Welcome back!

Elevate

A summit for Central & Southwest Virginia businesses and nonprofits

November 7-8, 2024

Freedom First Headquarters

207 Bullitt Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013

We hope you enjoyed Elevate 2024! Stay tuned for information about 2025.

Elevate is a conference designed with the goal of providing local businesses and nonprofits with information, resources, and motivation to generate growth. We’re bringing you valuable content and engaging speakers. Learn new tactics to implement in your business or nonprofit and make valuable connections with other business owners and leaders in the community.

Click the images below for details on our 2024 conference.

Location Information

(Directions, Parking, etc.)

About Keynote Sessions

About General Sessions

About Nonprofit Breakout Sessions

About Small Business Breakout Sessions

About Minority & Women-Owned Business Breakout Sessions

Elevate: Minority and Women-Owned Business Breakouts

Jeff Barbour, CPA

Brown Edwards

Tommy Battle, CEPA, CFP®

Financial Designs

Kevin Byrd, AICP

NRV Regional Commission

Alisha Childress

Freedom First Credit Union

Bonnie Chavez

Building Beloved Communities

Michelle Dahl

Her Idea Collective

Xavier Duckett

The Humble Hustle Company

Pete Eshelman

Roanoke Regional Partnership

Stephanie Keener

SBDC - Lynchburg Region

Kelli Lemon

Social Entrepreneur

Alisha Meador

City of Lynchburg

Annette Patterson

The Advancement Foundation

Tony Pearman

Access Advertising

Jeff Robertson

Greater Roanoke & NRV SBDC

Walter Virgil, Jr.

Walter Virgil and Associates LLC

Shannon Watts, CFRE

Key Fundraising

Sheri Winesett

John Mattone Global

Conference Pricing

Freedom First Business Banking Members:

$99.00

Attendees who are not Freedom First Business Banking Members:

$299.00

Secure Your Spot Today

Freedom First Business Member discounted price is only available to those who own or are associated with a Business Banking account that is in good standing at Freedom First Federal Credit Union. If you are unsure of whether you qualify for discounted pricing or if you'd like to find out how to get this discount, contact our Business Banking Team at businessbanking@freedomfirst.com or 540-389-0244 for information.

Questions about Elevate?

Contact & Help Center

We're available to our members day and night. Our Help Center is here to assist you with any questions you may have.

540-389-0244 866-389-0244 Routing #: 251483023

Freedom First Headquarters

207 Bullitt Ave SE

Roanoke, VA 24013

Directions

You can easily access our headquarters at 207 Bullitt Ave SE from I-581 (Elm Ave exit) or via Williamson Road (Route 11). Please note that you may experience delays at the train tracks due to passing trains.

Parking

We encourage you to use Freedom First's gated parking lot that surrounds our building (Lot A). We have an overflow lot available to you across Bullitt Ave next to Lloyd Electric as well (Lot B). Please enter the building from the front entrance under the large awning facing south (towards Elm Ave).

Aerial map showing how to access Freedom First headquarters building

There is also short-term street parking available on Bullitt Ave and 3rd St SE, but please be mindful of time limits. If there are no other free options available, the paid Elmwood lot and Elmwood Garage operated by the City of Roanoke are also nearby, across the train tracks.

11/7 at 9:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Walter Virgil, Jr.

11/7 at 1:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Kelli Lemon

11/8 at 9:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Sheri Winesett

Keynote Session Descriptions

11/7 at 9:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Lessons from a Broken Quarterback: Developing a Passion for the Team Win

Walter Virgil, Jr.

Walter Virgil and Associates LLC

11/7 at 1:00 PM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

I Did. I Drove. Now I Dream! My Path to Being a Social Entrepreneur

Kelli Lemon

Social Entrepreneur, Virginia Advocate, and Culture Creator

11/8 at 9:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Thriving Through Change: Mastering Adaptability and Resilience in Business

Sheri Winesett

Business Accelerators LLC

11/7 at 10:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Thriving in Tomorrow's Marketplace

11/7 at 3:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Marketing in Chaotic Times

11/8 at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

General Session Descriptions

11/7 at 10:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Thriving in Tomorrow's Marketplace: Building Resilient Teams and Exceptional Customer Journeys

Michelle Dahl

Her Idea Collective

11/7 at 3:00 PM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Marketing in Chaotic Times

Tony Pearman

Access Advertising & Public Relations

11/8 at 11:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

Panelists:

Kevin Byrd, AICP, NRV Regional Commission
Pete Eshelman, Roanoke Regional Partnership
Alisha Meador, City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism

Moderator: Alisha Childress, Freedom First Credit Union

11/7 at 11:00 AM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Let's Watch That Money, Honey!

