The Lynchburg City School Board has appointed Dr. Scott S. Brabrand as the 12^th Superintendent of the Lynchburg City Schools. Brabrand is currently serving as Assistant Superintendent in the Fairfax County Public Schools and will assume office on April 1. Dr. Larry A. Massie will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent through March 31.

“The School Board is honored that Dr. Brabrand will be assuming this critical leadership position for the city of Lynchburg,” School Board Chairman Charlie White said. “Public education in Lynchburg is facing a formidable combination of fiscal, instructional and social challenges. As a strong executive, a strategic thinker and a vigorous advocate of public education, Dr. Brabrand brings the right leadership characteristics to our school system and our city at the right time.”

As Assistant Superintendent for one of the most diverse clusters in the Fairfax County Public Schools (Cluster IV) since 2009, Brabrand has been responsible for providing educational and administrative leadership to 27 schools and approximately 2,500 employees, serving over 22,000 students. During his tenure, the number of schools achieving 90 percent SOL math proficiency increased from five to 12 schools. Additionally, four of the Cluster’s 6 Title 1 schools that were in state sanction for reading and math exited from those sanctions.

Proficient in Spanish, Brabrand earned his bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, his master’s degree in education from George Washington University and his doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech.

A native of Newport News and a life-long Virginia resident, Brabrand looks forward to his family, consisting of his wife, Debbie, and his twin sons, Bennett and William, joining the Lynchburg family and continuing the “Tradition of Excellence” in Lynchburg City Schools.

REGION 2000 CONTINUES HIGH PERFORMANCE RANKING ON 2011 MILKEN INSTITUTE BEST-PERFORMING CITIES INDEX 

The 2011 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index has once again ranked the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in its top 100. At #54, the 2011 ranking is slightly down from 2010′s #35 ranking. However, Region 2000 joined the Northern Virginia MSA (#17) as the only other large Virginia MSA in the top 100. Northern Virginia also dropped from #6 in 2010 to #17 in 2011.

Virginia’s Region 2000 also ranked third nationally in five-year relative high tech gross domestic product growth and ninth nationally in job growth percentage for 2010-2011.

“This is great news to achieve such a ranking in this well-respected report,” Bryan David, Region 2000 Economic Development Council Executive Director, said. “It is a tribute to the hard work and collaboration of our business, local government and higher education leaders. [The 2011] Milken report demonstrates once again that our regional cooperation continues to support the vitality of our economy.”

The index evaluates U.S. metropolitan areas by a number of factors, including job creation and sustenance, economic growth, wage and salary and technology. To read the full report, visit http://goo.gl/B2fGX.

GATHERING OF GODDESSES TO HEAD TO LAS VEGAS BY WAY OF AMAZEMENT SQAURE 

Escape winter by taking a trip to a fabulous Las Vegas hotel and resort without leaving town at Amazement Square’s 11^th Annual Gathering of Goddesses Friday, February 10 from 6 to 11 p.m. (Blizzard Date: February 24).

Each guest will enjoy a catered dinner, a wine and beer bar featuring a specialty Las Vegas drink, relaxing spa and health services donated by local businesses, an exclusive nightclub just for goddesses and other exciting casino entertainment and games.

The Gathering will also recognize this year’s Honorary Goddess, Frances Giles. As Chair of Allocations with the United Way of Central Virginia, Giles is enhancing citizens’ live and empowering them to live up to their full potential. Learn more about Giles in our Leader of the Month section.

Make your tax-deductible reservation for the best Vegas hotel and resort in Lynchburg for $100 ($115 after February 10) by visiting or calling Amazement Square at (434) 845-1888. Proceeds support Amazement Square’s educational mission through the development and maintenance of its exhibitions and programs.

