success, and building community. Before VCU Business, Cait worked at Goodwill Community Employment Centers in workforce development. Cait has an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from VCU and a BA in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond. For fun, Cait enjoys reading, yoga, making jewelry, and exploring Richmond with her two kids, Bennet and Brooke, and partner Jake.
Cedar Smithson 
Accessible Technologies Specialist
"Neurodivergent at Work"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Cedar Smithson (they/them) is a neuroqueer and disabled VCU alum who works as the Accessible Technologies Specialist at the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity. Their lived experience with neurodivergence and chronic conditions informs their values and practice in the disability justice field.
Cedar is passionate about community care and building infrastructure for belonging, adapting, and coping. Their role at VCU includes case management, assistive technology demonstrations, and coordination of captioning and interpreting services. They co-facilitate a neurodivergent student support group and teach a class to first-year students with disabilities to help them navigate a successful transition to college.
Prior to returning to VCU as a staff member, they worked as a career coach for individuals with mental health diagnoses seeking supportive employment and as a trainer for people interested in using their own recovery experience in the peer mental health field. Cedar has held a variety of professional and community roles involving harm reduction, mutual aid, housing, and caregiving.
Beyond and overlapping their more formal work, they enjoy drawing, writing, reading, going on walks, fixating on fiber arts and ceramics projects, and cooking meals to share with their chosen family. Some of the ways they accommodate and honor their needs include the use of weighted blankets, flexible seating, low /warm lighting, sensory-friendly clothing, fidgeting, heavy work, direct communication, and resting. Across all environments, Cedar strives to practice and promote resourceful and scrappy problem-solving, authentic engagement, and connecting with others.
Darby Libka 
Academic Advisor
"Welcoming Collaboration"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Hello! My name is Darby Libka, and I am an academic advisor for first-year Arts students here at VCU. My background is in geography studying how we survive and thrive in the natural and built environments and societies around us. One thing a geographer always keeps in mind is that ordinary folks have some of the most important expertise regarding their particular environments, and often they hold the key solutions to challenges. Our workplaces are no different! Each individual in our offices is bringing a whole lifetime of expertise and experiences with them to the workplace; so, I am passionate about creating welcoming spaces that allow people to be their authentic selves and to be able to bring their own experiences and specialties to our work environments. When individuals are empowered to bring their own expertise to our workplaces, not only do we open up opportunities for creative ideas and solutions, but we also create a culture that allows people to feel valued and welcome as their authentic selves.
Dannita Trice 
Alumni Engagement Officer
"The Transformative Power of Alumni Relations: Tools, Benefits, Impact"
Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
Dannita is the Alumni Engagement Officer for the School of Education, School of Social Work, and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, a part of the Development & Alumni Relations team at VCU. Dannita has made a career of connecting people, developing strategies, and executing initiatives that help others and organizations achieve professional and organizational progress. Dannita has over 10 years of experience in higher education – including alumni relations, career advising, employer relations, and leadership of an experiential learning center – and experience in corporate campus recruiting at leading financial services firms. She is a former Director of Professional Development and a board member of the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE). Dannita earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 2011 from VCU and a Master of Education in Adult Education & Community Leadership in 2013 from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern at Armstrong) in Savannah, GA.
Daynon Smith 
Director of VCU Benefits Administration
"Innovation and Efficiency Through Robots "
Track: Innovation and Technology
Daynon is the Director of VCU Benefits Administration. He is a VCU grad (Class of 1999). He started as a VCU student worker in VCU HR in August of 1999. Since then he has worked in various roles with VCU HR before he landed in VCU Benefits in 2008.
Dr. Dwayne Whitehead 
Speaker, Coach, Trainer, The Whitehead Group
"Level Up- Growth Principles for Maximum Impact”
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Dr. Dwayne is a global thinker, communicator, and educator with a passion for transforming lives through the power of leadership. He carries a message of empowerment and action. Dr. Dwayne has been seen on television stations including TBN, The Word Network, CBS, NBC, and more. He is the former host of the digital stalk show “Millennial Moments.” He’s also the author of multiple books spanning different industries.