11/7 at 2:00 PM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Development & Fundraising for Nonprofits

11/8 at 10:00 AM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Nonprofit Breakout Session Descriptions

11/7 at 11:00 AM, Filene Room (4th Floor)

Let's Watch That Money, Honey!

Bonnie Chavez

Building Beloved Communities

11/7 at 2:00 PM, Filene Room (4th Floor)

Building a Culture of Philanthropy in Grassroots Nonprofit Organizations

Shannon Watts, CFRE

Key Fundraising

11/8 at 10:00 AM, Filene Room (4th Floor)

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Xavier Duckett

The Humble Hustle Company

11/7 at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Driving Value Growth in Your Business

11/7 at 2:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

What You Need to Know Now About Taxes and Your Business

11/8 at 10:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Lead Boldly, Empower Performance

Small Business Breakout Session Descriptions

11/7 at 11:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Driving Value Growth in Your Business

Tommy Battle, CEPA, CFP®

Financial Designs

11/7 at 2:00 PM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

What You Need to Know Now About Taxes and Your Business

Jeff Barbour, CPA

Brown Edwards Certified Public Accountants

11/8 at 10:00 AM, Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Lead Boldly, Empower Performance: Making Visionary Goals Achievable, Bridging Big Ideas to Action and then Results

Michelle Dahl

Her Idea Collective

11/7 at 11:00 AM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the SWaM Certification Process

11/7 at 2:00 PM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

MWOB - Leadership in ACTION

11/8 at 10:00 AM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Starting Where You Are: Using Your Existing Networks to Start Small and Set Realistic Expectations

Minority & Women-Owned Business Breakout Session Descriptions

11/7 at 11:00 AM, Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the SWaM Certification Process

Jeff Robertson

Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Center

11/7 at 2:00 PM, Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

MWOB - Leadership in ACTION

Annette Patterson

The Advancement Foundation

11/8 at 10:00 AM, Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Starting Where You Are: Using Your Existing Networks to Start Small and Set Realistic Expectations

Stephanie Keener

Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region

Small Business Breakout: What You Need to Know Now About Taxes and Your Business

11/7 (Thu) at 2:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Jeff Barbour, CPA

Partner

Brown Edwards Certified Public Accountants

Jeff is a partner in the Roanoke office of Brown Edwards and specializes in the taxation of consolidated and multi-state corporations and pass-through entities, corporate mergers and acquisitions, individual taxation, small business consulting, and estates and trusts. His experience in these areas includes general tax planning, entity formation and exit strategies, purchase price allocations, and the research of federal and state compliance solutions. Jeff's expertise covers a variety of industries including technology, manufacturing, dealerships, distributors, construction, and real estate. Jeff has over twenty years of experience with Brown Edwards and two years in accounting with a private company. Jeff serves as chair of the firm’s tax department and is a member of the firm’s executive committee.

Brown Edwards Website: becpas.com/team/jeffrey-barbour/

Find Jeff on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-barbour-87a10b37

Small Business Breakout: Driving Value Growth in Your Business

11/7 (Thu) at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Tommy Battle, CEPA, CFP®

President

Financial Designs

As an experienced professional, Tommy has spent the past three decades perfecting his skills and leadership. He enjoys digging in on complex issues or problems in order to find the simplest (not always the easiest!) path through to a shared solution. Tommy is energized to partner with the team at Financial Designs to work collaboratively with clients to meet their goals and dreams.

Tommy spent 15 years in wealth management, first as an Investments Product Manager in Richmond, VA, with Central Fidelity Bank and then as Senior Investment Management Consultant and Second Vice President at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney located in Winston-Salem, NC. Following a successful 15 year career in banking and wealth management, in 2010, Tommy followed a calling to serve as Headmaster at Virginia Episcopal School, his alma mater.

Financial Designs Website: www.financialdesigns.com/team/tommy-battle

Find Tommy on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-battle-1b132812/

Panel Discussion: Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

11/8 (Fri) at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Kevin Byrd, AICP

Executive Director

New River Valley Regional Commission

Kevin began working for the Commission in 2005 as a Regional Planner and was appointed Executive Director in October 2009. He has close to 20 years of community development experience in the public sector at the town, county, and regional levels of government along with private sector consulting experience. He has a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University.

