Governance

Douglas M. Garcia

Chair

douglas.garcia@vccs.edu

Douglas Garcia of Alexandria, VA currently serves as the Director US Federal Government Relations for Pearson Education.

As Director of US Federal Government Relations for Pearson, Douglas leads and manages the U.S. federal government relations agenda, setting the strategic direction for Pearson and ensuring Pearson is well positioned with policy makers on Capitol Hill and in the White House as well as stakeholder groups. Most recently Douglas, served as Director of Government Relations at the College Board where he built partnerships with government officials to increase college access and opportunities for students. He previously served as Senior Director at Educational Testing Service. Prior to that he served as Executive Director of federal relations and outreach for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. A graduate of James Madison University, he was Assistant Secretary of education for former Governor Tim Kaine. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership class of 2009.

Term of service began 7/1/2015, appointed by Governor Terence McAuliffe.  Reappointed in 2019 by Governor Ralph Northam

Peggy Layne

Vice Chair

peggy.layne@vccs.edu

Peggy Layne thinks of herself as a “professional volunteer.” After a 40-year career with Dominion Energy, she retired and now dedicates her energy and diverse business experience to work for organizations that make her community a better place to live.

While living in Hampton Roads, Peggy supported The Tidewater Community College’s Women’s Center Advisory Council and the school’s Educational Foundation Board.  She served on the boards of An Achievable Dream-Virginia Beach and Virginia Musical Theatre.  After moving to Richmond in 2017, Peggy continued working with the RVA-757 Connects and joined the board of An Achievable Dream-Certified Academies. She is the past chair the Citizens’ Advisory Council on the Furnishing and Interpretation of the Executive Mansion. In 2021, Peggy returned to the Hampton Roads area.  She continued her support of several organizations and joined the board of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 

Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from George Mason University and a Master’s of Education in Human Resource Development from George Washington University. She is a graduate of the Lead Hampton Roads (1989) and CIVIC Leadership Institute-Class of 2017.

Term of service began 7/1/2017, appointed by Governor Terence McAuliffe.

Reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam 6/14/2021.

Dana Beckton

dana.beckton@vccs.edu

As chief diversity officer for Sentara Healthcare, Dana Beckton develops and activates the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy. Her responsibilities include working with marketing and public relations teams to develop processes for delivering communication messages to team members, consumers, volunteers and others. Additionally, she analyzes and interprets overall diversity data and makes recommendations for areas of focus.

Prior to joining Sentara Healthcare, Beckton served as director of diversity and inclusion for Christiana Care Health System in Delaware where she created and implemented workforce diversity, inclusion, engagement, employee development and on-boarding strategies to create a work environment where staff were treated fairly and respectfully and had equal access to opportunities to learn and grow.

Beckton also managed the office of diversity and inclusion at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she provided strategic advice and counsel to senior management on diversity and inclusion programming, policies, and processes.

Beckton earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Temple University. She also has a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Term of service began 7/1/2020, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam

David E. Broder

david.broder@vccs.edu

David Broder currently serves as president of the Service Employees International Union Virginia 512 – a union of essential, frontline home care providers and public service workers, who provide quality public services to families across the commonwealth and who advocate for good jobs and justice for all Virginians. As the great-grandson of immigrants, and the grandson and son of union workers, Broder has dedicated his career to building an inclusive economy and democracy for all.

He earned his bachelor’s in government and history from Cornell University.

Broder, who resides in Vienna, VA, is deeply involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Northern Virginia Aging Network and the Fairfax Alliance for Human Services, chairing the budget committee of the Fairfax NAACP,  as well as co-founding the Invest in Fairfax community coalition. He has served as a statewide leader on the boards of civic engagement, community and health care organizations, including the Commonwealth Council on Aging, the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, New Virginia Majority, Progress Virginia, and others.

Term of service began 7/1/2015, appointed by Governor Terence McAuliffe.  Reappointed in 2019 by Governor Ralph Northam

Brenda Calderon, Ph.D

brenda.calderon@vccs.edu

Brenda Calderon currently serves as an Education Program Specialist at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

In addition to managing over $700 million in federal grants, she drafts policy documents and official agency guidance on federal interpretations of law, working with numerous agencies and organizations including the Office of Civil Rights, Office of the General Counsel and Budget Office.