Dr. Dwayne is the President of The Whitehead Group. TWG, powered by the John Maxwell Team, is a for-profit initiative that offers leadership resources to leaders, teams, and organizations. His academic studies include theology, business, and theatre performance. He holds an earned doctorate in education from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. Dr. Dwayne’s greatest joy is his wife Cheryl and their five children.
Ella Danilovich
Web Developer and Information Technology Career Community Mentorship Chair
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Ella is the Web Developer at the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. With extensive experience in web development, she creates impactful websites that blend technical expertise with design innovation.
Ella also serves as the VCU Information Technology Career Community (ITCC) Mentorship Chair, driving collaboration and professional development within the VCU IT community. An active Toastmasters member and conference presenter, Ella is committed to continuous growth, recently graduating from the VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI) HIGHER Ground Women's Leadership Development Program.
Haley Sims
Senior Associate Director
"Transitioning to Supervision: A Roadmap for Success"
Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
Haley Sims is an empathetic listener, organizing enthusiast, and MBTI nerd. Haley earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in College Student Personnel and Administration from James Madison University (Double Duke!). She works in VCU Career Services helping students to figure out their next step, specializing in working with undeclared students. She has over two decades of experience in higher ed and has been leading teams of professional staff since 2013.
James Romanik 
Senior Director of Development and Leadership Career Community Executive Chair
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
James Romanik is the Senior Director of Development at the VCU School of Social Work, a position he's held since April 2022. In this role, James works closely with emeriti faculty, alumni, and community stakeholders to advance the school's mission through philanthropic and volunteer engagement. Previously, he was the Director of Development at The Doorways and St. Michael's Episcopal School. He relocated to Richmond in 2018 after working in development and fundraising for a variety of causes in New York City. In the community, James serves as the Executive Chair of the VCU Leadership Career Community. He's also on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives where he serves as the Co-Chair of the Community Engagement Committee. James received his M.B.A. from VCU and his Bachelors in Arts Management from Ithaca College. James is an avid cook, gardener, pianist, and choral singer. He lives in Richmond with his spouse and young son.
Jan Bazow 
Fortis Leadership
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Jan's 40 years of experience spans both corporate and non-profit entities. She has led the process of merging various cultures and has held senior Human Resources and Organizational Development leadership positions in several well-known organizations including A&W Root Beer; Anthem BCBS; and The Mid-Atlantic Entity of the American Heart Association.
Jan has helped numerous clients establish values-based organizations and develop effective leaders and team members. Some of her clients include Hamilton Beach Brands; Virginia Retirement System; LifeSpire Continuous Care Retirement Communities; Virginia Department of Health; Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals; JS Technologies; MOSAIC Hospitality Group; Virginia Commonwealth University; The College William and Mary; Virginia State University; University of Mary Washington; Randolph-Macon College; Westminster Canterbury of Richmond and Virginia Beach; The American Nurses Association; The Medical Society of Virginia; The Country Club of Virginia, etc..
Jan has partnered with senior executive teams, helping them to make their organizations a great place to work. She has a "heart" for helping emerging leaders develop into effective leaders who can meet the challenges of today's business environment, as well as helping seasoned leaders continue to develop in their leadership journey. Jan has helped many teams increase productivity through the design and facilitation of team assessment and intervention. She also has a passion for and excels in executive coaching and walks alongside leaders to help them continue to grow.
Jan has developed her life’s work and portfolio through relationship building, providing excellence and solutions to clients who have referred Jan and the Fortis Leadership team throughout Fortis Leadership’s 13-year journey.
Jan personally facilitates Fortis’ public leadership development program: the Fortis Leadership Evolving Leaders Program. She also has customized comprehensive onsite management universities and learning experiences for clients.
Jan and her team offer in-person and virtual learning experiences that bring about new insights, perspectives, and skills that have proven to benefit all learners, meeting them where they are in their workplace journey.
Jan credits her professional vision of facilitating people and organizational effectiveness to her mentors, many of who are nationally acclaimed and trusted, and who have provided timeless, proven leadership principles and insights: Ken Blanchard, John Maxwell, Peter Drucker, Kouzes and Posner, and her late grandmother and grandfather are among her leadership mentors.
Jan pursued her undergraduate studies in business (BBA) at Western Michigan University. Jan was accepted into the Master of Arts in Education program at Union Presbyterian in Richmond as a special student.
