Leadership Fredericksburg Inaugural Class Graduates
Amy Adome, MD
Vice President, Quality
MediCorp Health System
Right Path: Adapter
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you currently live and work:
Live - Spotsylvania County, Work – Fredericksburg
Favorite part about the job: Celebrating and showcasing all the Quality projects of MediCorp
Your first job ever? Administrative Assistant for an NGO
Favorite book? Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
Favorite movie? Usual Suspects
Comfort food? Wine
What's in your car CD player right now? John Mayer
Favorite regional place to hang out? Tru Luvs Restaurant
Fondest childhood memory? Spending summer vacations swimming in the neighborhood pool with my friends
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? A friend of mine, Lara, who always keeps it together, never buckles under stress, always keeps her grace and composure. A lady in the true sense of the word.
Best advice you ever got? You don't always have to be right. Sometimes if it does not make an earth shattering difference, remain silent and let the other party have the last word. You come out more graceful in the end.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy ballroom dancing.
Future plans? Buy a Range Rover HSE sport model...and live in my car!
Describe a perfect day. Work out at the gym, an hour of ballroom dance classes or yoga, a little work followed by a relaxing evening watching a movie or reading a good book.
Megan Bergen
Director, Mission Services
Rappahannock Goodwill Industries
Right Path: Supporter
Team: Homebodies
Location where you currently live and work: Live - Spotsylvania County, Work – Fredericksburg
Favorite part about the job: the fact that I have an opportunity to learn something new everyday
Your first job ever? Skyline 6 Theatre, concession cashier – Alexandria VA
Favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favorite movie? Cool Hand Luke
Comfort food? Peanut M&Ms
What's in your car CD player right now? A CD my 14 year old son made for me (oldies, country, pop, rap)
Favorite regional place to hang out? The Blarney Stone
Fondest childhood memory? Summertime thunderstorms on the front porch, ice cream cones for dessert on Sunday nights in the back yard, anytime one of my older siblings came home from college
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? All parents of adult children with severe disabilities. They have a special vocation. They accept the life-long care of their children without seeing it as a sacrifice but as a labor of love. On the other hand they advocate for the rights, respect and acceptance of their children in a society that often times would rather forget their existence. They accept this too as a labor of love and not a burden to bear.
Best advice you ever got? trust but verify
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?
Jack, an old friend of mine. Truly the best listener and story teller I have ever known. (It is rare to find both qualities in the same person.) His children are ahead of mine in age and development and I would love to hear stories of our adventures to come. He also is a community activist and a do-er. He has been a great inspiration to me in both my personal and professional life.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I am one of 15 children. One mother, one father, no twins, 15 pregnancies, 15 live births.
Future plans? To be the perpetual learner, the life-long student. To be open to new ideas and receptive to new views. To engage people so that they are better for our time together. To be fierce in my conversations and gentle in my judgments. To affect positive change and be a pure advocate for a very vulnerable population. To retire quietly but continue to live out loud.
Describe a perfect day. Summertime, at the beach. I wake up first and greet each person as they wake up with a glass of juice or a cup of coffee (whichever they choose). I look at their beautiful faces and remember those faces through every stage of development. We eat when we are hungry, sleep when we are tired. We listen to our favorite music and sing along when we know the words. We share secrets that are not shared in our real worlds, reveal little things about ourselves that are too subtle to be noticed in our busy lives at home. I watch the sunset, look around and notice that we are all together in that moment. Struck silent by the beauty of the scene, we do not complain about sunburn or bug bites. The day ends with music and drinks and memories on a dark screened-in porch, the only light coming from the bathroom, inside the house. I’m sleepy but I refuse to miss a moment, it will be next year before this happens again. There will be new things to discover about each other, new secrets to share, new stages of development to experience. I can’t wait.
Jennifer Boyd
Special Assistant to the CEO
MediCorp Health System
Right Path: Analyzer
Team: Backpackers
Location where you currently live and work: Living and working at MediCorp (just kidding!) I live in Spotsy, though sometimes it feels like I live at the hospital!)
Favorite part about the job: Knowing that the work I do helps our patients heal, either physically or mentally
Your first job ever? Hostessing at The Italian Cafe in Midlothian, VA - some of the best Italian food!
Favorite book? Watership Down by Richard Adams - who knew a book about rabbits could be SO good!
Favorite movie? Circle of Friends (the movie is good, the book is better)
Comfort food? Anything Italian - especially my dad's chicken cacciatore
What's in your car CD player right now? Britney Spears' Blackout (I know, I know!!!)
