Meet Our Leadership

D. Brennen Keene - Chairman

Professional Information
• Partner, McGuireWoods, LLP, with a concentration in Real Estate and Land Use Law

Educational Background
• B.S. Political Science, Guilford College, 1991; J.D., T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, 1996

Family Information 
• Wife Elizabeth V.T. Keene
• Children Rachel, Emeline and Will.  All three children attend Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Community Activities
• Elder, Chester Presbyterian Church
• CultureWorks, Board of Directors
• Chesterfield Bar Association; Richmond Bar Association

Awards/Recognition
• 2012 Legal/Elite:  Real Estate/Land Use, Virginia Business Magazine
• Virginia Super Lawyer “Rising Star”, 2007, 2008 & 2009, Law & Politics Magazine
• Guilford College Alumni Excellence Award, 2006

Hobbies
• Spending time with my family
• Fishing
• Golf
• Reading
• Playing the trombone

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• To help the Chamber maintain its status as the pre-eminent advocate for businesses in Chesterfield County.
• To help finalize and implement a strategic long range plan for the Chamber to plan for our growth over the next three to five years.
• To work with local officials, including Chesterfield County Economic Development to help promote existing business and new business growth in the County.
• To find opportunities for the Chamber to be involved in regional projects and programs that have a positive impact on Chesterfield County and its business community. 
 

 Doug Horton – Incoming Chair

Professional Information
• Owner & General Manager, TeamLogic IT of Midlothian - July 2008 to current 
• Divisional CIO for LandAmerica Financial Group, Lender Services Channel - 1998 to 2008
• Chief Technology Officer for the Mortgage Bankers Association - 1989 to 1998
• Senior Programmer/Analyst & Consultant for Business-Ware, Inc. - 1986 to 1989

Educational Background
• Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Virginia, 1986
• Master of Business Administration, E-Business, University of Phoenix, 2003

Family Information
• Married since 1987 to Sandy Horton who is co-owner of the family businesses and focuses on marketing and business development activities
• Son Carter and Daughter Erin

 Community Activities
• Board of Directors, 2009-2012, Kiwanis Club of Midlothian
• Advisory Board, Beacon Tree Foundation

Awards/Recognition
• 2009 Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year
• 2009 Kiwanian of the Year, Kiwanis Club of Midlothian

Hobbies
• Guitar and mandolin
• Golf
• Scuba diving

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Explore the feasibility of a new business owner bootcamp program
• Identify ways to recognize and/or reward members who routinely do business with and/or refer business to other members 

 Tanner A. Collins, Jr. – Treasurer

Professional Information
• Senior Vice President, REDC Community Capital Group, Inc.

Educational Background
• BS and M.Ed., Virginia State University

Family Information
• Married to Sheliah Collins
• Two daughters, Ragan and Lauren
• One granddaughter, Laila

Community Activities
• Men’s mentoring ministry, First Baptist Church of South Richmond
• Board Member, Metropolitan Business League
• Board Member, Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce

Awards/Recognition
• 2012 SBA Financial Services Champion of the Year

Hobbies
• Golf
• Spending time with family and friends

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• I think it is critical that Members understand and seek the true value of Chamber Membership. There are so many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
 

Jonathan Young - Corporate Secretary

Professional Information
• Director of Corporate Relations, Virginia State University's School of Business

Educational Background
• B. A., Government, College of William and Mary
• M. P. A., Public Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University

Family Information
• Two nieces, Ramie and Zoe
• Nephew, Gabriel

Community Activities
• Member, Board of Directors, Southhampton Citizens Association
• Member, Board of Directors, Red Cross of Southside Virginia
• Member, Board of Directors, Crater Community Hospice
• Past Vice Chairman, Huguenot Neighborhood Team
• Past Secretary, Falls of the James Scenic River Advisory Board
• Past Member, Fundraising Committee, Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts
• Past Member, Board of Directors, Friends of Larus Park
• Past Interim Member, Mayor's Roundtable
• Past Campaign Manager, Jerry Miller for City Council

Hobbies
• Politics
• Pony Pasture

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Facilitate development and strengthening of relationships pertinent to industry/educational collaboration for the purpose of economic development 