Jan is Ken Blanchard certified to teach Situational Leadership, and she is also certified in DiSC, MBTI; Five Dysfunctions of a Team; and Five Languages of Workplace Appreciation. Jan also excels in assisting leaders to launch and debrief 360-degree leadership assessments. She also created and certified Fortis Leadership’s cadre of executive coaches in the Fortis Leadership Turning Point™ coaching model.
Jan is a member of the SHRMS. Her hobbies include cooking and conversing with friends and family, inspirational writing, traveling, and spending time on home improvement projects. She resides in Naples, Florida with her husband and their adult daughter.
Jana McQuaid, Ed.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success
"Building Bridges: A Guide to Networking for New Professionals"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Jana serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. Dr. McQuaid leads the strategic priorities and operations for recruitment, academic advising, student engagement, and career services, for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Dr. McQuaid joined the VCU School of Business in 2004 and, prior to her current position, held various leadership positions within the graduate and undergraduate studies departments. In addition to overseeing the operations of the MBA and specialized master's programs, she was instrumental in the development and launch of global partnership programs, dual degree offerings, and an Online MBA degree.
Before joining VCU, Dr. McQuaid spent ten years in account management and business development roles in the technology industry. Dr. McQuaid holds a B.B.A. in human resource management from Radford University and an M.B.A. and Ed.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jen Elswick 
Web Developer and Information Technology Career Community Mentor
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Jen Elswick is an experienced web developer with dual appointments in the VCU School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing since 2023. With a career at VCU spanning 17 years, Jen has made significant contributions to the university's digital landscape, including playing a pivotal role in launching more than 50 new or redesigned websites using TerminalFour and providing oversight and management of more than 100 VCU web properties. An early mentor's guidance was instrumental in Jen's success, inspiring her to pay it forward by mentoring others in the Information Technology Career Community (ITCC).
Jenna Lenhardt, Ph.D.
Director of Strategic Recruitment and Outreach
"Building Bridges: A Guide to Networking for New Professionals"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Jenna has an extensive background working with international, first-generation, veteran, students with disabilities and historically underrepresented students in a community college and private university setting. She is committed to increasing equity and access in the recruitment, admissions, and retention experiences for all students.
Dr. Lenhardt's research centers around equitable access to educational spaces and opportunities. She identifies data-driven patterns of inequity and identifies policies and procedures that impact access to education. Her research is grounded in understanding how leadership decisions drive institutional success, and how institutional success drives student success. She has taught courses in organizational behavior, leadership, sustainable change, and data analytics for all education levels in the U.S., Dubai, and Croatia.
Jennifer Bucknam, NP 
Nurse Practitioner
"Employee Well-Being: A Custom Approach"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Jennifer joined VCU Employee Health in 2024. She focuses on our wellness initiatives as well as supporting team members who have been injured or exposed to an infectious disease at work. Prior to joining VCU, she worked in medical /surgical inpatient, neurosurgery ICU, and outpatient urgent clinics.
Jeremy Bost 
Manager, Organizational Effectiveness Consulting Services
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Jeremy is the Manager of Organizational Effectiveness Consulting Services for VCU Human Resources, where he has worked for eight years. As the lead consultant and manager of the Organizational Effectiveness team, Jeremy specializes in leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational design. He is passionate about helping individuals and teams be their best by fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and innovation. Jeremy holds a Master's in Education in Adult Learning from VCU and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science & Technology from JMU.
Jonathan Fuller 
Director, First and Second-Year Experiences
"Leveraging Your Role for Student Success: Rethinking How You Prioritize Student Relationships"
Tracks: Team Building and Collaboration, Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Jonathan serves as the Director for First and Second Year Experiences. Prior to beginning this position in 2024, Jonathan served in student leadership development at VCU and continues to bring a passion for building inclusive communities, developing innovative leaders, and transformative learning experiences to his role as Director. He is a current Ph.D. student in VCU’s School of Education, where his research focuses on equitable and transformative supervision of student leaders and employees. He holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and History from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA. Jonathan also brings to his role a commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion that stems from his role as an ordained United Methodist minister. He seeks to cultivate spaces of welcome for all students and ensure every student has the support they need to accomplish their goals. He lives in Henrico with his spouse, Abby, and rescued pitbull, Winnie, and loves improv comedy, music, video games, and podcasts.
