Compiled by Angela Blue | Photography by Matt Haddaway, Will Hawkins and David Uhrin
Celebrating Coastal Virginia’s Innovative, Creative And Engaged Generation Of Young Professionals
Wondering what the future holds for Coastal Virginia’s business community? Just look to this outstanding group of up-and-comers, and you’ll see that we’re in good hands. These millennials represent some of the best and brightest that our region has to offer in young, motivated and forward-thinking talent. Their hardworking mentalities, dynamic passions and ambitious attitudes are tenaciously taking them to the top of their chosen fields.
To choose our 2017 Millennials on the Move, CoVa BIZ held an online nomination period where colleagues and coworkers nominated a millennial—or millennials nominated themselves. Honorees were chosen by our editorial staff, with focus put on identifying individuals who exemplify success in their professions while also working within the community to advance the region as a whole.
Meet the 2017 class of Millennials on the Move below.
The Main Millennials
We gathered our group of go-getters at Hilton Norfolk The Main for an after-work photo shoot. Thank you to the hotel and staff for allowing us the use of your impeccable venue.
Ashley Smith
29, Anchor/Reporter for WVEC
Ashley Smith shares that preparation, work ethic and respect have been the keys to her success in her career. In addition to her role as an anchor/reporter for WVEC, she views that her most significant contribution is through her volunteerism.
Bob Sinclair
34, General Manager, Sinclair Communications Norfolk
As a general manager at Sinclair Communications Norfolk, Bob Sinclair believes it's important for any manager to have a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities of their employees. He also has found that having young people at the office can make for a more fun and creative environment.
Jennifer L. Eaton
28, Attorney at Vandeventer Black LLP
Jennifer L. Eaton credits her mentors for her growth and development at Vandeventer Black LLP, and as a result she's been able to embrace new challenges and take on additional responsibilties. Outside of the workplace, she is active with philanthropy in the community and giving back to others.
Jesse T. Welsch
34, Marketing & Operations Director at Wolcott Rivers Gates Attorneys at Law
Culture is the most important aspect of a company for Jesse T. Welsch at Wolcott Rivers Gates Attorneys at Law. When it comes to the workplace, he admires the inspiring leaders at his company that care about their employees' wellbeing on both a professional and personal level.
Joel Perkins
33, Director of Membership for Hampton Roads Chamber
Working with a positive attitude and solution-based mindset, Joel Perkins has found success by doing the best with every opportunity he's been given in his career path. As the director of membership for Hampton Roads Chamber, he's built relationships with business leaders to help accomplish their goals.
Courtney Stutzman
34, Treasury Services Analyst at Old Point National Bank
Courtney Stutzman worked her way up in various positions and credits her mentor for helping her advance in her career at Old Point National Bank. She believes that millennials are unique in that they are career-oriented and place an emphasis on creating meaningful work.
Elizabeth Greer Napolitano
29, Sales and Leasing Associate for Divaris Real Estate
Working hard, having patience and being involved has helped Elizabeth Greer Napolitano succeed at Divaris Real Estate. She enjoys networking with others and working for a cause, finding that more personal relationships are formed by working with someone side by side for a common purpose.
George Faatz
32, Director, External Affairs at Virginia Natural Gas
Viewing his generation as socially conscious, tolerant and innovative, George Faatz believes millennials have the potential to be a force for causes. At Virginia Natural Gas, it's important for those he works with to have a strong work ethic, which in turn makes the work itself more rewarding.
Mallory T. Tuttle
27, Program Manager, Old Dominion University Strome Entrepreneurial Center
Mallory T. Tuttle credits her success to those who have supported her along the way, taking advantage of opportunities and by being involved in the community. As program manager at ODU's Strome Entrepreneurial Center, she believes younger employees bring innovative ideas to the workplace.
Dr. Tyler Carmack
36, Medical Director/Practice Owner at Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice
Dr. Tyler Carmack has become a leader in her community with her work at Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice, helping families to provide the best care for their pets during the most difficult times. She believes millennials bring innovative ideas to businesses, and embrace the use of technology.
Ryan King
30, Commercial Sales and Leasing at Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate
Ryan King has found that focusing on having a strong work ethic and practicing admirable behaviors will lead you to the results you're striving for. He takes pride in his work at Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate and involvement with impactful community organizations here in Coastal Virginia.
Jillian Goodwin
25, Director of Marketing & Communications for Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance
Jillian Goodwin sees her generation as being forward-thinking, optimistic and passionate about making an impact. She has become a major contributor with the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the community by volunteering with organizations to make a difference for others.
Tianna Garland
23, Retirement Plan Services Associate for Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Company culture, having a great work-life balance and valuing employees are all important to Tianna Garland at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. Outside of the office, she is involved with networking with other professionals to build relationships to further develop leadership skills.
Pratik Kothari
36, Founder & CEO of TechArk Solutions
As the founder & CEO of TechArk Solutions, Pratik Kothari believes technology is the defining characteristic for his generation. He loves nothing more than learning and growing, and views young employees as passionate and knowledgeable at his company.
Kevin L. Daisey
35, Founder/CMO of Array Digital
Kevin L. Daisey began Array Digital with a passion, drive and eagerness to grow, and believes millennials share these same traits. He also deeply believes in giving back to businesses and the community, as he's a leader and member of several local boards and volunteer organizations.
Erin Rice
34, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office
Passionate about her work and the mission of the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, Erin Rice feels its important to build relationships with colleagues and outside organizations. Networking opportunities have also helped her learn more about the region and have contributed to her success.
Kaitlin Burket
32, Development Manager for Virginia Beach Public Library Foundation
Kaitlin Burket views millennials as adaptable and willing to not just embrace change but actually be the ones to implement it. For her, the most important aspect of a career is to have a purpose, which she has found with the Virginia Beach Public Library Foundation.
Jamilah D. LeCruise
31, Attorney/Owner, The Law Office of J. D. LeCruise, PLLC
Believing that millennials want to be dynamic leaders, Jamilah D. LeCruise values learning from other generations to make a difference right now and in the future. At The Law Office of J. D. LeCruise, PLLC, she looks for flexibility and the ability to advance, and that community service is part of its brand.
Bo Ram Yi
30, Instructor & Coordinator for Student Success and Outreach Initiatives at Old Dominion University
Bo Ram Yi views millennials as a generation that isn't afraid to launch a new enterprise, volunteer and develop inventive ideas. Along with her work for Student Success and Outreach Initiatives at ODU, she advises other millennials to be willing to work hard and offer to take volunteer opportunities.
Kristi Dazevedo
33, Senior Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator at Parari Group
Kristi Dazevedo of Parari Group looks at culture and environment when considering a company for a career. She believes millennials bring tenancity to innovate and willingess to take risks, all while gaining wisdom from the experience of other generations in the workplace.