Favorite regional place to hang out? Who has time to hang out?!? Asleep in my bed.
Fondest childhood memory? Camping at Montauk with my family, learning how to swim in the ocean and fishing
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Fred Rankin - Fred always tries to do the right thing, he truly cares about every patient that MediCorp sees, even those he never meets, and he admits that he his human
Best advice you ever got? You may not agree with other people, but at least try to understand where they are coming from (my dad)
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? That is a tie- either Bono because he is both a great musician and a great humanitarian who uses his fame for good, or Condolezza Rice - she is a smart, smart woman who has seen and achieved so much in her life and I would love to see her as President
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I was the captain of my college swim team
Future plans? Continue to spend time with my family and work in the healthcare industry, travel more, and enjoy life.
Describe a perfect day. I think it would be at the beach - first, you get to hit the snooze button and in bed until 10 or so, then brunch with my husband. Then we'd head to the beach with our dog and spend the day swimming and sunning without getting sunburned. After that, back for a late afternoon nap, then out with friends for drinks, dinner and dancing.
Jeanne Burkett
Associate Dean, Marketing & Communication
University of Mary Washington
Right Path: Deep Thinker
Team: Backpackers
Location where you currently live and work: Fredericksburg
Favorite part about the job: Creativity
Your first job ever? Restaurant Hostess
Favorite book? Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral
Favorite movie? When Harry Met Sally
Comfort food? Chips and guacamole
What's in your car CD player right now? Norah Jones
Favorite regional place to hang out? Home
Fondest childhood memory? Spending summers with my friends at Newport Beach, CA
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Jesus Christ. For His wisdom and unconditional love
Best advice you ever got? Never look back.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Tom Hanks. I'd like to hear about his life and involvement in movies. I also think he would be fun to be around.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I have moved 27 times in my life.
Future plans? I'm considering taking courses in graphic design, so that when I retire (many years from now!), I'll have a skill that can support a more relaxed work life.
Describe a perfect day. Sitting on the beach, watching beautiful waves, and drinking a glass of wine with my sweetie.
Carolina Camargo
Fund Development & Public Relations
American Red Cross
Right Path: Driver
Team: Backpackers
Location where you currently live and work: I live in Stafford and work inFredericksburg.
Favorite part about the job: Helping people realize their personal philanthropic goals
Your first job ever? Education Coordinator for the Association of Realtors
Favorite book? One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Favorite movie? Lost in Translation
Comfort food? Chirashi
What's in your car CD player right now? The soundtrack from Juno that I ignore to listen to NPR
Favorite regional place to hang out? Wintergreen in the winter and Shenandoah National Park in the summer
Fondest childhood memory? My elementary school years were spent in rural Culpeper, Va. There I lived in a wooded suburban neighbor. We had a small group of friends that spent countless hours out playing. We built with sticks and stone a house in the woods. In our minds it was a mansion. We spent every minute we could out there. One day our parents asked what we did in the woods day after day. We excitedly explained about how we had built this structure and that’s were we went to play. Intrigued they asked for a tour. The next morning we lined them up and off we went. The house was not far from our backyards. When we arrived at the front door we started to get confused looks. We could see it all clearly. The kitchen was lie between the two trees, the hallway was between the bushes and my room was past the rock until the fallen tree. To us it was a mansion. Its only boundary was our imagination. To them it was the woods behind the house.
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Google Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. I think they are a wonderful example of American entrepreneurial genius. They created a new type of product, a new concept of work and a new kind lifestyle that has greatly enhanced modern life.
Best advice you ever got? People never change.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Jeffrey D. Sachs, I find his books extremely interesting. When I read and reread his books the world seems so clear. The problems he reveals are so large but the solutions he presents are so simple. I think he embodies the type of intellectual leader I aspire to become.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? When visiting a new restaurant I like to try the strangest thing on the menu. In fact I am often jealous of Andrew Zimmerman of Bizarre Foods.
Future plans? My five year plan includes obtaining a masters degree and starting a family.
Describe a perfect day. A perfect day is a day when I feel like I achieved progress. The subject or magnitude of the task is non-influential. It can be a work goal, a household task or mastering a new slope. What makes it perfect is that feeling of accomplishment.
Valerie Cottongim
Public Information Officer
Stafford County Public Schools
Right Path: Strategic Thinker
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you currently live and work: my office (Stafford)
Favorite part about the job: Getting to talk about all the positive, great things our young people are doing today. Aren't they amazing?!!!!!