Judy Palmore 
Founder and Education Director, Zingo Education and Training
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Judy Palmore is the Founder and Education Director of Zingo Education and Training, a Small Woman-Owned Business based in Arlington, VA. Since 2018, Zingo has been empowering clients through exceptional instructional design, facilitation, and coaching services.
With over 25 years of experience in international and domestic instructional design, leadership and communication skill-building, and professional coaching, Judy has developed and delivered hundreds of training modules on topics ranging from leadership styles and community engagement to health promotion, mentoring, and professional skills.
A certified coach and expert in adult learning, Judy has worked globally with clients navigating employment transitions, helping them set actionable goals and create sustainable plans for success.
Judy holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Student Personnel Administration and has over fifteen years of experience in higher education. She has worked across various university disciplines, including health and wellness, residential life, and counseling, bringing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted college campus environment.
When Judy isn’t coaching or designing content for adult learners, you’ll find her swimming, biking, reading, hiking, sipping green tea, or playfully urging her family to join her adventures.
Kaisha McCrea, MBA, ACC 
Career and Leadership Coach, Author, Radio Personality and Consultant, CEO, and Founder, Growing Perspectives
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Kaisha is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified Career and Leadership Coach, Author, Radio Personality, and Consultant. She is the CEO and Founder of Growing Perspectives Career Consulting LLC, a SWaM-certified business in Virginia. Mrs. McCrea has over 20 years of experience working in Corporate America involving Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Consulting assignments. She is trained in Change Management. She provides coaching and consulting to leaders, professionals, teams, and organizations focused on transitions, leadership, professional development, and team building. Mrs. McCrea was recognized as a top 25 Coach in Richmond, VA for 2023 by Influence Digest +. She was recognized as the 2022 Member of the Year for Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce where she is the Board of Directors President-Elect.
She has a passion for supporting people and organizations to reach their goals and thrive! Mrs. McCrea wrote and published her first book, Life, Love, and Legacy Honoring my Father William Lee Holman in 2024. She enjoys speaking to groups on topics related to careers, leadership, and empowerment. She believes we all can be successful in our lives and careers!
Mrs. McCrea is the President and Founder of the William Lee Holman Legacy Education and Community Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization. She is a 2023 graduate of the Federal Reserve of Richmond Supplier Mentorship Program. She is a member of the ICF, Metropolitan Business League, Two Twelve Referral group, Together SC, SHRM-Richmond chapter, and Richmond, VA Alumni chapter of NC A&T. She is a graduate of NC A&T State University with a BS in Chemical Engineering and MBA from Wilmington University in Wilmington, Delaware. She is a Core Essentials graduate from Coach U. Mrs. McCrea currently resides in Midlothian, VA with her husband and two sons and is active in her local church.
Karen Gulliford
Professional Certified Coach and Workplace Mediator, Great Workplaces
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
At Great Workplaces, we strive to create high-performing and respectful workplaces. Our focus is on leadership development, partnering with the leader to build capacity and confidence in a very VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. I am Karen Gulliford (BS ’88, M.Ed. ’12), a Professional Certified Coach and Workplace Mediator. A firm believer in coaching and personal growth, I help leaders from the President/CEO level to Deans and Directors to emerging leaders reach their goals. I typically partner with those from diverse backgrounds and experiences including leaders of color, LGBTQ+, young professionals, and those experiencing challenging cultural change.
I am also a workplace mediator, helping individuals and teams navigate challenges while working together. I facilitate group coaching, customized workshops, or full programs and administer the Conflict Dynamics Profile. I thrive showing leaders how to become better manager-coaches! I have a team of partner coaches in my network so that clients have the best match to meet their needs.
Kelly H. Denny, Ph.D. 
Senior Education Specialist
"Building Strong Teams in Higher Education: Applying Group Development Theories for Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Kelly H. Denny, Ph.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., B.A.Ed., is a distinguished educator specializing in educational leadership and team development. She earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University, focusing on elementary teachers' self-perceptions of team effectiveness, grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, Senge’s learning organization model, and Tuckman’s group development model.
