COMMITTEES
If you would like more information on a particular committee, please contact the staff liaison(s) below. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete this interest form.
ASPIRE Young Professionals Committee
Chair: Sarah Seward | Staff Liaison: Tyler Bass
Connecting, developing, and empowering young professionals by providing them a voice in the community and opportunities for networking, personal growth, and professional development. Note: You must be between the ages of 21-39 to serve on this committee. Learn more about ASPIRE.
Committee Members
Grace Granger, WMBG FM 93.5 and AM 740
Hanah Warner, Local Daily Media
Katie, Meis, York County
Victoria Riley, Here For the Girls, Inc.
Randy Riffle, WJCC School Board
Davin Diesburg, City of Williamsburg
Chamber Challenge Golf Committee
Chair: Joe Singley | Staff Liaison: Lauren Moore
The Chamber Challenge Golf Committee directs our annual golf tournament, a vital fundraiser supporting the GWCC's mission. This popular event brings members together for a day of networking and friendly competition on a premier course, featuring a Captain's Choice shotgun start, on-course activities, and a celebratory banquet with awards.
Committee Members
Janet Moore, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Reality
Fleming A. Buck, Fleming's Engraving
Joseph Ash, BAEPLEX
Nell Wichmann, Wichmann Partners, LLC
Jeff James, C&F Bank
Christmas Parade Committee
Chair: Heather Harmon | Staff Liaison: Lauren Moore
The Christmas Parade Committee plans and executes our annual Christmas parade, a beloved community tradition. This cherished event brings the community together in the joyous spirit of Christmas, featuring enchanting, illuminated floats and festive cheer. It's the GWCC's special gift to the community, enjoyed by thousands of spectators.
Committee Members
Amy Ritchie, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Scott Percic, William & Mary
Brandon Frazier, Signature DJs
Chris Derham, illy Cafe Williamsburg
Mary Wheeler, Member
Ariana Terns, Beauty Rush Spa
William Monday, Brazilian Best Granite, Inc
Rosa Wiese, Cox Communications
Melody Matheny, Melody Matheny Designs
Olyvia Salyer, Olyvia Salyer Real Estate
Education Committee
Chair: The Hon. Lara Overy | Staff Liaison: Lauren Moore
Mission: Connect and Engage students with businesses in the Greater Williamsburg Area through Pathways2Careers and Shadowing and Internship Opportunities.
Purpose: To forge a dynamic partnership between our education community (High Schools, Higher Education, Trade Schools) and our business community, fostering collaboration and innovation that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to successfully transition into the workforce. We endeavor to expand the success of our Pathways2Careers Program by providing students with opportunities for career exploration through industry tours, job shadowing, mentorship, practical experiences, and real-world connections, thus empowering the next generation and creating a seamless pathway to a prosperous and fulfilling future career.
Committee Members
Sherri Thrift, WJCC Public Schools
Frederick Hayes, Baylands Family Credit Union
Stephan Jenkins, Bruton High School
Frank J. Smith, Sphinx Financial Group
Michael Estes, Virginia Peninsula Community College
Christina Brooks, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
Jennifer Romanelli, York County School Division
Jessica Switzer, Walsingham Academy
Karen Burden, Williamsburg Health Foundation
Joshua Sheffield, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
Ashley Burcroff, Busch Gardens
Health Committee
Chair: Brandon Randall | Staff Liaison: Vanessa Johnson
Cultivates a proactive approach to health and well-being through advocacy and through building awareness of local, regional, and state-wide resources that contribute to improving the mental, emotional, and physical health of our community’s workforce and its families, which will strengthen member organizations.
Committee Members
Ted Maslin, Retired
Victoria Riley, Here For the Girls, Inc.
Leigh Carroll-Stump, Colonial Behavioral Health
Mary Hard, Avalon Center
Chris Vazquez, Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg
Kim Spencer, Lackey Clinic
Chris Schwab, Here For the Girls, Inc.