Your first job ever? Shoe sales clerk
Favorite book? Mama Do You Love Me?
Favorite movie? "Out of Nowhere"
Comfort food? corn bread, turnip greens, pinto beans
What's in your car CD player right now? Robert Plant and Alison Kraus, Raising Sand
Favorite regional place to hang out? My backyard in my hammock watching my kids play.
Fondest childhood memory? Playing in the lilac bushes
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Toni Beron-Hudson, she did it all and made it look easy and never forgot to help others along the way.
Best advice you ever got? "If your mama says she loves you, check it out." A basic lesson in journalism and fact checking!
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Steve Jobs---the mind that created Apple. Talk about leadership---and it all started in a garage.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I'm one of seven siblings.
Future plans? Yes.
Describe a perfect day. It must be summer, sunny and warm. No one rushing, no one late, all meals eaten together as a family (none of them in a vehicle), ice cream (homemade peach) and fireworks to end the day. Family and friends around.
Brian Cunningham
Associate Director
GVA Advantis
Right Path: Analyzer
Team: Backpackers
Location where you currently live and work: Fredericksburg, VA (both). Live in Pelham’s Crossing and office is in Central Park Town Center.
Favorite part about the job: Wheeling and dealing. Being a mover and a shaker and helping assist business owners with one of the more important components of their business.
Your first job ever? Cart boy at Golf Country Club
Favorite book? Bible
Favorite movie? Any ROCKY movie
Comfort food? Cheeseburger
What's in your car CD player right now? Michael Bublee
Favorite regional place to hang out? Maggiano’s at Tyson’s Corner
Fondest childhood memory? Watching Redskins games with my whole family during 1980’s….they were quite rabid fans and it always brings back happy memories.
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Jesus. Pretty obvious but simply how he sacrificed everything for us and loves us more than we will ever know.
Best advice you ever got? Lend a helping hand when you can – even to your competitors. It always will come back to you.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Magic Johnson. My idol as a kid and have grown to respect him even more as an adult for his accountability and success as an entrepreneur.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I sing (tenor often) and have performed in front of large audiences.
Future plans? Become a partner with GVA Advantis. Grow Advantis into leading commercial real estate firm throughout Virginia.
Describe a perfect day. Being with my gorgeous wife and lovely daughter on the beach playing, relaxing and simply sitting back and enjoying God’s creations.
Tiffany Day
Vice President/COO
A Sound Strategy, Inc.
Right Path: Analyzer
Team: Road Warriors
Janel Donohue
Director of Resource Development
Rappahannock United Way
Right Path: Networker
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you live and work? I live and work in Spotsylvania County Virginia.
Your first job ever? I worked at as a pharmacy tech for a small town pharmacy.
Favorite book? Chicken Soup for the Soul. I am a sucker for short stories that make me cry.
Favorite movie? Goonies.
Comfort food? Oreos and a tall glass of milk
What's in your car CD player right now? Shania Twain. I usually have children’s song cds but my 10th wedding anniversary is coming up and we played our wedding song for the kids one day. Now we have to listen to From This Moment 3 or 4 times a trip. It will come out of the car SOON.
Favorite regional place to hang out? My husband, kids and I love to walk through UMW campus. It feels like home.
Fondest childhood memory? Catching a huge catfish while my dad stands beside me cheering me on.
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? I admire Jack Rowley and Ed Allison. They are the best role models to emulate. They are successful businessmen who demonstrate daily how to live life to the fullest while always putting others’ needs ahead of their own. I learn something from them every day I am with them.
Best advice you ever got? Live your life with no regrets. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be yourself.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I love to mentor middle school age children
Future plans? I am not one to live in the future. I am blessed today to have a secure home, healthy family, a great job and be surrounded by people I love and who love me. If I can maintain that into the future, I will be happy.
Describe a perfect day. My perfect day would be to be at Smith Mountain Lake. I would wake up when I was ready and read a good book until I am ready to get up. It would be a new spring day about 72 degrees and sunny. My family would catch lots of fish and lose track of time. We would eat lots of shrimp, crab legs and grilled foods. The night would end with a family fun night of board games and laughter. Simple.
Rita Dunston
Coordinator of Admissions & Records
Germanna Community College
Right Path: Networker
Team: Homebodies
Location where you currently live and work: Germanna Community College
Favorite part about the job: The opportunity to empower someone to success
Your first job ever? Student Worker - Portsmouth Public Schools. My job was to make copies for all of the schools. I became known as the ‘Copier Girl’.
