LEAD Hampton Roads

10/09/2026

What does the future of Hampton Roads look like? Our LEAD757 Class of 2026 spent Maritime & Innovation Day exploring the industries, organizations, and innovations helping shape it.

The day kicked off at Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII, where Gary Artybridge, Jr., Manager of Corporate Citizenship & K-12 Education Partnerships, gave us an inside look at the engineering, technology, and skilled craftsmanship behind modern shipbuilding through an industry overview and facility tour. The visit offered a closer perspective on one of Hampton Roads’ major industries and its role in the region’s economy and maritime landscape.

Next, the class headed to Tech Center Research Park for an innovation panel featuring the incredible leaders below, moderated by Mallory Tuttle, Director at the Virginia Tech Newport News Center:

➡️ Mike Melo, ITA International, LLC
➡️ Chelsea Jenkins Olivieri, Secure Energy Future Center
➡️ Rob Mann, Timmons Group

The discussion gave participants an opportunity to hear from professionals working across different fields and explore how innovation is shaping their industries and approaches to new challenges.

Next, the focus shifted to federal innovation, with insights from Lena Pascale, MPA, Strategic Engagement and Partnership Integration Lead at NASA Langley Research Center, and Marla Schuchman, Chief Innovation Officer at Jefferson Lab. Their perspectives highlighted the research, partnerships, and forward-thinking work happening right here in Hampton Roads.

The day wrapped up at Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort, where the class explored the site’s history, ongoing development, and exciting future through an overview led by Fort Monroe Authority CEO Scott Martin. The visit offered another perspective on how the region can build on its history while continuing to plan for what's next.

From shipbuilding and technology to federal research and regional development, Maritime & Innovation Day connected our class with the people and places contributing to continued growth in our region.

We're so grateful to all of our hosts and speakers for sharing their time, expertise, and perspectives with the !

09/29/2026

Hampton Roads roots. A forward-looking mindset. That’s John Sadler, member of the dynamic LEAD757 Class of 2026.

Born and raised here, John serves as Regional Emergency Management Administrator with the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. He appreciates that our region has a little bit of everything, including beaches, cities, seasons, and of course weather that can't make up its mind!

Lately, John has been diving deeper into artificial intelligence and the ways it can improve efficiency. While he sees tremendous potential in the technology, he’s intentional about making sure AI doesn’t replace the human thought, judgment, and creativity that ultimately spur progress.

From emergency management to emerging technology, John is always curious about what’s next for Hampton Roads. We’re glad to have his experience and perspective in the !

09/24/2026

“Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” It’s a quote from Rumi that reflects the thoughtful perspective Helen Sapieka, Ed.D. brings to her work, leadership, and life.

As Lab School Administrator with SmithTech: School of Computer Science, Innovation, and Design, Helen is bringing her experience in education and innovation to the LEAD757 Class of 2026.

When she’s not working, Helen enjoys exploring Hampton Roads with her Golden Retriever, Griffin 🐾. Her ideal Saturday might mean exploring one of the region’s many trails or spending time on the water. Her favorite local view? Paddle boarding at sunset, surrounded by tall marsh grasses and cypress.

Here’s to a year of new perspectives, meaningful connections, and plenty of time exploring what our region special. Welcome to the , Helen!

09/14/2026

A new job brought Class of 2026 member Jon Lykins to Hampton Roads, but two years later, he and his family are ready to make the region home.

Jon joined Gold Key PHR as General Manager of the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort after being recruited to our region. He recently took on a new role as Managing Director of Hilton Norfolk THE MAIN and now adds LEAD757 to his Hampton Roads experience.

One thing Jon will miss about his time at the Marriott? Having one of the best sunrise spots around. He would often head up to the rooftop patio at Orion's Roof before starting his day to take in the view. Now, Jon and his family are excited about something bigger than a great view. They’re putting down roots, getting involved, and becoming part of the community.

Jon’s story may have started with a career move, but it’s quickly becoming about so much more. We’re glad to have Jon in this year’s to be a part of the conversation shaping what comes next for our region!

09/11/2026

Government, leadership, public policy and a behind-the-scenes look at one of our region’s most important economic assets!
The LEAD757 Class of 2026 recently participated in Government

Framework Day, an informative and action-packed experience designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how local and state government decisions affect the communities, businesses, and people of Hampton Roads.