Mark Snyder, City of Williamsburg
Christina Mutch, Defiant Direct Primary Care, PLLC
Deborah Stitzer-Brame, Edmarc
Pam McGregor, The Arc of Greater Williamsburg
Susan Bowe, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Vanessa Cannon, MassMutual
Amber Linnekin, Heart for Orphans
Amy Ritchie, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Jade Ranger, The Prescription Shoppe
Michelle Williams, Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center
Diane Hartley, Peninsula Agency on Aging
Leslie Skinner, Skinner Law Office
Lisa Bates, Williamsburg Landing
Erik Anderson, Scar Pain and Wellness, LLC
Ashley Skipper, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
Caitlynn Butcher, Williamsburg Area Faith in Action
Carmen Andreoli, NAMI Williamsburg
Deb Fisher, Williamsburg Health Foundation
Kelly Wendley, Riverside Doctor’s Hospital Williamsburg
Scott Turner, Eastern State Hospital
Legislative Affairs Committee
Chair: Angela Bezik | Staff Liaison: Terry Banez
Represents the business community at the local municipal level, monitors proposed state and national legislation, and keeps membership information on legislative issues while encouraging feedback.
Committee Members
Kyra Cook, Colonial Behavioral Health
Michele DeWitt, City of Williamsburg
Rachel West, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Joe Schumacher
Ashley Hood, William & Mary
Cassidy Taylor, Access Point Public Affairs
Ken Moran, Chesapeake Bank - Lafayette Street
Mark Duncan, Riverside Doctor’s Hospital Williamsburg
Sandra Towers, Williamsburg Regional Library
Membership Committee
Chair: Brian Bergmann | Staff Liaison: Vanessa Johnson
Reviews and recommends policy on issues impacting all members including investment structure, benefit programs, and more. Actively seeks new members.
Committee Members
Ron Campana, Campana Waltz Commercial Real Estate West
Andrew Hack, Chesapeake Bank
Samuel Drewry, Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Samuel Drewry
LaTonya Wallace-Conyers, The Traveling Notary
Mark P. Riley, New York Life Insurance Company
Military Affairs Committee
Chair: Jim Icenhour | Staff Liaison: Ann Bowe
Fosters a relationship of mutual benefit that shares available assets between Chamber members and local military, veterans, their families, and Department of Defense civilian employees.
Committee Members
Mark Schneider, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Samuel Drewry, Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Samuel Drewry
Stuart Allison, Virginia Department of Veteran Services
Tanisha Edwards, Virginia Department of Veteran Services
Brandie Weaver, Virginia Peninsula Community College
Sherman Watkins, Ft. Eustis MWR
Paulette Parker
Mary Wheeler
Jonathan Due, William & Mary
Paulette Parker, Retired
Rebecca Mulvain, Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash
Jeff Sullivan, TOTALITY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Cassandra Dawson, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
Donovan Gray, Navel Weapon’s Station
Drew Robbins, Navel Weapon’s Station
Women’s Business Council Committee
Chair: Kristin Baum | Staff Liaison: Lauren Moore
Bringing together women of diverse occupations to provide opportunities for professional and personal growth through networking, leadership development, peer-to-peer engagement, mentoring, and educational programs. Learn more about the Women’s Business Council.
Committee Members
Jennifer Pye, Habitat for Humanity Restore
Mary Griffith, Virginia's Finest Chocolate by Mary
Ariana Terns, Beauty Rush Spa
Kristi Olsen-Hayes, York County Economic & Tourism Development
Lindsay Willey, WindsorMeade Williamsburg
Cheri Green, Old Point National Bank
Kathy Howell, Kathy Howell Creative
Barbara Ramsey, Williamsburg City Council
Kate Barney, William & Mary
Brittany Rice, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Sarah Sheldon, Atlantic Union Bank – John Tyler Highway
Jingle Fest Committee
Chair: Elisa Campana | Staff Liaison: Lauren Moore
The Jingle Fest Committee plans and executes an exclusive, private holiday event at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. This festive gathering offers a magical evening of delicious food, world-class entertainment, and exclusive access to park attractions, making it perfect for company celebrations and team-building nights. The committee works to create an unforgettable experience, providing exceptional value and unique opportunities for attendees to celebrate the season in style
Committee Members
Samantha Redman, Lightpoint Designs
Lindsay Willey, WindsorMeade Williamsburg
Alyssa Kelley, A Working Home, LLC
Bertram Wheat, Goodman and Sons Jewelers
Mary Wheeler
Mark Redman, Lightpoint Designs
Jen Tetreault, Junkluggers