YPCV ANNOUNCES 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Young Professionals of Central Virginia, led by Executive Director Abe Loper, announces its new board of directors for 2012, including many *new members:

Josh Keith, Genworth – President

Tanya Fischoff, Academy of Fine Arts – Secretary

Chris Riddick, Innovative Faith Resources – Treasurer

Heather Baum, Center for Advanced Engineering & Research

*Michael Amendola, Servus Capital Management

*Julie Pfiefer, Sodexo

*Daniel Currie, Century 21

*Daniel Maddox, Wells Fargo

*Kumar Kunal, Hanwah Azdel

*Jasper Hendricks, BRAT-PAC

*Hector Takahashi, Alliance Industrial Corp.

First, there’s the legacy that Lynchburger Barbara Lichford McGehee is continuing and passing down through her family business, Century Beverage Distributors. A third generation owner, McGehee has brought her two daughters aboard the ever-growing family business that distributes local and regional beers, wine and sodas, among other beverages.

Meanwhile, Lynchburg business owner Crystal Swinton’s gift for organization is adding up to personal success, simply by doing the daily office chores that most people dread. This former daycare owner turned office organization expert is helping local businesses keep all their files and papers straight and labeled, among other things, all with a smile on her face. Click on the Business Profiles tab to read more on how Smart Way Solutions is letting her live out her life-long dream of owning her own business.

At 99 years strong, the Woman’s Club of Lynchburg is still giving back as much, if not more so, than they were nearly a century ago. Sponsoring scholarships and creating charitable cookbooks, this group of ladies are a far cry from an afternoon knitting club. Learn more about their efforts to give educational opportunities to other women, while also recruiting the next generation of member, under the Nonprofit section.

And for those who doubt that volunteering your time doesn’t qualify as a “job,” meet Frances Giles. As Amazement Square’s “Honorary Goddess” at the upcoming Gathering of the Goddesses fundraiser, Giles puts the rest of us mere mortals to shame with the amount of time, energy and passion she infuses into local causes. Many, many local causes. Her list of pro bono efforts, from co-chairing local boards to giving back to her alumnus, Roanoke College, read like the resume of a professional volunteer—and most would argue that that is exactly what she is, and a heck of a good one at that.

Leading Ladies of Lynchburg, we salute your savvy, smarts and successes in business, the community and the home. Without you, our area would be a pretty dull place to live and work.

To Wonder Women,

Prototype Media

Occupation: Community Volunteer

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

We hear you are “volunteer extraordinaire” around Lynchburg. Tell us about your charitable efforts.

The list is a long one! Formerly, I was:

• Board member, (chair of allocations in 1999-2000), United Way of Central VA
• Board member, chairman of Board of Directors, Point of Honor
• Board member, Awareness Garden and member of long-range planning committee
• Member Advisory Board of Preston Library, VMI, Lexington, VA
• Board member of the  Weekday School Board, First Presbyterian Church
• Deacon, Elder and long time member of First Presbyterian choir
• Lay member of the Ninth District Disciplinary of the Virginia State Bar
• Co-chair presidential search committee Randolph College (Kathleen Bowman), co-chair retirement for RC President, Kathleen Bowman, co-chair RC Inauguration weekend for incoming President John Klein.

Currently, I am:

• Co-chair of the United Way campaign, 2011-2012
• Board member and Secretary of the Board of Amazement Square
• Member of Women’s Leadership Council and member of the steering committee of WLC
• Trustee Emerita of Randolph College
• Chair of the Conrad Brown Fund Committee, First Presbyterian Church

You have a big role as the Co-chair of the United Way Campaign of Central Virginia. What does that entail?

I currently serve as co-chair with my husband, Don. As co-chair of this year’s campaign, we meet monthly with our cabinet and sector chairs and help assist in corporate presentations. Our needs are greater this year than ever before, thus we are constantly “brain storming” to try to expand our donor base to encourage more first time donors and to encourage our current donors to increase their giving.

The more funds that United Way can raise mean that we can do even more for our neediest citizens. As co-chairs of the campaign, we have greater awareness about United Way funded programs and how vital their work is to the well-being of our community.

Do you have any specific stories from your time giving back that have touched you or left an impression on you?

A woman in an abusive situation fled from her husband with her children for fear of their safety.  She was taken in by the YWCA shelter for abused women. She successfully raised her children and now heads the Domestic Violence shelter of the YWCA. She successfully broke the cycle of abusiveness. 