Denny also holds an Ed.S. from George Washington University and an M.Ed. from William and Mary, with a focus on equitable educational opportunities. She has significantly contributed to the York County School Division in roles such as principal, educational technology facilitator, and teacher. Currently, she is the Lab School Specialist at VCU College of Education, emphasizing collective teacher efficacy, computer science integration, and leadership in high-performing teams.
Her expertise in team development and leadership has shaped strategies to enhance cohesion and effectiveness, leading to improved student and team outcomes. Denny's commitment to educational excellence and practical application of theoretical models makes her a sought-after collaborator in educational leadership.
Kirk Dixon
PRM
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Kirk is a seasoned business leader with international experience serving major brands including Reebok International, Ltd., The Greg Norman Collection, lululemon athletic (Vancouver, BC), Intimate Brands (Victoria’s Secret / Bath & Body Works), Kraft Nabisco Foods, The Ohio State University and Howard University.
Kirk's executive experience has included: business development, marketing and promotions, large-scale organizational change, brand and culture development, strategic communications, the creation of corporate universities with advanced learning and development strategies, professional networking events, real estate management, and community development support involving entrepreneurs, corporations, colleges and universities, not-for-profits, and the media.
Kirk was the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Howard University in Washington, DC. leading a cross-functional campus team that designed, developed, and implemented the campus-wide faculty Phased Retirement Program (PRP) out of the President’s Office. At Reebok, Kirk had global organizational development, leadership development, and succession planning responsibility spanning six continents (52 countries) and was one of six senior leaders who partnered with the CEO to reinvent the Reebok culture. He served as a consultant and career coach to the National Football League (NFL) Player Development Department for ten years providing business education and post-sport transition internships for athletes around the League.
For the past two decades, Kirk has provided brand marketing and special event promotion support for businesses interested in working with professional athletes at 25 Super Bowls, a dozen NFL club player networking events, golf charity events, and an MLB All-Star Game. He served as CEO and Chief Marketing Officer for the consulting firm Sports Professionals, Inc., which earned a multi-year contract with the NFL Player Development department to support 350+ active and former pro athletes with life-after
sports career coaching. Kirk was a recipient of the NFL “Crystal Award” recognized for his early pioneering efforts in providing athlete transition support through internships, special projects, and mentoring programs. One of four non-NFL players who received the award, Kirk accepted the honor of Super Bowl XLIX weekend at Arizona State University.
Kirk is a visionary leader who is passionate about leading organizations tasked with building new programs or solving nagging problems that are barriers to growth or high-performing work teams. Kirk has earned industry best practice awards at numerous regional and national association conferences including SMMA (Sales and Marketing Management Association), SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), ATD (American Society for Training and Development), and the National Cable Advertisers Association.
Kirk is regularly interviewed for his opinion on business development, culture change, athlete transition, and development with a variety of media outlets including USA Today, Business First, The Chicago Daily Herald, Columbus Dispatch, Houston Chronicle, The Ron Barr Sports By-line Show, and Voice America Sports.
Mr. Dixon completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio earning a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Counseling and Development. Kirk received a full athletic baseball scholarship, lettered four years as an outfielder, and was named team captain and pre-season All-American in 1982. Kirk earned 1st team All-Academic Big Ten honors for three years; He was co-captain on the 1980 USA International AIA baseball team competing throughout Alaska and Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras).
Kirk is a volunteer and active fundraiser who has served a variety of charities including Reebok Human Rights, NASCAR Speedway Charities, The Humane Society, Readers are Leaders, Take Stock in Children, and Big Shoulders.
Konjit Chitty 
Director, HR Information Systems
"Innovation and Efficiency Through Robots "
Track: Innovation and Technology
Konjit is the Director of HR Information Systems. A VCU alum, Konjit has been with VCU HR for 16 years in various roles. Her areas of expertise are project management, continuous process improvement, process automation, and employee data.
Leadership Career Community x VCU Institute for Transformative Leadership
"Leadership Story Hour - The Power of Appreciation: Cultivating Gratitude to Drive Excellence"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
The Leadership Career Community aims to inspire those with responsibility for others to bring out the best in individuals and teams by aligning the interests and strengths of leaders to accomplish the University’s strategic priorities. The LCC supports ongoing professional development, mentoring, and networking, so those with the responsibility to lead others have the skills and resources to create the kind of work environment where employees feel valued, where their success is supported, and where their careers thrive.