 
Chantelle Bradley - At Large

Professional Information
• Staffing Consultant/Account Manager with Goodwill Staffing Services - a division of Goodwill Industries of Central Virginia and Hampton Roads

Educational Background
• J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Computer Networking and Data Telecommunications

Family Information
• Daughter, Savannah
• Dog, Gabby; Cat, Flip; and a corn snake

Community Activities
• Co-Chair, Member Recruitment Committee, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• Volunteer, Business First, Great Richmond Partnership and Chesterfield County Economic Development
• Volunteer, Greater Richmond SPCA

Awards/Recognition
• 2005 Presidents Award, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• 2008 Service Award, HRC2
• 2006 Sales Award, Spherion Staffing and Recruiting

Hobbies
• Walking
• Hiking, camping, canoeing and exploring
• Reading
• Volunteering
• Chess
• Spending time with my fabulous daughter

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• I believe that a thriving business community is essential to a healthy community as a whole. What we do as a Chamber, and what I work to do as a businessperson, does that—it impacts the overall life of the community. In 2013, I want to see the continued growth of a healthy and diverse business environment. It’s important that the Chamber appeals to ALL forms of business and ALL types of people. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as a Chamber and as a community to attract business and help our existing businesses thrive.

Dan Davies - At Large

Professional Information
• Tax & Business Solutions, LLC, management advisory services, consulting, outsourced financial executive 

Educational Background
• BBA in Accounting, University of Cincinnati, 1972

Family Information 
• Married to Susan Davies, teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools

Community Activities
• Treasurer, The Regional Drug Free Alliance, 2001-2008
• Member, Bon Air Rotary, 2000-2009

Awards/Recognition
• 2008 Fred Carreras Award, presented by The Regional Drug Free Alliance
Hobbies
• Tennis
• Golf
• Football, Redskins, Steelers and Colts
 

Suzanne M. Etherington - At Large

Professional Information
• Workforce Development Coordinator/Contract Training Manager, Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA)

Educational Background
• University of Richmond, Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude
• Certified DiSC Facilitator
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Family Information 
• Husband Sandford G. Etherington, III (Sandy)
• Children Grace and James
• Golden Retriever Chelsea

Community Activities
• Co-Chair, Professional Development Committee, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
• Event Manager, The Sterling Workplace Awards, Richmond Society of Human Resource Management (R-SHRM)
• Ex-officio, Steering Committee, Richmond Area Diversity Roundtable (RADR)
• Regional Business Solutions/Economic Development Team
• Member, American Society of Training and Development
• Member, American Management Association

Awards/Recognition
• 2012 The Gateway Region:  Workforce Development Summit Leader 
• 2012 Women's Leadership Conference, CCWA - Leadership Panel Moderator
• 2012 Vice-Chancellor's Innovation & Technology retreat leader, Virginia Community College System
• 2011 VA Chapter - International Public Management Association (IPMA) for HR Professionals, annual conference facilitator
• 2010 Chesterfield Chamber Member of the Month Award
• 2008 Distinguished Achievers Award, Northern Neck Association of Realtors
• 2008 Realtor of the Year Award, Lighthouse Real Estate
• 2004 President's Club Award, Wachovia Bank

Hobbies
• Spending time with my family
• Playing the piano
• Listening to Classical Music
• Painting/Sketching
• Boating
• Reading a wide variety of books on history, cultural evolution, and scientific research

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Build collaborative partnerships and relationships with businesses and organizations that are regional in their footprint
• Support economic attraction, growth and stability for Central Virginia residents and employers

Mark Gordon - At Large

Professional Information
• Chief Executive Officer, Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center

Educational Background
• Bachelors, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
• Masters, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Executive Education, Wake Forest & Harvard

Family Information 
• Wife Teresa
• Daughter Bethany
• Son Zeb



Community Activities
• Board of Directors, Midlothian Family YMCA
• Board of Directors, Chesterfield County Public Education Foundation
• Board of Directors, Sacred Heart Center 
• Board of Directors, Leadership Metro Richmond
• Board of Directors, Better Housing Coalition
• Vestry, St. Paul's Episcopal Church

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Cooperation and regionalism the mutually benefits Chesterfield and the metro communities
• Enhancing member value