And I must add that one of the most rewarding things of my volunteerism is to watch children as they explore and learn while having such fun at Amazement Square. Our school tours which are geared to the SOLs provide an incredible hands-on learning experience which consequently helps to stimulate a child’s interest and retention of the particular program’s subject matter.  Our most recent exhibit “Bug University” is an exhibit for all ages!

You are being recognized as this year’s “Honorary Goddess” at the Gathering of the Goddesses at Amazement Square on February 10 this year. What does that honor mean to you?

I am quite honored and flattered to have been chosen this year. The previous “Goddesses” are such impressive women and have contributed so much to our community. It is humbling and quite special to be a part of this remarkable group.

What do you love most about living and volunteering in Lynchburg?

Lynchburg is an outstanding place to live. We are fortunate to have amongst other things, a wonderful medical community, a superb educational system, extensive cultural opportunities and a very caring and supportive community. Volunteering is what makes Lynchburg an even better place to live. It is a humbling and rewarding feeling to think that you might have made a difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

What would you say to encourage more people in our area to give back?

Giving back, whether it is monetary or of your time and talents, is vital for a healthy community. As citizens, we have a responsibility to be aware of the needs in our area. Being informed should be the stimulant for involvement and volunteering. Our volunteers make donated dollars go so much farther.

The Free Clinic is an example of the impact that volunteerism has.  Through the nonprofit volunteers, your $1 donation can be stretched to $5, $10 or even $20 worth of services are provided for our needy citizens. The United Way of Central Virginia is a wonderful resource to help identify an organization that is a fit for one’s interests.  By being involved and volunteering, you are setting a wonderful example for others to follow.

Several band members from E.C. Glass and Heritage high schools were selected to the 2012 Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association All-District Honor Band. More than 500 students from 25 different high schools across Central and Southwest Virginia auditioned Saturday at Salem High School. E.C. Glass’s Leslie Roeser, Mary Ellen Golcheski and Graham Martin and Heritage’s Jun Young Park also qualified for All-State auditions in February.

Members from E.C. Glass who were selected to the All-District Honor Band are:

Adam Robey, 3rd chair Concert Band, Trombone

Hailey Roeser, 2nd Alternate, Bari Sax

Evan Sizemore, 13th chair Concert Band, Clarinet

Cassidy Sheehan, 5th chair Tuba, Symphonic Band

Beth Hayes, 4th chair Tuba, Symphonic Band

Samantha Casey, 4th chair Bassoon, Symphonic Band

Mychael Ward, 6th chair Trumpet, Symphonic Band

Mary Ellen Golcheski, 1st chair Oboe (#1 in district), Symphonic Band

Leslie Roeser, 1st chair Flute (#1 in district), Symphonic Band

Graham Martin, 1st chair Trombone (#1 in district), Symphonic Band

Members from Heritage High School who were selected to the All-District Honor Band are:

Alyssa Baber, 2nd Chair Symphonic, Contra Bass Clarinet

Jun Young Park, 5th Chair Symphonic, Clarinet

Shari Sites, 13th Chair, Symphonic, Clarinet

Brea Marshall, 23rd Chair Symphonic, Clarinet

Andrew Newman, 3rd Chair Symphonic, Baritone

Christina Trail, 12^th Chair Symphonic, Trumpet

Jimmy Roberts has joined Scott Insurance as a surety bonds specialist in the Richmond office.  Jimmy is a native of Kenbridge, VA, and graduated from Virginia Tech. He comes to Scott with over 16 years in the agency surety business and has surety expertise specific to the needs of the construction industry.

The Future Focus Foundation was developed to sustain and expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) educational opportunities for youth in grades K-12, both through the public education system and community involvement. The foundation’s programs build a solid platform for future sustainability and ensure that all area youth have knowledge of STEM careers and exposure to the underlying skills and thought processes necessary for success in these careers.

