Northern Neck News

Northern Neck News

June 2, 2009

Lead Virginia Promotes Leadership in the Northern Neck

LEAD VIRGINIA, the statewide leadership program now entering its fifth year of educating Virginia’s leaders about the issues most relevant to the Commonwealth, is hosting panel discussions featuring conversations about the future of energy consumption and the state of leadership in the Commonwealth during its 2009 Alumni Conference from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at 4981 Irvington Road in the town of Irvington.

During the conference, a panel, titled “Virginia and Energy: The Big Picture,” will highlight Virginia’s energy consumption patterns and needs for the future. The panel will feature: Dr. Patrick Hatcher, professor of chemistry and biology, Old Dominion University; Jim Guy, investor, LeClairRyan; Dr. Karen Obenshain, director of fuels, technology & commercial policy, Edison Electric Institute; Jack Reasor, president & CEO, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative; and Bill Murray, managing director of corporate public policy, Dominion.

Later, a panel, titled “Leadership in Virginia: What’s at Stake for the Future,” will examine and offer insight into the state of leadership in the Commonwealth. Participants include: the Honorable Jim Dyke, Jr., former Virginia secretary of education; Julien Patterson, chairman, OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation; Dr. Patricia Cormier, president, Longwood University; and the Honorable John Chichester, former Virginia senator.

“The renowned lineup of speakers will provide invaluable insight into opportunities and challenges facing the Commonwealth,” said Susan Horne, president and CEO of LEAD VIRGINIA. “The conference will provide greater knowledge to our alumni, while increasing social capital to better guide Virginia’s future.”

The LEAD VIRGINIA alumni conference is an opportunity for class alumni to share and engage in dialogue geared toward leading Virginia to a brighter, healthier future. The entire conference runs June 4-6. The three-day conference also will discuss the Chesapeake Bay’s and the Northern Neck’s relationship to the Commonwealth, including agricultural and aquacultural sustainability practices, tourism and regional economic drivers, energy practices and educational trends in the region. NPR commentator Thea Marshall and the Honorable Albert Pollard of the 99th District will present current and historical perspectives of the Northern Neck.