Brian Harding - At Large

Professional Information
• Area Sales Manager, United Parcel Services, with background in Engineering and Operations

Educational Background
• B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineer, Virginia Tech
• NBA, Averett University

Family Information 
• Wife Ashley Baka Harding
• Son Camden

Community Activities
• Richmond Business Council, GRCC
• United Way
• Institute of Industrial Engineers

Hobbies
• Golf
• Spending time with my family
• Trying new things

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Support economic development efforts
• Support regionalism through collaboration and cooperation
• Successfully develop a comprehensive strategic plan
 

Pamela Johnson - At Large

Professional Information
• Human Resources Manager, Alstom Power, Inc., October 2007 to present
• Owner, Personal Travel Consultant, Prosperity Travel & Dream Vacations, April 2005 to present

Educational Background
• Bachelor of Science, Business Management, Morgan State University, 1988

Family Information
• Husband, James Johnson, Jr.
• One daugher, Jaimee 
• One son, Dondre
• Two dogs, Milo and Mena

Community Activities
• Member, Advisory Committee, Virginia State University
• Member, Richmond Urban League EEO Symposium Committee
• Past Member, Board of Directors, Richmond Human Resources Management Association
• Member, Mt. Gilead International Ministries
• Past Member, SHRM State Council Board of Directors

Hobbies
• Shopping
• Travel
• Cooking
• Family time (Phase 10)

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Increased member participation in events, increase diversity of membership and enhancement of economic development offerings.

Adam Kennedy - At Large

Professional Information
• Executive Director, Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership

Educational Background
• B. A., Davidson College
• M. S., Ohio University

Family Information
• Wife Amanda
• Border Collie Bogart

Community Activities
• Board Member Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• Member Chesterfield Chamber Government Relations Committee
• Member United Way Older Adult Action Council
• Member South Richmond Rotary
• Member Leadership Metro Richmond 2013

Hobbies
• Swimming
• Reading
• Golf
• Family

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Continue building relationship between Chamber and County Government, expanded communication platform for members and future members, an acitve lifestyle initiative for Chesterfield businesses.

Patrick Magee - At Large

Professional Information
• Skyview Savings Group, LLC

Educational Background
• Plymouth State University, Business Management

Family Information 
• Wife Betsy
• Dogs Callie and Kaiser

Community Activities
• Chairman, Professional Development Committee Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
• Current member and past President, BNInsteins


Hobbies
• Time with family
• Golf, fishing, hunting, hiking
• Reading
• Woodworking
• Politics

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Grow the Chamber's membership
• Continue to increase member value
• Enhance the awareness of the Chamber in the metro region
 

Wythe Michael - At Large

Professional Information
• Business Attorney, Goodman, Allen & Filetti, PLLC

Educational Background
• University of Richmond School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1993
• College of William and Mary, Bachelor of Arts, 1989

Family Information 
• Wife Karen I. Michael, Owner of Karen Michael Consulting, a Human Resources Consulting Firm
• Sons, Will and Tyler
• Daughter Sophie

Community Activities
• Ambassador, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
• Past Chairman of Advisory Council - Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
• Coach, Huguenot Little League
• Coach, Upward Basketball
• Coach, Soccer
• Member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church

Awards/Recognition
• 2011, Chairman’s Award, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce

Hobbies
• Watching my children's sporting events
• Masters swimming
• Surfing
• William and Mary football
• Golf

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• I would like to see the Chamber successfully implement our strategic plan.
• I would like to see the Chamber continue to cooperate and work with regional organizations to improve the business climate in Chesterfield County and the region.
• Grow the Chamber's membership. 

Carol Nitz - At Large

Professional Information
• Marketing Manager, Networking Technologies and Support, Inc.

Educational Background
• A. S., Fashion Merchandising/Marketing, Southern Seminary Jr. College

Family Information
• Seven brothers, a sister and many nieces
• Lilly, an adorable Teacup Maltese

Community Activities
• Member, Marketing & Events Committee, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce 
• Member, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Henrico Business Council Cabinet
• Chair, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce Henrico Business Council Marketing/Membership/Programs Committee 

Awards/Recognition
• 2012, Member of the Month Award (March), Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• 2011, Member of the Year Award, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce
• 2010, President’s Award, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce

Hobbies
• Singing with the Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Cooking/baking
• Spending time with family and friends

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Increase of marketing efforts on behalf of the Chamber; develop a fresh new look and feel to the Chamber's marketing. Both endeavors will help to grow the member base.