The Institute for Transformative Leadership at VCU is dedicated to building a more caring world by developing leaders with the courage and skills to deeply connect with others. We train leaders to address the pressing challenges of our time with compassion and care, shaping communities where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. Through the power of transformative experiences, we unleash human potential and empower leaders to create lasting, meaningful change. Transformative leaders ensure others feel valued and cultivate a sense of belonging. They embrace leadership as an ongoing journey of growth, act with intentionality, and promote connection, compassion, and deep relationships. At the Institute, we approach leadership training from a practical perspective and our curriculum integrates cutting-edge insights from psychology, neuroscience, education, health sciences, and management science to create lasting change.
Lily Warden 
Continuing Medical Education Coordinator and Information Technology Career Community Mentee
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Lily currently serves as the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator for the VCU Department of Surgery, where she oversees surgical education opportunities for clinicians. She has been employed by VCU since 2019, when she first started working for the university’s recreation program as an undergrad, and has contributed her skills to multiple departments since. Did I also mention she’s enrolled in the M.Ed. in an Educational Leadership program? Truly not sure how she finds the time.
Though Lily enjoys her work, she also values her interests and hobbies outside of the office. If you ever want to discuss the best tips for making restaurant-quality pizza at home, new podcast suggestions, or why walking is an elite form of exercise, just find her and let her know.
Lisa Mallory 
Human Resources Talent Development Manager
"Driving Excellence: Mastering PDCA and Problem Solving for Process Improvement"
Tracks: Innovation and Technology, Team Building and Collaboration
Lisa is a Talent Development Manager at VCU Massey Cancer Center, bringing over 30 years of expertise in managing people and processes. A certified Six Sigma Green Belt and SHRM-CP professional, Lisa is deeply skilled in driving efficiency, fostering organizational growth, and enhancing team performance. With her diverse background as an experienced people leader and process engineer, Lisa excels in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and implementing process improvements that lead to measurable results. Her passion for developing leaders, streamlining operations, and creating collaborative workplace environments has made her a trusted resource in leadership development and strategic talent management.
Lori Pyle 
Personal and Professional Development Coach, Stonewave Leadership
"Your Path to Growth: Exploring Leadership Coaching"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Lori is a Personal and Professional Development Coach who uses a whole-person approach with a special focus on inner leader development--the human capacities and competencies that bring presence and attention to what matters most in life and work. She founded Stonewave Leadership, a boutique coaching, consulting, and leadership development organization, after decades of experience in various industries including healthcare and education. Lori and her colleagues, Monette and Elizabeth, have 50+ years of collective experience working in or with various public and private higher education institutions as employees/faculty, consultants, and coaches. We partner with growth-minded people to spark and actively support their development as authentic and sustainable leaders.
Mary Riddick, MPA, CFRE
Senior Director of Development
"Leveraging Coaching Skills to Strengthen Relationships"
Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
Mary is a senior development director at the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences with over 10 years of advancement experience in the nonprofit and higher ed space. She sees education as hope and is passionate about making public education accessible and equitable for all populations. Mary's mission is to coach frontline fundraisers and organizational leaders on how they can authentically connect their values and strengths with their organization's priorities and initiatives. She enjoys connecting alumni, emeriti faculty, and community partners to meaningful and impactful projects that advance VCU's mission. Riddick previously served as director of development for the VCU School of Social Work team and worked for three years on VCU’s annual giving team. She earned a B.A. from Virginia Tech and an M.P.A. from Old Dominion University.
Meghan Depue 
Senior Education Specialist
"Using Google Sheets Formulas to Automate Your Workflow"
Track: Innovation and Technology
Meghan came to the VCU School of Education in January 2023. After earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia, she moved to Richmond to teach Spanish in Henrico County Public Schools. She is passionate about students, teachers, and using spreadsheets to automate processes. In her previous position as a Practicum Placement Specialist in Student Services, Meghan secured practicum experiences in local schools for VCU SOE students. Now, Meghan is the Sr. Education Specialist for the Department of Teaching and Learning. Meghan is also currently an adjunct instructor for TEDU 452: Teaching Multilingual Learners and is working on earning her Master's in Business Administration here at VCU.