“STEM education is critical to the development of society and the future success of our youth,” Narehood said. “We must be preparing our youth to compete in a global marketplace and to keep U.S. industries as leaders on the world stage. Region 2000 businesses should have to look no further than their own backyard to find highly trained employees. I look forward to building upon the successful existing Foundation programs established by the Technology Council and finding new directions based on the needs of the Region 2000 communities.”

Narehood served as an Extension Agent with the Campbell County 4H Virginia Cooperative Extension Office for seven years. She was responsible for managing all 4H outreach programs for the County, including camps, clubs and in-school activities. She also served as a Unit Coordinator with the Extension Office for four years and was responsible for office administration, budgets, staff supervision and liaising between the district office and local government.

Narehood holds a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Science and a M.S. in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Abe Loper, Young Professionals of Central Virginia Executive Director, has been named to Senator Mark Warner’s Young Professional Planning Committee.

Born out of Senator Mark Warner’s desire to bring Virginia’s next generation of leaders together to build strong connections across the Commonwealth, the first Young Professional’s Summit was held last month in Richmond. Warner believes that Virginia’s young professionals are “our best hope to keep the Commonwealth moving forward,” and over 300 young professionals attended the first, very successful event.

Loper helped plan the first summit and was selected again to join the 2012 Young Professional’s Summit planning committee. Loper was chosen “specifically as a result of his leadership and commitment to our Region 2000 community,” according to a letter from Senator Warner’s office.

Travis McDonald, Director of Architectural Restoration at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, was awarded the prestigious Architecture Medal for Virginia Service at the Visions for Architecture gala November 4 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond.

The Architecture Medal for Virginia Service is the highest citizen award given by the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects. This year’s award was presented jointly by the Society and the Virginia Center for Architecture. The medal honors an individual or organization that has made what the Society describes as, “an unusually significant contribution to Virginia’s built environment or to the public’s understanding and awareness of the built environment.”

In its recognition of McDonald, the Society’s Honors Committee said his work, “…truly took the idea of restoration as a private event and turned it into a very public phenomenon, creating a wonderful public education opportunity.”

An architectural historian, McDonald joined Poplar Forest in 1989 as Director of Architectural Restoration. He has led the architectural restoration team of restoration architect, restoration advisory panel and restoration crew since the beginning of this preservation and restoration project.

Dr. Golnaz Javey has joined the team at Piedmont Eye Center as a new physician. Javey received her medical school training and medicine internship at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She then went on to complete an ophthalmology residency at Virginia Commonwealth University followed by fellowship training in retinal and vitreous surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Baylor College of Medicine.

As a board certified retinal specialist, Javey’s expertise includes treating patients with diabetes, macular degeneration, “floaters,” retinal detachments, and other retinal problems using some of the most advanced technology available.

It might not come as a surprise that the new President and CEO of Centra has undeniable Midwest charm. But it might catch you off guard that this diehard Indiana University fan is also a sucker for a Southern accent.

The father of three and grandfather to one loves to be at home, but also looks forward to taking up biking because “that’s what people do around here.”

And when it comes to healthcare reform, Bryant believes that traditionally conservative Lynchburg can be unconventionally trailblazing when it comes to setting an example to the rest of the country for how things can and should be done.

No doubt, Centra offers “excellent care every time,” as is their motto, and Bryant is content to keep it that way. Yet, he is discontent to stop progressing forward.

Affable and likeable, Bryant comes across much like his predecessor, George Dawson. But unlike Dawson, who tended to direct quietly from behind the curtains, Bryant is more than ready to step into the very public spotlight in order to move Centra and healthcare into what he says is a new and necessary era of reform.

Read more, in his own words, from the man at the forefront of our area’s healthcare system about his plans for the future and why he says he has some of the best new neighbors around, starting on Page –.

Yes, Michael Bryant is somewhat of a paradox. But he might just offer the perfect amount of contradiction to take Centra from already excellent to truly exceptional.

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has re-formulated its previous awards program. The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for its new “Excellence in Business” Awards to be presented during the Annual Business Dinner held on March 22, 2012. The “Excellence in Business” Awards introduce new award categories as well as a new system for nominating and selecting award winners.

