is a Certified Financial Planner, with a Masters Degree in Financial Planning and a recipient of the Morgan Stanley coveted Family Wealth Director designation. Gary has served as Board Chair for Virginia Wesleyan University, Norfolk Collegiate School, and Chairman of the International Azalea Festival.

has been the Executive Director since 2015 and was previously a board member from 2005-2010. Jennifer holds a BA in History from Old Dominion University.

is a retired education administrator and served as the Senior Coordinator of Community Engagement for Norfolk Public Schools. Regina holds a Master’s of Education from Norfolk State University, a Bachelor’s Degree from Old Dominion University, and a Certification in Supervision and Administration.

director of succession planning with PBMares, has more than 20-year experience in the professional client services field in the industries of public accounting and trusts and estates law. She is based in the firm’s Norfolk office and specializes in helping clients plan with both estate and business succession planning.  

Ms. Flenner is a member of the Professional Advisors Committee for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. In addition, she is a member of the William & Mary Tax Conference Advisory Board. Ms. Flenner is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Risë serves as Board Treasurer.

is a consultant working in the areas of marketing and business. She holds undergraduate degrees from Danville Community College and Old Dominion University and a Masters of Science in Technical and Occupational Studies from Old Dominion University. Marguerite also chairs our Kitakyushu, Japan Sister City Committee.

is the Chair our Education Committee. Maritsa holds a Masters of Arts Degree, Major:  Learning Disabilities/Emotional Difficulties from New York University and has completed certificate and advanced studies programs in education at Hampton University and Old Dominion University. Maritsa is a retired educator.

Chairs our Toulon, France Sister City Committee. Carie is the World Languages Department Chair for Churchland High School.  She is a veteran French teaching currently working on a high school principal internship. Carie holds a B.A. from Old Dominion University in French with a teaching certification, a M.S from Old Dominion University in Secondary Education post graduate work at Regent University in K-12 School Leadership. 

is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He attended and graduated from Maury High School. Alex holds a B.A. in History and English Virginia Teach and a law degree from George Mason University. Alex’s scope of legal expertise is in bankruptcy law and real estate.  He has worked on private practice and as a staff attorney for the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee. Alex also worked as Vice President -Claims Counsel for Stewart Title Guaranty Company.  Since 2015, Alex is part of the office of the City Attorney for the City of Norfolk.  Volunteer leadership roles have included Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association; Ohef Sholom Temple; Sons of Norway Hampton Roads Lodge #522; Norfolk NATO Festival.

is the Executive Director of The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Penn State University; M.Phil. Psychology from the University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; B.Sc. (1st Class Honors) Psychology University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom. Joanna is serving as the Chair of the Norfolk County, UK Sister City Committee.

is an associate professor of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University. Harry holds a Ph. D. and a M.A. in Economics from the University of Alabama, a B.A. in Economics from Fudan University. A native of Ningbo, China, Harry Chairs our Ningbo Sister City Committee.

ex officio City of Norfolk

is an IT executive with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering. Over the course of his career, he was blessed with the opportunity to work in various continents and countries which provided the chance to travel widely, be exposed to different cultures and contribute to the betterment of society. Of late, Aju was able to contribute time to the local Indian community – Hampton Road Malayalee Association as Vice President for the Organization for a period of 2 years and another year as its Board Member.  In his free time, he enjoys his young family and exploring the outdoors with them. Aju also enjoys running and golf as a sport. Aju serves as the Chair of the Kochi, India Sister City Committee.

is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in Government and serves as the Director, State and Local Government Relations for the Port of Virginia. 

is a retired nurse and long time member of Norfolk Sister City Committee. Raylene joins the Board in 2021 as the new chair of our Cagayan de Oro, Philippines Sister City Committee.