Autumn Bailey Business Development Manager at The HIVE Virginia Beach Business Resource Center
Autumn Bailey Business Development Manager at The HIVE Virginia Beach Business Resource Center Autumn Bailey is currently serving as a Business Development Manager II at the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development providing small business services, trainings, and
Debra Hamilton Farley Associate Executive Director of Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center Debra Hamilton Farley Associate Executive Director of Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center https://www.hrsbdc.org Debra has a thirty-two (32.5) year tenure with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center/Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. She is the Associate Executive
Jay Grant Executive Director of LISC Hampton Roads Jay Grant serves as the Executive Director for LISC Hampton Roads. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community development finance institution (CDFI) with 38 offices nationwide. He and his office specialize in affordable housing production, wealth-building, and small business assistance/commercial corridor revitalization largely in effort to positively address social determinants of health in the region. LISC Hampton Roads began in 2020 through a generous contribution by Sentara Healthcare.
Jolie Spiers Executive Director of Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center Jolie Spiers is Vice President of Small Business for the Hampton Roads Chamber and Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. Both organizations help set the conditions for business success in Hampton Roads and provide resources for entrepreneurs to build solid foundations and focus on business growth. Prior to joining the Chamber and the SBDC in June 2022, Jolie lived in Rochester, New York where she worked in fund development and community engagement with the University of Rochester and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Other experience includes positions in marketing, community development, media relations and freelance reporting. Her degrees are from the University of Mississippi Meek School of Journalism and the University of Rochester Simon Business School. She is delighted to be back home in Hampton Roads and enjoys exploring the region’s best places to eat (all small businesses!).
Brian Owens Program Manager at Black BRAND Brian is a Virginia Beach-raised creative and business professional with a passion for the people. He began his journey of entrepreneurship through music. Owens has been a professional musician and music business strategist for over a decade. His band, The Special Guests, has been especially impactful in the 757 by raising money and awareness for Hampton Roads based charitable causes, working with local business owners, planning shows at the Norva, and opening First Fridays on Granby St in Norfolk. Owens was Chief Communications Officer and co-founder of the neuroscience-based music-tech startup, Secret Chord Laboratories. He has been responsible for fundraising, corporate strategy, establishing and growing strategic partnerships, and communications both internally and externally. Through SCL, Owens has been able to nurture an expanding network of business mentors, tech startups, entrepreneurs, investors, music professionals, community leaders and influencers.
David White Executive Director of Virginia Maritime Association Mr. White is Executive Director of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA), where he has been employed since 2003. With a membership of over 450 companies, the VMA is “The Voice of Port Industries” and has been promoting, protecting, and encouraging domestic and international trade through Virginia’s dynamic ports since 1920.
Sabrina Wooten Councilmember at City of Virginia Beach
Sabrina Wooten Councilmember at City of Virginia Beach Council Member Wooten was sworn into office on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 to fill the unexpired term of the seat Mayor Dyer vacated as the Centerville district representative in Virginia Beach. On November 3, 2020, Council member Sabrina Wooten was re-elected as the first African American to serve a second term ever on Virginia Beach City Council. She is a native of Stuttgart, Germany, but grew up in Hampton Roads and has lived in Virginia Beach for over 16 years. Her passions include combatting poverty, advocating for local businesses and homelessness and protecting our natural resources and quality of life. Sabrina brings eighteen years of business, leadership and administrative experience in the private and non-profit sectors.