“We wanted to recognize innovative business practices and get more participation from the general business community,” Christy Lucy, Director of Marketing and Special Events for the Chamber, said. “We believe this new system will generate a lot of enthusiasm from our membership to accomplish both of those goals.”

The new awards will have criteria pertaining to each category, however, emphasis on innovation, staying power and overall integrity of business practices will be considered when determining award finalists. The new award categories are Home-based Business, Emerging Small Business, Business to Business, Business to Consumer, Agri-Business and Nonprofit.

Anyone can nominate a company and nominees should be a member in good standing with the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Self-nominations are welcome, as are nominations for more than one company. Only one nomination per company is required for consideration. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2012. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Chamber’s web site at www.bedfordareachamber.com or requested via phone, fax and email to clucy@bedfordareachamber.com.

The new process will also include a selection committee to determine finalists, which will then be announced and offered to the business community for a “popularity” vote. The winning businesses will be announced during the Chamber’s Annual Business Dinner held in March.

THREE CENTRA PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Centra has once again received national recognition for its quality in health care. Centra’s hip and knee replacement, stroke and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) treatment programs all received outstanding marks from The Joint Commission during recent on-site visits.

Centra’s hip and knee replacement programs have been recommended for certification without deficiencies by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Centra’s total joint program was praised for its highly qualified surgeons, nursing excellence, patient-centered care, teamwork, well-kept and well-designed physical environment, patient education classes and dedicated resources.

The Joint Commission also recommended two of the orthopaedic programs’ components for recognition as best practices. They are Centra’s bed management system and its use on the orthopaedic floor as well as the consistent utilization for the care boards in each patient room.

After an extensive evaluation of Centra’s processes and ability to evaluate and improve care, The Joint Commission also recently recommended Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for recertification.

The Joint Commission specifically praised Centra’s Primary Stroke Center for its process for the administration of tPA (clot busting drug), dedication to performance improvement and educated staff members. The Joint Commission also encouraged Centra to continue its plan to become a Comprehensive Stroke Center when guidelines are released next year.

Centra Lynchburg General Hospital already holds The Joint Commission National Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification recognizes the center for making exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care.

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB OPENING

The Academy of Fine Arts is conducting a search for its next Executive Director.

“The Academy is entering a new phase,” Dave Bowen, Board of Trustees President, said. “We have a growing passion for the arts, for entertaining theatre, intriguing galleries, enlightening classes and exciting social events. We are looking to hire an Executive Director who will communicate this passion and strengthen the Academy’s visibility and brand. We are looking for our star.”

The Academy is also searching for a Director of Development, who will lead the initiative to restore the Historic Academy of Music Theatre.

“We are not skipping a beat,” Bowen said. “We look forward to bringing new energy to the team and are excited about the Academy’s future.”

The Academy encourages candidates with a passion for the arts and non-profit experience to apply. Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the employment tab on the Academy of Fine Arts’ website, www.AcademyFineArts.com.  Interviews will be extended on a rolling basis.

EIGHTH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG LOFT TOUR SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 25

The 8^th annual Downtown Lynchburg Loft Tour, a fundraiser for the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, will take place on February 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour offers an opportunity to visit 8 to 10 furnished loft apartments in downtown Lynchburg.  Ticket sales benefit the Free Clinic at 1016 Main Street. Tickets will be available after February 1 for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. For more details, visit www.fccv.net or contact the Free Clinic at (434) 847-5866.

Age: 56

Hometown: Jeffersonville, IN

You took over the role of President and CEO on October 1. How would you describe your first few weeks at Centra?

They’ve been very exciting. I think the one thing that’s still hard to get used to is how nice people are here—the whole Southern hospitality. It’s not that people aren’t nice in the Midwest but that seems to be something about Lynchburg that people really pride themselves on. People stop you in stores and say hello and just seem to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, so I wish my career the rest of the way could be this way because at some point, people will know me. But right now, it is really wonderful for me and my whole family for everyone to go out of their way to make us feel welcome.

Has anything surprised you about Centra so far?