He is a past president of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), and currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions, and is on the Board of Directors for Carilion Clinic-NRV; the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; Live, Work, Eat, Grow, Inc.; and the Southeast Regional Directors Institute. He has received the Distinguished Business Leader of the Year Award from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce along with the President’s Award from both the National Association of Development Organizations and the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions. Through a collaborative leadership model, the New River Valley Regional Commission has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

When not working, you can often find Kevin running the roads and trails around the region or wetting a line in search of fish.

NRVRC Website: nrvrc.org/commission/staff/1-kevin-byrd

Find Kevin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-byrd-1299785

Panel Discussion: Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

11/8 (Fri) at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Alisha Childress

Community Development Coordinator

Freedom First Credit Union

Find Alisha on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alishachildress/

Nonprofit Breakout: Let's Watch That Money, Honey!

11/7 (Thu) at 11:00 AM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Bonnie Chavez

CEO & Founder

Building Beloved Communities

Bonnie Chavez, Founder and CEO of Building Beloved Communities, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in community advocacy and organizational development initiatives centered on racial justice, immigrant rights, LGBTQ equity, disability inclusion, and dismantling systemic oppression.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in marketing and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in economics. She has financial experience managing nonprofit finances and creating strategies to maximize each dollar. Bonnie is a proud lesbian Mexican-American who values her family, roots, heritage, and culture. Her passion is to serve her community through training & educational workshops.

Building Beloved Communities Website: www.buildingbelovedcommunities.com

Find Bonnie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-chavez-33070542/

General Session: Thriving in Tomorrow's Marketplace

11/7 (Thu) at 10:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Small Business Breakout: Lead Boldly, Empower Performance

11/8 (Fri) at 10:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Michelle Dahl

Founder/Creator

Her Idea Collective

Michelle is a seasoned performance coach with over two decades of experience in strategy, sales, marketing, and financial services. She’s worked with Fortune 100 companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, helping them grow revenue, build strong client relationships, and develop top-tier teams.

As the Managing Partner of LeadFirst IQ, Michelle specializes in leadership development and empowering leaders, especially in the banking sector, to unlock untapped potential and achieve record growth. Through her work with The Female Roundtable and Her Idea Collective, she’s passionate about supporting women in leadership, helping them build confidence, develop their businesses, and thrive in their careers.

Her Idea Collective Website: www.herideacollective.com

Find Michelle on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellesdahl/

Nonprofit Breakout: Team Work Makes the Dream Work

11/8 (Fri) at 10:00 AM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Xavier Duckett

Founder/CEO

The Humble Hustle Company

Xavier Duckett is a social entrepreneur who is Founder and CEO of Humble Hustle Company, Inc. nonprofit; Imagine Me Mentoring; Hmble Hstle Clothing; and Xavier Tramaine Creative Consulting. The non-profit began as a simple idea in 2015 to assist with resources, exposure, and equity with youth in Roanoke. The non-profit has three programs that promote exposure, education, and empowerment for black youth.

Hmble Hstle Clothing, which started out as a fundraising channel for the non-profit, grew into a retail shop based in Roanoke, and the end-game has remained the same. They aspire to be a staple in the world of urban streetwear with an emphasis in giving back to the communities we serve through impactful messages and statements on clothing.

The non-profit's Humble Hikes Outdoor Program aims to expose black youth to the outdoors. The program provides education in environmental sciences, environmental activism, advocacy, and available resources in their community, and it empowers youth by providing more representation of minorities in the outdoors.

Xavier also created "Imagine Me Mentoring" in 2018 as the first Black-owned school-based mentoring agency in Roanoke that serves at-risk youth in Roanoke City Public Schools. Overall, under Xavier's innovative leadership, his programs have served over 1,500 youth in elementary, middle, and high schools with programming, community events and initiatives.

The Humble Hustle Website: www.thehumblehustle.org

Find Xavier on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/xaviertramaine

Panel Discussion: Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

11/8 (Fri) at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Pete Eshelman

Senior Director of Creative Strategies

Roanoke Regional Partnership

Pete Eshelman currently serves as the senior director of creative strategies for the Roanoke Regional Partnership and director of the Roanoke Outside Foundation where he focuses on asset-based economic development, placemaking, and talent attraction. Pete uses his 25 years in the outdoor industry to help the Roanoke Region look at economic development through the outdoor recreation lens, with a goal of leveraging its natural assets to attract talent and business investment.