Favorite book? The Holy Bible. Don’t care what you are experiencing in life there is an example and a remedy to solve it.
Favorite movie? Don’t have one
Comfort food? Macaroni & Cheese
What's in your car CD player right now? A Vacation Bible School CD
Favorite regional place to hang out? The Dunston Suite (at least that’s what I call it)
Fondest childhood memory? Summer months - Being a part of a family of nine there was never a dull moment! We played with the family of nine down the street until the early morning. We always had enough people to play any game we wanted-- it was great!
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Anyone would who has not allowed life circumstances to keep them from achieving their dreams
Best advice you ever got? If you don’t get anything else in life obtain wisdom
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Well since I can only select one person I would have dinner with Billy Graham. He has had dinner with many presidents, world, religious, businesses and community leaders. So if I have dinner with him I can learn about the lives of so many more. He displays such humility.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? Growing up many of my siblings birthday was in the month of November so we celebrated birthdays together. I was 21yrs old before I had my own birthday cake.
Future plans? To wake up on tomorrow
Describe a perfect day. Today is the perfect day because I was given the opportunity to be apart of it.
Bill Fiege
Dean of Instruction
Germanna Community College
Right Path: Networker
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you currently live and work:Fredericksburg, VA
Favorite part about the job: Helping people achieve their personal and professional goals
Your first job ever? Lawn Maintenance Technician “Grass Cutter”
Favorite book? Chicken Soup for the Soul
Favorite movie? Dead Poet’s Society
Comfort food? Anything Chocolate
What's in your car CD player right now? Bare Naked Ladies (CD player broke five years ago, and I think that is what’s stuck inside.)
Favorite regional place to hang out? My house
Fondest childhood memory? Playing catch with Dad
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Dr. Nancy Haga: undergraduate teacher, mentor, and friend. She has lived live to its fullest and still has the energy and spirit at age 75 of three twenty year olds.
Best advice you ever got? Proof read your work!
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Tiger Woods in order to understand his keen ability to concentrate and perform under enormous pressure. And, maybe to get a few tips.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I can spin a basketball on all five fingers of my left hand J
Future plans? Health and Happiness
Describe a perfect day. Outdoors with friends, family, and food!
Mary Garber
Executive Director, Programs & Administration
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
Right Path: Administrator
Team: Backpackers
Location where you currently live and work: Live in Caroline County, work in Fredericksburg
Favorite part about the job: Developing my councils
Your first job ever? “Ramp Rabbit” at Byrd Field International Airport – I directed planes to parking spots for a private aviation company
Favorite book? The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Favorite movie? Saving Grace & The Abyss
Comfort food? Ice cream
What's in your car CD player right now? The 4th CD in the collection “The Art of Allowing”
Fondest childhood memory? No one specific memory sticks out, I loved the times I spent fishing or hunting with my dad, our one on one times.
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? I admire Dr. Carol Shapiro, not only is she a brilliant surgeon, but she is a very caring person. Carol is concerned about the present and future of medicine, she stays active in her state medical society (she is a past president & the first female MSV president), her local medical society, the AMA, and many other organizations. She is active politically, lobbying on both state and federal levels for healthcare tort reform. She is committed to her patients and the delivery of quality healthcare. She is a shining example of a leader who gives of herself; to her community, her profession and to her friends and family.
Best advice you ever got? Don’t mix your liquors or drink when alone and depressed – words of wisdom from my dad.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? I would like to dine with Oprah. She has lived a fascinating life and seems so interesting.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I raise violets.
Future plans? I am still trying to define those future plans…
Describe a perfect day. A sunny 75˚day spent relaxing outside, sipping an adult beverage, surrounded by close friends, my daughter and my dog.
Jamie Grebosky, MD
Senior Medical Director
MediCorp Health System
Right Path: Networker
Team: Homebodies
Location where you currently live and work: Fredericksburg
Favorite part about the job: Talking with and meeting new people
Your first job ever? Newspaper boy
Favorite book? Bullfinch's Mythology
Favorite movie? The Tin Drum
Comfort food? Pizza
What's in your car CD player right now? Emotional Intelligence by Goleman
Favorite regional place to hang out? Bistro Bethem
Fondest childhood memory? Catching ball with my dad
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Won't use a name as he is here in Fred, he is the best person I have ever worked with
Best advice you ever got? Do what you want to do
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? My wife in the Loire
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I was very shy as a youth
Future plans? Have fun
Describe a perfect day. Hiking in Utah with my family
Susan Hartsook
Market Manager
Union Bank & Trust
Right Path: Harmonizer
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you currently live and work: I live in Spotsylvania County. I work as a market Manager at Union Bank and Trust Co. My office is located downtown on Kenmore Ave.
