Board of Directors

Title: President
Name: Tanya Johnson
Firm: Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
Firm Website: https://www.cfrichmond.org/

Tanya assists the Foundation’s President and CEO. She organizes communication with the Board of Governors as well as with some of the supporting organizations. She coordinates and schedules meetings and events for the Community Foundation. Tanya assists the Giving Black committee. She has been a member of EWI since 2017. She served as Programs director for two years and is currently serving as President for the Richmond Chapter. Tanya enjoys cruising, shopping and spending time with her family.

Title: Vice President
Name: Olivia Smith
Firm: Millennium Advisory Serivces, Inc
Firm Website:  https://mas-edu.com

Olivia is a Client Account Specialist at Millennium Advisory Services. In her role, her goal is to provide outstanding service to all of Millennium’s clients. She works directly with each department to ensure a seamless onboarding process and continues that level of support and commitment to maintaining and developing strong client relationships.

Olivia joined EWI in 2016 and has served on the EWI board twice as the Communications Director.

A Richmond, VA native, Olivia enjoys spending time with friends and family and her new puppy, Edison.

   Title: Secretary
   Name: Donna Thornburg
   Firm: Virginia Commonwealth University
   Firm Website:  https://www.vcu.edu

After graduating VA Tech, Donna chose to attend graduate school at VCU to obtain her MBA.  While going to school. she took a part time position answering phones in the Vice President for Finance’s office. She was only going to answer phones for the summer; 31 years later she is the special assistant to the Senior Vice President in the President’s Office. Donna handles all items related to finance and administration and anything related to public relations. She directly support the senior vice president and the President on special projects as well as staff two committees of the Board of Visitors

Donna is excited to meet these new folks leading Richmond EWI and is looking forward to a fun year. 

The best advice Donna has ever received:  Be professional at all times. Remove your personal feelings/emotions from the situation and get the job done.  In the end, everyone remembers your work above all else.

Title: Treasurer
Name: Brandy Frost
Firm: Gregg & Associates, LLC

Brandy Frost brings 15 plus years’ experience in accounting, management and administration to Gregg & Associates, LLC and EWI – Richmond Chapter along with a wealth of small business expertise. Brandy understands the ins and outs of accounting, from general ledger, account reconciliation and payroll to financial statement preparation. Her first-hand experience working with small business owners from the client perspective gives Brandy unique insight and a firm grasp of various financial situations while assisting Gregg & Associates clients. Additionally, Brandy adds a comprehensive knowledge of the fiscal intricacies within a non-profit setting.

This home-grown Midlothian is an accomplished equestrian with a passion for helping others. Brandy has a lifetime volunteer award from Chesterfield County for her 20 years as a PATH International Certified Riding Instructor who promoted safe and effective equine-assisted activities for special needs adults and children. Brandy now devotes her time as the firm representative with the Executive Women International’s Richmond Chapter. Brandy also enjoys vacationing at the beach, spending time with her family, and the occasional workout.

Title: Sergeant-at-Arms
Name: Cherryll Ellis
Firm: Keiter
Firm Website: https://keitercpa.com/

Cherryll is the Financial Statement Coordinator in the audit department at Keiter in Glen Allen, VA. She has been in this role for the past 5 years and previously worked in Keiter’s production department for 3 years. Cherryll has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University and a Master’s degree in Materials Management from Bloomfield College in New Jersey. She joined EWI in 2018 and immediately became an active member of the Sergeant-at-Arms committee. She is looking to broaden her skills and get to know her fellow members in her role as Sergeant-At-Arms.

Cherryll is a native of New Jersey, but currently resides in Midlothian, VA with her husband. She loves to travel and has 3 grown children who reside in the Richmond area.

Title: Retention & Recruitment Director
Name: Jen Laws
Firm: Top Golf
Firm Website:  https://www.topgolf.com/us

Jennifer Laws is a Sales Account Manager at Topgolf, the leading entertainment venue in Richmond, VA. Jennifer uses her 15+ years of hospitality experience and connections to generate business for the venue. She loves being able to bring people together and host productive team building events in her role. Topgolf really is a game for everyone and she is so happy to be able to bring this new experience to Richmond.

Jennifer moved from her hometown of Virginia Beach, VA to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a focus on Public Relations. Jen has had a successful career in the hospitality industry, including Business Development Manager for Shula’s Steak House, Sales Manager at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Short Pump and Membership Director for The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Hospitality Association. She is looking forward to using her knowledge and skill set to have a successful year as Retention and Recruitment Director on the EWI Board.

   Title: Programs Director
   Name: Renee Gaines
   Firm: Venture Richmond, Inc.
   Firm Website:  https://www.venturerichmond.com

Renee Gaines is the Office Administrator for Venture Richmond, Inc., a non-profit organization that engages business and community leaders in partnering with the city to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly downtown. Venture Richmond promotes the betterment of downtown through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events.  She organizes correspondences and schedules meeting for both the Board of Directors and Trustees.  She has been champion for downtown Richmond for 20 years and is proud to have been a part of its transformation.

Renee has been a member of EWI since 2019.  She is excited to serve on the EWI board of directors as the Programs Director.

A RVA native, Renee is the proud mother of Morgan and grandmother of Amaya. She enjoys reading, travel, shopping and spending time with her family.

Title: EWISP Literacy Director
Name: Karen Huffman
Firm: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Firm Website:  https://www.richmondfed.org

Karen Huffman is the administrative services manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. In this role she is responsible for the administrative operations of the Research department. Karen joined the Richmond Fed in March 2011 as an administrative and project coordinator where she supported the Community Development department in providing the public with programming and events on community development topics.

Karen joined EWI in 2012 and has served in various board positions including president in 2016-2017. She resides in Mechanicsville, VA with her husband, two children and dog, Mater.   

Title: ASIST Scholarship Director
Name: Sandy Naumann
Firm: Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC
Firm Website: https://www.marshmma.com/

Title: Communications Director
Name: Melissa Rundstrom
Firm: Millennium Advisory Services, Inc.
Firm Website:  https://www.mas-edu.com

Melissa began working as a Client Account Specialist at Millennium Advisory Services in August of 2018. In her role, she strives to provide superb customer service to all of their clients and prospective clients. She also works closely with all departments to streamline processes through new technology and software. Melissa joined EWI in September of 2019. After only a few months, she was asked to serve as the chapter’s Secretary.

Currently residing in Richmond, Melissa enjoys visiting new places in the city, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family.

Title: Parliamentarian
Name: Ann Bushey
Firm: Reynolds Community College
Firm Website:  https://reynolds.edu

Ann Bushey began her career at Reynolds Community College in June of 2016 as Executive Assistant to the President.  Ann currently supports Dr. Paula Pando, the 4th President of the college and first female president.  Ann is responsible for the day to day operation of the President’s Office and provides interface between the Office of the President with college, government agencies, community and business leaders, and the public-at-large.  Ann enjoys working beside Dr. Pando as she works tirelessly for educational opportunities and equity for all students.