Pete has developed roanokeoutside.com, founded the Blue Ridge Marathon – America’s Toughest Road Marathon, GO Cross, and the GO Outside Festival to help build brand recognition for outdoor recreation and increase recognition of the region as a place to live, work, and invest. The past several years Roanoke was voted Best Outdoor Town, The GO Outside Festival was voted Best Festival, and the Blue Ridge Marathon was voted Best Running Event by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

Roanoke Regional Partnership: roanoke.org

Find Pete on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peteeshelman/

MWOB Breakout: Starting Where You Are: Using Your Existing Networks to Start Small and Set Realistic Expectations

11/8 (Fri) at 10:00 AM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Stephanie Keener

Director

Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region and Center for Entrepreneurship

As the Director at the Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region and the Center for Entrepreneurship, I have the privilege of working throughout the Lynchburg region with small businesses and entrepreneurs. At the SBDC, I facilitate CO.STARTERS, Startup Toolbox and lead Create Virginia in addition to working one on one with clients. I came to the Small Business Development Center from Lynchburg’s Virginia Main Street Program where I developed and directed marketing and events for Downtown Lynchburg. I am originally from Kentucky where I grew up in a country store. I live in Lynchburg and enjoy knitting while listening to audio books.

Lynchburg SBDC Website: sbdclynchburgregion.org

Find Stephanie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniekeener

Keynote: I Did. I Drove. Now I Dream! My Path to Being a Social Entrepreneur

11/7 (Thu) at 1:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Kelli Lemon

Social Entrepreneur, Virginia Advocate, and Culture Creator

Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people "LIVE" Virginia and is a social connector via food, sports, arts, and education. Kelli brings community news to life through video content as Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network and the Richmond Times Dispatch. Kelli also owns social cafe and coffee shop, Urban Hang Suite, located in the historic Jackson Ward and Arts districts of Richmond. On the weekends, Kelli is making Virginia residents a little richer while supporting public schools K-12 as the daytime Draw Show Host for the Virginia Lottery. Kelli is also helping Black-owned culinary and hospitality businesses and brands as a co-owner of Virginia Black Restaurant Experience; and she also co-founded the Jackson Ward Collective which is now The JWC Foundation.

Kelli passionately serves on the Board of Directors for Studio Two Three, Richmond Sports Backers and Unlocking Richmond. She is also rolling off of the Virginia Tourism Corporation board and moving on to the Fort Monroe Authority Board of Trustees. Kelli has a sociology degree from UVA and a Master's in sports management and leadership from VCU.

Find Kelli on Instagram: www.instagram.com/likethefruit/

Panel Discussion: Bringing it All Together: The Intersection Between Economic Development and Local Business

11/8 (Fri) at 11:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Alisha Meador

Economic Development Manager

City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism

Alisha brings years of experience in workforce development at local, regional, and state levels to her position as Economic Development Manager. With a degree in special education and graduate education in job placement and training from George Washington University, she brings a unique blend of social work, non-profit, and government experience to her position. She is passionate about equity for all citizens, enjoys a challenge, and loves bringing people together to invest in creative solutions. When not at work, Alisha enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, watching British television, and traveling with her two sons.

Lynchburg EDA Website: www.opportunitylynchburg.com

Find Alisha on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-meador-45985662

MWOB Breakout: MWOB - Leadership in ACTION

11/7 (Thu) at 2:00 PM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Annette Patterson

President

The Advancement Foundation

Annette Patterson is founder and president of The Advancement Foundation. Prior to establishing The Advancement Foundation, Annette served as Chief Development Officer for Stetson University during a $200 Million Campaign and as Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Salem Academy and College where she led a $75 million campaign. Annette has served as consultant for The Diocese of Richmond and trained over 30 primary and secondary schools in strategic planning and fundraising.

The Advancement Foundation Website: theadvancementfoundation.org

Find Annette on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-patterson-30625b35/

General Session: Emerging Trends in Digital Marketing

11/7 (Thu) at 3:00 PM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Tony Pearman

President & CEO

Access Advertising & Public Relations

Tony began his advertising career with his first graphic design job before he even graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and has worked since then to refine his craft and learn from amazing mentors and clients. Founding AccessU in 1996, he built an award-winning agency that delivers exceptional client service, strategy, and creative work while striving to help our clients live their mission.

Tony is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, including the AAF Silver Medal for Lifetime Contributions, serving as the former National ADDY Committee chair, and being named Outstanding Alumni of the Year by Virginia Western Community College and VCU. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts and Design from VCU, Tony’s expertise spans client service, brand strategy, advertising, communications, video storytelling, graphic and web design, and digital media.