The day began inside the Chesapeake City Council Chambers with a conversation about local government in action featuring:
• Mayor Rick West
• Chesapeake City Manager Christopher Price
• Chesapeake Economic Development Director Steven Wright

From city operations and community development to economic growth, our class received a closer look at the collaboration and leadership required to keep a city moving forward.

Next, we shifted our focus to state government with Bryan Stephens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber, and Virginia Delegates Bonita Anthony, Cliff Hayes, and Karen Keys-Gamarra. Our speakers shared valuable perspectives on the legislative process, public service, and the importance of staying informed and engaged in the decisions affecting our region.

Following lunch, the class joined government affairs professionals Gretchen Heal, Tom Kramer, Mindy Carlin, and Ross Grogg for a thoughtful discussion connecting government, business, higher education, advocacy, public policy, and regional growth.

Of course, no LEAD757 program day is complete without taking the learning beyond the meeting room! Our class toured Norfolk International Terminals at the The Port of Virginia, where participants experienced the incredible scale of the terminal and learned more about its role in connecting Hampton Roads to the global economy.

We concluded the day with a legislative reception at the Waterside District Harbor Club, creating an opportunity for participants to continue the conversation, strengthen relationships, and connect with leaders from throughout the region.

Thank you to all our speakers, hosts, partners, and organizers who made this experience possible!

09/09/2026

09/02/2026

What does it look like to build a career, raise a family, and put down roots in the place you’ve always called home? For LEAD757 Class of 2026 member Paul Feagan, it looks a lot like Hampton Roads.

Paul is a Partner with Cherry Bekaert and lifelong resident of our region, bringing years of experience and a strong connection to the community he knows so well.

His ideal Friday night? SUSHI VICE ! In fact, you can usually find him there or ordering takeout for the family.

And when the weekend "rolls" around (see what we did there?), the beach is still his favorite destination. These days, relaxing on the sand may be a little different with two kids under three, but it remains one of his favorite ways to spend a Saturday.

Here’s to a LEAD757 experience filled with new networks, new ideas, and maybe a few recommendations for the next best local restaurant. Welcome to the , Paul!

09/01/2026

1️⃣ week out! The Suffolk Business Expo is almost here and we’re getting ready for a full day of connections, conversations and opportunities to grow your business.

Join us September 8 at Hub757 to:

▪️ Connect with 50+ businesses from across Hampton Roads
▪️ Explore products, services and resources from local exhibitors
▪️ Build new relationships and expand your network
▪️ Take advantage of a FREE professional development seminar
▪️ Discover new ways to grow your business

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, young professional or simply looking to make new connections, this is your invitation to be in the room.

Best of all? The Expo is FREE to attend!

📍 Hub757
📅 September 8 from 11:30-1:30PM
💻 Professional development seminar at 10:30AM with SkillOps

One week to go. We’ll see you in Suffolk!

08/27/2026

Coffee, a walk along the Elizabeth River Trail, a day at East Beach Norfolk, and a slice from Sour Street Pizza? That sounds like a pretty perfect Hampton Roads day to us! For LEAD757 Class of 2026 member Alcee Flores, it's also a glimpse into what makes this region special for her.

A Texas native, Alcee has called Hampton Roads home for the past eight years. As Director of Operations for Neighborhood, she brings a passion for learning and a love of reading to her work and leadership. One quote that has stayed with Alcee comes from Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: “All knowledge is spendable currency, depending on the market.”

Her pursuit of learning has played a meaningful role in shaping who she is today, and we're excited to see how that curiosity continues throughout LEAD757. Welcome to the , Alcee!

08/19/2026

Helping small businesses find their next step is what Todd E. DuRose does every day, and he's bringing that same spirit of growth and connection to the LEAD757 Class of 2026!

As a Business Advisor with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, Todd works with entrepreneurs throughout the region, offering one-on-one advising and resources to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive.

A longtime Hampton Roads resident, primarily Chesapeake, Todd has also spent time working in Chicago and Atlanta. When he's not working with clients to help them succeed, Todd knows how to enjoy our area. The Chesapeake Virginia W**e Festival is a can’t-miss event for him, and if karaoke is on the table, he’s singing Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. 🎤

As a member of the , Todd is building connections that strengthen the small business community and Hampton Roads as a whole, and we’re thrilled he’s part of it!