Michael Diaz 
System Analyst and Information Technology Career Community Executive Chair-Elect
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Diaz is a system analyst in the School of Medicine, currently serving as the Information Technology Career Community Executive Chair-Elect. Despite his relatively short tenure at VCU, Diaz has made significant contributions to SOM and VCU. His passion for being the good he wants to see in the world has driven him to improve the quality of life for both users and technicians, continuously striving to make a positive impact through his work.
Notable bits and bytes include the creation of the internal SOM group aimed at Providing Outstanding Guidance and Customer Help Across Multiple Platforms and Systems, the implementation of LLMs to improve documentation, advancing the security posture of the SOM, and posting tons of memes.
Michele Olson Pancoast, BS, RN 
Clinical Informaticist
"Employee Well-Being: A Custom Approach"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Michele came to VCU / VCU Health in 2010 after getting her nursing degree at VCU. Her first career was as a Software Developer and Database Designer, and she now uses those skills and her nursing knowledge to support Employee Health Services. She joined Employee Health in 2020 but has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and student services on both campuses.
Mike Sprouse, CSP 
Director of Risk Insurance and Fire Safety and Leadership Career Community Mentoring Chair
"Mentorship in Career Communities: Driving Growth and Success"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Mike has been at VCU and VCU Health for 13 years serving in various positions and departments both at the University and the Health System. Starting at a technician level position, Mike gained knowledge and benefitted from having a mentor who was accomplished in the safety field guide him through his development process. This was a critical first step. Mike has gained a CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification and has grown to manage small teams of technicians, large teams of mechanics, and now, a mixed team of administrative professionals and subject matter experts, as well as two teams who have their “boots on the ground”. Mike is now the Mentoring Chair for the Leadership Career Community where he has worked with the Chair-Elect to grow the program and chart a new path for the Leadership Career Community Mentoring program.
Nadine Madison (she/her) 
Group Exercise Coordinator
"Inside Out: Leading with Emotional Intelligence"
Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
Narissa Turner (she/her)
Trainer and Senior Facilitator, Habitus Incorporated
"Facing the Tough Talks: Unlocking Professional Growth Through Difficult Conversations"
Track: Team Building and Collaboration
Narissa is an experienced environmental advocate, strategic planner, facilitator, and trained mediator. As a facilitator and trainer, Narissa works with organizations like the B Corp Climate Collective, The Barr Foundation and the Friends Council on National Education to design and run dynamic training on effective stakeholder engagement, collaborative negotiation and having difficult conversations.
Before joining Habitus, Narissa was the Policy and Campaigns Manager for Climate, Clean Energy, and Environmental Justice for the Virginia Conservation Network and the Climate Program Coordinator for the County of Albemarle, Virginia.
She holds a B.S. in Natural Resources and Recreational Tourism from the University of Georgia, and a M.A. in Climate and Society from Columbia University. She has received training in facilitating for racial justice from the Interaction Institute for Social Change.
Roy F. Roach, III 
Director, Office of Student Engagement
"FutureForward: Integrating Career Development and Lifelong Learning in Higher Education"
March 13, 11:00 am - 12: 00 pm
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Roy is an accomplished educator, entrepreneur, and veteran with over a decade of experience in higher education. With a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Innovation and a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a minor in Chinese Studies, he brings a unique blend of leadership, academic expertise, and entrepreneurial thinking to the evolving landscape of education. Throughout his career, Roy has been a dedicated lecturer, advisor, and leader, guiding countless students toward success and spearheading campus-wide initiatives that foster innovation and engagement. His work is rooted in the belief that higher education must evolve to meet the changing needs of students and society while preserving its core mission of developing informed, capable citizens. Passionate about leadership development and systemic change, he frequently speaks on the future of higher education, student success, and innovative solutions to modern challenges.
Sara Barton 
Associate Director, Sustainability Initiatives and Outreach
"ONE VCU Sustainability Plan - Overview and Action"
Track: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Sara Barton is the Associate Director of Sustainability Initiatives and Outreach for VCU Sustainability. She recently moved into this role and will lead the management and implementation of the ONE VCU Sustainability Plan. She will also strategically plan and implement internal and external sustainability outreach, engagement, and education efforts. Sara's academic and professional background in public health, food access, and organic agriculture led her to begin a career in sustainability in 2017. Having lived in Washington D.C. and New York City before moving to Richmond, she is especially interested in sustainability work in urban settings.