Tony comes from two generations of educators and spent time as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Tech. He now focuses his love of education on his clients which include the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, Virginia Community College System, Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM), and dozens of other schools.

AccessU Website: accessu.com

Find Tony on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tony-pearman-685b176/

MWOB Breakout: Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the SWaM Certification Process

11/7 (Thu) at 11:00 AM

Blue Ridge Room (2nd Floor)

Jeff Robertson

Business Advisor

Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Center

Jeff Robertson is a Small Business Advisor at the Greater Roanoke and NRV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where he helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of modern business. He has a focus on assisting small businesses in:

Developing effective marketing strategies that drive customer acquisition and retention.
Leveraging AI tools to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and gain valuable insights.
Optimizing business processes for maximum productivity and profitability.
Government procurement and navigating the SWAM process

As a vital part of the SBDC team, Jeff is passionate about providing personalized guidance and support to businesses. His own business ownership expertise and commitment to helping owners succeed make him a valuable asset to the local business community.

Roanoke Regional SBDC Website: roanokesmallbusiness.org

Roanoke Regional SBDC on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rrsbdc

Keynote: Lessons from a Broken Quarterback: Developing a Passion for the Team Win

11/7 (Thu) at 9:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Walter Virgil, Jr.

CEO

Walter Virgil and Associates LLC

Walter Virgil, Jr., is husband to Kristal Virgil and Dad to Dj (8), Joya Diana (3), and Judah Daniel (8 months). As a former standout Collegiate Football Captain and Quarterback at Saint Paul’s College, he now serves as CEO of Walter Virgil and Associates LLC, specializing in Executive coaching consultation for over 7 years. His impressive client list includes esteemed organizations like Howard University, Lynchburg Department of Social Services, UMFS, Virginia Department of Education, One Way Churches International, and various State Operated programs. Walter’s commitment to an asset-based leadership style shines through his work, always emphasizing a healthy perspective and ethical guidance.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Walter is actively involved in community service, currently sitting on the Board of Directors at Rush Homes and the community benefits committee at Centra. He balances his role as a Rotarian with his commitments as the Associate Director of Strategic Projects and Alliances in the division of LU ONE at Liberty University, where his social entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Walter’s passion for building bridges between service organizations and communities stems from his experiences in the James Crossing community, driving him to create meaningful connections that uplift those in need.

Find Walter on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/waltervirgiljr/

Nonprofit Breakout: Building a Culture of Philanthropy in Grassroots Nonprofit Organizations

11/7 (Thu) at 2:00 PM

Filene Room (4th Floor)

Shannon Watts, CFRE

President

Key Fundraising

Shannon L. Watts, CFRE is Principal Consultant of Key Fundraising, a consulting firm providing strategic, effective, and innovative fundraising results for nonprofit organizations. She has successfully owned and operated Key Fundraising since 2005. In Shannon’s 19 years as a fundraising and development consultant, she has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations throughout Virginia. Shannon earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2004, and has successfully recertified multiple times since then.

Shannon has served on the Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence Board of Directors since 2016. She is a two-time Past President and current President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Virginia Piedmont Chapter. Shannon received the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award in 2007 and was nominated for the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award in 2011. Shannon is a two-time Co-Chair of the Virginia Fund Raising Institute (VFRI), a fundraising and development conference held each July, with attendees from throughout the southeast. Shannon has served as Review Team Co-Chair for the United Way of Central Virginia since 2010.

Key Fundraising Website: keyfundraising.com

Find Shannon on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-l-watts-cfre-186b459/

Thriving Through Change: Mastering Adaptability and Resilience in Business

11/8 (Fri) at 9:00 AM

Elmwood Room (1st Floor)

Sheri Winesett

Chief Operating Officer

John Mattone Global

Renowned for her engaging and thought-provoking speaking and coaching style, Sheri has left a lasting impact on leaders worldwide. From startups to multinational corporations, non-profits to government departments, companies seek Sheri's expertise to uncover organizational challenges and chart a transformative course for business and leadership success. Prior to her current position tackling business strategy and leadership coaching with John Mattone Global, Sheri established herself as an international lobbyist and franchise executive.

For nearly 20 years, Sheri has coached over 1000 entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, and their teams to become the best version of themselves and become leaders that others want to follow while building cultures that attract and retain team members. Her friends and colleagues describe her as driven, fun, intelligent and loyal. Leading executives and their teams to their highest potential is her personal and professional mission. She empowers her clients to achieve personal growth, ongoing professional development business and organizational success.

Sheri's Website: sheriwinesett.com

Find Sheri on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sheriwinesett