It’s largely what has been described but I will say that as I’ve gotten to know more about the organization and the community, I think there is more potential here than I could appreciate before. In particular, the community and Centra have a very special relationship and I think it’s stronger than what I’ve seen in my previous two jobs in two different communities and I think that really strong relationship will bode well for both Centra and the community as we go together through this new era in healthcare and healthcare reform. So I think if anything, it’s even better than I thought coming into the job.

You moved here from Illinois, what’s been the most challenging part of the transition so far, both personally and professionally?

Challenging would be the wrong word. My wife and I have moved a couple of times, so this isn’t particularly challenging other than the normal stuff like where is the hair dresser? Where do you take your clothes to be laundered? How do you get to the grocery store? But again, people here are so helpful. In fact, one of our neighbors—this is probably one of the nicest things—knocked on the door to introduce themselves and gave us a list of about 15 things that told us, here’s where you get your clothes laundered, here’s a handyman, here’s a painter … you know, stuff that you might need.

As for the job, there’s nothing that I would say is particularly challenging but you have a lot of people to meet. The board and leadership here and the physicians have all stopped by and pretty much what they told me [about Centra] is what I was able to expect. I had two or three months before I came out here to begin to learn about Centra and get information so I didn’t walk in on October 1 without having a fair amount of information and homework already done.

You have three children and one grandson. Are any of them here with you?

Yes, they are all here. My oldest is a girl, she’s 25 and a single mother and has my grandson, so they are both here. My older son is here and he will be going to school in January. My youngest son is visiting Virginia for the first time at Thanksgiving. He’s a freshman at Michigan State University in engineering, so we took him to college before we moved here, so he hasn’t seen Virginia, but he’s excited. We actually sent him a Virginia care package recently with a Virginia t-shirt and Virginia peanuts and everything “Virginia” to get him comfortable coming to his new home.

Centra is clearly well-known in this area and the medical community as a whole for having outstanding doctors, technology and care. Is that what drew you here or was it something else?

Professionally, the number one reason I came, which relates to those pieces, is that healthcare reform is going to happen one way or another … and that amount of work is going to take community support and community buy-in [to achieve.] There aren’t going to be a lot of communities around the country that really have the ability to redesign healthcare in the same fashion that Centra and Central Virginia can.

As a professional, I could have retired at Methodist [Health Services Corporation in Illinois, where Bryant was previously the president and CEO], and we would have been able to do some things, but I think that Centra and Central Virginia are just a unique perspective. I don’t think there are going to be a hundred communities that are going to be able to do what Centra could do in Central Virginia if we can come up with the right vision and then we can then take that and together find the mechanisms to really improve the health of the population in Central Virginia. And that’s really the challenge—whether we can do it, whether we have the courage to do it, whether we have the right mechanisms but I do think that Centra in Central Virginia can be a model of what healthcare done the right way can look like because Centra does have all the key elements and infrastructure. George Dawson and his team and the board have just done a wonderful job of putting us in a position to adapt to this next environment. So, that’s really the professional opportunity.

Personally, we’ve lived in the Northeast, we’ve lived in the Midwest, now we have a chance to be Southerners, so that was exciting to say let’s go and add more variety to our life and be part of the Southern culture. And there’s really nothing like a Southern accent.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’m very team-oriented; I guess that’s sort of my Indiana basketball upbringing. One of the things you learn is that it’s all about the team. Teams win championships. Organizationally, Centra is a team—it’s not about one leader or one part of Centra. It’s the whole team that will make us successful. I think that’s part of the [leadership] style is making sure that I have a very strong team that can take and lead the organization. And there is obviously a very strong team here at Centra, so I think I fit into that dynamic very well.

I think being very visible in the community and promoting Centra is a big part of my strength. One of the keys to success for Centra down the road is having a vision that the community understands is their vision, it’s not just a Centra vision. And I think it will be incumbent upon me as CEO to be communicating that vision and making sure that people understand their role in that vision and that really and truly together, we are improving the population health of the people of Central Virginia. So I think that will be one thing I enjoy and has been a strength of mine in my 22 years as a CEO to this point.