Sara received a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia, as well as a Master of Public Health from the CUNY School of Public Health. In 2022, she completed the Certificate in Sustainability Planning graduate program at VCU's Wilder School and plans to continue to expand her sustainability knowledge and skill set. When she's not at work, Sara is most likely biking, roller skating, hiking, supporting local producers at the farmers market, enjoying a concert, or tending to her 50+ houseplants.
Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris
Coordinator for Student Programming
"Building Support Systems: Nurturing the Well-Being of Student Workers"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
As a coordinator, Sensiere-Yanti Thompkins-Harris serves as the advisor to the Activities Programming Board at VCU. With a background in special education, counseling, and student leadership, Sensiere brings a unique blend of empathy, organization, and problem-solving skills to her work. Graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in computer science from Virginia Union University, she combines their passion for understanding human behavior with a knack for technology. After being influenced by her own positive experiences in undergrad, Sensiere transitioned to higher education where she found her passion was working in student leadership and programming. She strives to empower students to reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom, by fostering inclusive and supportive environments for everyone she comes in contact with.
Tanika Santos MacSwain (she/her)
Assistant Director of Fitness
"Inside Out: Leading with Emotional Intelligence"
'Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
As the Assistant Director of Fitness at Virginia Commonwealth University, Tanika aspires to promote holistic well-being and use her platform to create transformation for others. Tanika's health philosophy is that optimizing well-being through a personalized approach engages individuals in health education, advocacy, and behavior change to have greater autonomy in their well-being journey. Tanika capitalizes on her diverse experience to develop personal relationships with team members and partner organizations such as OMSA, The Common's, and Residential Life and Housing. Collaborative discussions that question current systems have helped her to create varied programs to meet students and professional staff where they are. Through this work, she hopes to connect with communities in an effort to better the quality of life across social and physical environments.
Tanisha Tate 
Founder and CEO of The Phenomenon Collective, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Consultant
"Confidence in Leadership: Utilizing Emotional Intelligence to Cultivate Effective Teams"
Track: Teambuilding and Collaboration
As a coach, speaker, and consultant, Tanisha Tate empowers leaders to harness emotional intelligence for effective team building. With a Master’s in Psychology and certifications in Life Coaching, DBT, and Mental Health, she blends expertise with practical strategies to cultivate confident, collaborative teams. As the owner of The Phenomenon Collective, Tanisha Tate fosters leadership and emotional intelligence across industries, helping professionals develop self-regulation and authenticity in their work. In 2022, she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from ACHI Magazine for her significant contributions to community empowerment and professional growth
Taylor Jackson 
Event and Scheduling Coordinator
"Building Support Systems: Nurturing the Well-Being of Student Workers"
Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation
Taylor is a two-time graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 2022 and a Master’s in Education in 2024. During her time at VCU, she worked as a student employee at the Commons for four years and held multiple student leadership positions. Taylor is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and a Spring 2021 initiate of the Eta Theta Chapter at VCU. In Fall 2022, Taylor transitioned into a full-time role within Event Services, where she oversees the coordination and scheduling of events across various campus venues, including the Commons, Hunton, and Larrick Student Center, as well as academic and outdoor spaces.
Taylor is also a trailblazer, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Corps. Additionally, she earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo at the age of 17. In her free time, Taylor enjoys dancing with the VA Steppas, spending time with her family and dog, and volunteering with the Black Alumni Council.
Tiera Byrd 
Assistant Director, Alumni Career and Personal Development
"The Transformative Power of Alumni Relations: Tools, Benefits, Impact"
Tracks: Culture of Care and Appreciation, Team Building and Collaboration
Tiera serves as the Assistant Director of Alumni Career and Personal Development in the Office of Alumni Relations at VCU. She is a proud RAM, graduate of the VCU School of Business class of 2012. In her current role, she oversees the VCU Alumni Virtual Book Club as well as the Alumni Business Directory. She also creates and facilitates a variety of alumni events and programs that fall within the wheelhouse of personal, career, and professional development.