Favorite part about the job: The employees and the customers. My job is different every day.
Your first job ever? Besides babysitting? I began working at Thalhimers Department Store the day after I turned 16.
Favorite book? The Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk
Favorite movie? Gone With the Wind
Comfort food? Brie cheese and grapes – along with a good glass of Cabernet.
What's in your car CD player right now? The Who
Favorite regional place to hang out? Sunken Well Tavern
Fondest childhood memory? My dad holding my hand.
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? I admire all working moms. Our days never end.
Best advice you ever got? It’s OK to say “no”.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Oprah Winfrey – she has met and talked with so many people from all walks of life.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I can party long and hard.
Future plans? Professionally – to be the best leader I can possibly be. To be someone that my employees can trust and depend on. Personally – I hope to be able to retire debt free before I am too old to enjoy it.
Describe a perfect day. A sunny day on the beach at Hilton Head Island with a group of friends. A great band playing beach music. Great food and plenty of drink.
David Martino
Senior Project Manager
Burgess & Niple
Right Path: Driver
Team: Road Warriors
Location where you currently live and work: Live in Spotsylvania, work inWoodbridge
Favorite part about the job: Designing new sites
Your first job ever? Rigging New Boats, i.e installing controls, accessories etc. (15 years old at Modern Boats and Motors, Detroit)
Favorite book? So many, Sand County Almanac is one
Favorite movie? Just about any Cohen Bros. film; The Big Labowski was a favorite also The Lady Killers
Comfort food? Pasta with a slow cooked sauce
What's in your car CD player right now? Phish, Dead, Buddy Miles, Umphries McGee
Favorite regional place to hang out? Griffin Books or Cigar Shop
Fondest childhood memory? Saturday evening fishing with my dad
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Jimmy Carter, he has taken actions in line with his beliefs even when it is not the most popular path.
Best advice you ever got? Be professional in your communications, avoid using slang
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? David LeVan (former CEO Conrail), we would have a good conversation about railroads and management.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I hate gardening and I used to race powerboats
Future plans? Continue to live and work in Virginia, do some fishing, build a train layout, get involved in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania
Describe a perfect day. On the water at daybreak - fishing till mid-morning, wake up Millie (she is not much for daybreak fishing) have a good breakfast then we hang out at the engine house of the Strasburg RR (steam powered) till dinner. Finish the day with a great seafood dinner (Millie loves seafood) then to a coffee shop for dessert. Finally home and not having to set the alarm clock.
Bill McAvinney
Owner
McAvinney & Associates
Right Path: Driver
Team: Homebodies
Your first job ever? Laborer at a large chicken farm
Favorite book? Bible
Favorite movie? Patriot
Comfort food? Cookies – Choc Chip or Peanut Butter
What's in your car CD player right now? Nothing
Favorite regional place to hang out? Skyline Drive
Fondest childhood memory? Country Living
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Anyone in the Military & their families, for their sacrifice.
Best advice you ever got? You can do anything you decide to. – mom
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? A wounded vet, to express my gratitude and learn from them.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I have apprehended over 3,000 shoplifters.
Future plans? Make time to grow relationship with Jesus Christ, spouse & family. To give back through ministry, business & community activities.
Donna Mejia
Director of Leadership Giving
University of Mary Washington
Right Path: Motivator
Team: Homebodies
Nick Perrine
Supervisor
PBGH, LLP
Right Path: Analyzer
Team: Homebodies
Location where you currently live and work: Live - Downtown Fburg,Wolfe Street; work – Downtown Fburg – Mill Race Commons
Favorite part about the job: My own office, my own window, and people call me “sir” (at least on the phone)
Your first job ever? Lifeguard @ eden estates pool
Favorite book? Animal Farm
Favorite movie? Forrest Gump/Donnie Darko
Comfort food? Ice cream
What's in your car CD player right now? Keller Williams
Favorite regional place to hang out? River
Fondest childhood memory? My first band’s first live show @Santa Fe
Whom do you admire and why (not a family member)? Mother Nature
Best advice you ever got? Mind your own business
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Jimmy Page – stories and musical insight
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? I’m really not that smart.
Future plans? New band, new kitchen, more kids, move to the mountains
Describe a perfect day. Camping & fishing
Linda Rivera
![[ Sands Anderson Marks & Miller ]](/trailblazers/data/sandsanderson.jpg)