I don’t think I need to tell you that your predecessor, George Dawson, is well-loved by the Centra community and the Lynchburg community as a whole. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at Centra?

Well, I haven’t thought about it! Maybe you can ask me that in 10 or 11 years when my time is over. But what I want to do coming in is build on what George has done. He has left a great organization. But if you were having this conversation with George, he is going to tell you that the world is going to change and Centra has to change with it. If he weren’t retired, he would be making some adjustments as well because the world is going to change.

So, I think what’s most important and what I want George and everybody in this community to feel is that there is a legacy coming. At the end of the day, regardless of how we change, I don’t want the essence of Centra to change, which is our mission statement—“Excellent Care Every Time.” How we deliver that, subject to what the new environment is, is one thing but at the end of the day, everybody who comes here believes that they get excellent care every time and during my time here and at the end of my career, I hope people look back and say “Centra delivers excellent care every time.” I think that’s the greatest compliment and legacy that you can receive, and I think that is what George has left.

You’re an IU fan. How do you find time to get your basketball fix?

I am a huge college basketball fan, so I am going to be going to some games. Obviously, UVA is close so I suspect I will be going to some UVA games. Obviously, Lynchburg [College] and Liberty [University] play. We are close to good ACC basketball. I like to joke that if I can’t be in the best basketball conference in the country, at least I’m at the second best. ACC fans don’t appreciate that!

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?

I think for the next year, now that we are in town, Paula [Bryant’s wife] and I are hoping to get into biking next spring. We are going to do some mountain hiking and kayaking and begin to enjoy and experience some of the activities that you do here in Central Virginia. But right now, it’s just getting our house and family situated …. we are just on a family focus. We are meeting people, starting friendships, visiting churches. So that’s where we are at now, but come spring I think we will start doing some of those things that people enjoy here.

Age: 64

Hometown: Forest Hills Gardens, New York City, currently lives in Forest

After more than 25 years of leading at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, we hear you are retiring next December. How did you know the time had come to announce your retirement?

I’ve always planned to retire when I reach the age of 65. I feel it’s the stage of life to shift my focus— basically it’s exactly what Jefferson did when he started using his retreat at Poplar Forest! Just like Mr. Jefferson, I think it’s time to spend more time with family and my favorite pastimes, which get insufficient time and attention when I’m working a heavy-duty, full-time schedule!

So much progress and restoration has happened at Poplar Forest since you took the reigns there in 1986. What are some of your proudest accomplishments as President thus far?

It truly has been an extraordinary experience, a once-in-lifetime opportunity, to work with the founders of this rescue initiative from the beginning. I am proud of the terrific progress that Poplar Forest’s team of board, staff, donors and volunteers have made possible during the past 26 years. We have accomplished so much toward the ultimate goal of preserving this national legacy for all future generations. For me personally, the team’s accomplishments of which I am most proud are:

• The rescue and protection of so much of the heart of Jefferson’s retreat. Rescuing and preserving a major national resource like this takes many decades—just think how long it took for Mt. Vernon and Monticello to get where they are today. I have always felt that the most important contribution our generation can make to Poplar Forest’s preservation is to acquire the land at the heart of the retreat. Plus, the “journey” of both witnessing the archaeologists bringing new information to light about Jefferson’s ideas and life here, and handcrafting the restoration of each part of his vision, is a fantastic experience that the next generation can enjoy experiencing just as we do, as they complete the tasks we’ve begun to bring Poplar Forest to its full potential as a major national resource.

• The world-class, state-of-the-art restoration that we have under way. The board believed right from the beginning that we had the responsibility to use the highest possible standards in handling this nationally-significant historic resource. We have stuck to that principle and the project has received national acclaim as a model for “doing it right.”

• We have begun the landscape restoration. Beginning to restore the landscape features is exciting to me because it brings vividly into sight for everyone the fact that Jefferson didn’t just design a house … he sculpted  a total retreat environment by masterfully integrating manmade and natural features. Step by step, the archaeologists can uncover more and more pieces of the currently visually-missing pieces of the puzzle so that, in the end, Jefferson’s vision for his ideal personal space will come back into clear view.