David Saunders - At Large

Professional Information
• President and Chief Idea Officer, Madison Main

Educational Background
• BA in English/Journalism, University of Mary Washington

Family Information 
• Wife Sue, substitute teacher for Chesterfield County Public Schools
• Children Hattie and Jack, both attend Chesterfield County Public Schools

Community Activities
• Executive Committee Member, Midlothian Rotary
• Chairman's Circle, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Goal Steering Chair, National MS Society
• Board Member, National MS Society-Central Virginia Chapter
• Board Member, Positive Vibe Cafe Foundation
• Board Member, Lucy Corr Foundation

Awards/Recognition
• 2012 Business of the Year, Richmond Business Council, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• 2012 Telly Awards (2), Best Local TV Spot, Best Use of Humor in TV Spot
• 2011 Hype YP Workplace Award, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce 
• 2010 Award of Excellence in Communications from Society for New Communications Research, (SNCR) Stanford University
• 2010 VMFA Muse Award for Creativity in Business
• 2009 Finalist, SBA Business Person of the Year
• 2008 Ad Person of the Year, The Richmond Ad Club
• 2007 Rotary International Public Relations Award
• 2003 Fellow & Presenter, American Press Institute

Hobbies
• Fishing, hiking and camping with the family
• Golf, once in a blue moon

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Recruit and retain more members and become a more influential advocate for small and mid-size businesses
 

Sandy Smiley – At Large

Professional Information
• Vice President, Small Business Banker, Manager, Union First Market Bank, 2006 to current
• Small Business Licensed Financial Specialist, Wachovia Bank, 1994 to 2006
• Life and Annuities Specialist, Union Insurance Group, 2006 to 2010

Educational Background
• Richard Bland College
• Virginia Bankers Association 

Family Information 
• Two daughters, both married
• Granddaughter and grandson 

Community Activities
 

• Co-Chair, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee, 2012 to present
• Ambassador, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, 2007 to present 
• Member, Chester BNI, 2004 to 2006

Awards/Recognition
• 2011 Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award

Hobbies
• Spending time with family and friends 
• Vacationing at the beach

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Focus on retention of Chamber members
• Continued partnerships within the community to provide programs and information to business owners to enhance their success  

Ashley York Venable - At Large

Professional Information
• Senior Property Manager, Chesterfield Towne Center

Educational Background
• B. S., George Mason University
• Business Management, MBA, Virginia Commonwealth University, concentration in Real Estate Finance

Family Information
• Husband, Roland Venable
• Dogs, Mason and Floyd

Community Activities
• Board Member, Chesterfield Business Council, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• President, Southport Business Association
• Volunteer, Chesterfield County Public Schools

 Hobbies
• Spending time with family
• Water sports
• Cooking
• Cycling
• Paintball
• Developing family vineyard

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Serve as a bridge between business and public entities in the County (government, schools and services) and find opportunities for engagement and synergy between these groups.

E. Wilson Davis, Jr. – Ex Officio

Professional Information
• Director of Economic Development, Chesterfield County
• Certified Economic Developer

Educational Background
• MBA , Virginia Commonwealth University
• BS, East Tennessee State University

Family Information
• Wife Marice
• Two daughters, Jennifer and Katy 
• Granddaughter, Charlotte
• Grandson, Sebastian
 

Community Activities
• Past President and Board Member, John Tyler Community College Foundation
• Board member, Virginia Capital
• Board member, Japan Virginia Society 
• Board member, Graham Cancer Foundation 
• Past President, Virginia Economic Development Association 
• Past Chairman, Economic Development Committee-Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Awards/Recognition
• Cardinal award from Virginia Economic Development Association

Hobbies
• Golf
• Sporting clays

What would you like to see the Chamber accomplish in 2013?
• Continue to strengthen the partnership with the business community and the county to enhance economic development
• Build and diversify membership