How did you come to be in your role at Poplar Forest?

My career in historic preservation had included running the NY State historic survey and National Register program, and subsequently, I was chosen to join the headquarters staff at the National Register of Historic Places (D.C.).  At mid-career, I paused to obtain an MBA at The George Washington University (I already had a B.A. from Vassar in history and an M.A. from UVA in architectural history). Just as I completed that MBA, I learned about the search for the first executive director for Thomas Jefferson’s retreat, and applied.

Poplar Forest, in comparison to Jefferson’s famous home, Monticello, is a lesser known jewel. How has your team worked over the past two decades to create awareness of its significance?

The biggest challenge was getting the word out. Because Jefferson himself had not generally shared information about his getaway spot, except for Jefferson scholars and people in this area, people in our time didn’t know that Jefferson even had a personal retreat, much less that it was endangered. In the early years, the funds we raised were so needed for the basics of rescuing the property that there was limited money available for spreading the word. We worked hard to get information out in tourism communication networks that Poplar Forest was available to experience, and to alert members of the media about this undiscovered gem.

What are your hopes and dreams for Poplar Forest over the next 10 years?

At the top of my “hopes and dreams” for Poplar Forest are finding the resources to enable this organization to:

• Complete the rescue of the land at the heart of the retreat
• Build an endowment to protect and care for Poplar Forest in future years
• Develop experiences for the public that can inspire people to live lives of curiosity and creativity as Jefferson did

If you could have a conversation with Mr. Jefferson after all these years of working to revitalize and promote his beloved retreat home, what do you imagine you would say to him, and him to you?

Other than asking him for the scoop about where the archaeologists should dig to find all the fascinating knowledge that we seek, I’d want to say that it has been a privilege to work to promote greater knowledge about him. I think he’d be pleased that everyone on this team appreciates this special place as much as he did. I think he’d approve of the high standards to which we are doing the archaeological and architectural work … and I think he’d encourage us to press on to achieve our vision for educating and inspiring.

Out of 1.5 million entrants, roughly 16,000 become semifinalists. By meeting high academic standards and other requirements, semifinalists have the opportunity to advance to finalists who can ultimately be chosen for Merit Scholarship awards. Approximately 8,300 finalists are awarded Merit Scholarships.

High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Approximately 50,000 entrants with the highest scores are recognized in the program. Two-thirds of the high scorers are named Commended Students, and the remaining third become Semifinalists. The Commended Students no longer compete for National Merit Scholarships but can become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

Catherine Mosley has joined Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership as its Communications Officer/Program Manager. She is responsible for managing communications and marketing for the Partnership, as well as investor relations and supporting on-going and new regional economic development programs.

“Catherine brings a wealth of communications experience from her years in industry, nonprofit and journalism,” Bryan David, Executive Director of Virginia’s Region 2000 Economic Development Council, said. “We look forward to having her help us tell the story of our great region.”

With over 20 years experience in marketing, communications and public relations, Mosley came to Region 2000 from AREVA where she served as an External Communications and Public Relations Specialist. As a writer, she has been published in various publications including the News & Advance, Lynchburg Living, The Roanoke Times, Valley Business FRONT and The Roanoker magazine. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and serves on the Lynchburg City Schools Special Education Advisory Committee and the Lynchburg City Schools Partners in Education Board.

Elizabeth Thomas Koss has been promoted to President of Benchmark Systems, a leading Internet based provider of medical practice information solutions. Koss joined Benchmark Systems in 1989 as the manager of accounting. During her 22-year tenure, she has served in various positions and departments including CFO and most recently as Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining Benchmark, Koss worked in public accounting. She is a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in business administration. She obtained her CPA license in 1993 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Leadership. She is a native of Lynchburg and is married to David Koss.

Roger H. Green, the past President and principal owner, will continue his role as Chairman of the Board of Benchmark. Green grew up in Lynchburg and is a graduate of Lynchburg College. He has served on a number of boards in the area and continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of Lynchburg College. Prior to forming Benchmark Systems in 1978, Green was Computer Services Manager for the City of Lynchb