In her previous position as national co-chair of the Hispanic Education Coalition, Calderon led more than a dozen national organizations to develop priorities and policy strategy for federal funding of education programs.

Calderon, who has been published in a variety of higher education venues, has also worked as a Policy Fellow with the U. S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Calderon earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA. She also has a master’s in education from Loyola Marymount and a Ph.D in education policy from George Mason University.

Service began 7/1/2020, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam

Edward C. Dalrymple, Jr.

ed.dalrymple@vccs.edu

Edward C. Dalrymple, Jr. was appointed to the State Board by Governor Terry McAuliffe to begin a four-year term effective July 1, 2017.

Dalrymple serves as president of Chemung Contracting Corporation, Dalrymple Holding Corporation, and Cedar Mountain Stone Corporation. He serves on a variety of boards regarding Virginia transportation issues including research, quality and training. He is past president and current treasurer of the Virginia Asphalt Association, and past president and current board member of Old Dominion Contractors Association, as well as a board member of the Germanna Community College Education Foundation.

Dalrymple received a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology from Louisiana Polytechnical Institute of Technology and an Associate degree in Civil Technology from Broome Technical Community College in Binghamton, New York.

Term of service began 7/1/2017, appointed by Governor Terence McAuliffe

Reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam 6/14/2021.

Deborah DiCroce

deborah.dicroce@vccs.edu

Deborah M. DiCroce is a South Hampton Roads native and lifelong Virginian, who has devoted her life to public service. A leader in forging partnerships for the public good, she began her “second act” in March 2012 as President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

Dr. DiCroce has 35 years of experience in Virginia higher education, serving as President of Tidewater Community College for 14 years (1998-2012) and previously as President of Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville for nine years (1989-1998). Dr. DiCroce is a past trustee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and past chair of the Presidents Academy of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Dr. DiCroce has chaired the regional boards of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and the Hampton Roads Partnership, as well as the regional campaign for the United Way of South Hampton Roads. She has served on state-wide commissions, boards, and committees under eight Virginia governors. Dr. DiCroce currently sits on the boards of Reinvent Hampton Roads, RVA-757 Connects, Virginia Beach Vision, the Greater Norfolk Corporation, and Saint Patrick Catholic School.

Dr. DiCroce holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Old Dominion University and a doctorate in Higher Education from The College of William & Mary.

Term of service began July 20, 2022, appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Darius A. Johnson

darius.johnson@vccs.edu

Darius Johnson currently serves as Vice President, Employee Engagement & Development at Dominion Energy. His responsibilities include leading talent acquisition, diversity & inclusion, HR communications, and learning & development teams. He also provides guidance and oversight on matters related to employee engagement.

Johnson previously worked as a senior vice president, middle market banking relationship manager for Bank of America Merrill Lynch where he served as primary bank advocate and key financial advisor for a portfolio of private and public company clients. Prior to that role, Johnson worked as EVP/Regional President for Premier Bank, Inc. (formerly Consolidated Bank & Trust Co.).

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia. He also has a master’s degree in business administration from the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business.

Term of service began 7/1/2020, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam

Maurice Jones

maurice.jones@vccs.edu

Maurice Jones is the CEO of OneTen , a coalition of companies dedicated to upskilling, hiring and promoting one million African Americans by the end of the 2020s.

Jones, an innovative business leader and prominent social advocate, previously served as president and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), one of the country’s largest organizations dedicated to bringing community development projects to fruition. Prior to joining LISC, Jones worked as Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

From April 2012 through January 2014, Jones served as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where he managed the Department’s day-to-day operations, its annual operating budget of $40 billion and the agency’s nearly 9,000 employees.

Jones, a native of rural Mecklenberg County, VA, received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampden-Sydney College and attended Oxford University in England on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he received a Master of Philosophy in International Relations. He later received a juris doctor from the University of Virginia.

Appointed by Governor Ralph Northam, term of service began July 1, 2021.

Ashby Kilgore

Ashby.kilgore@vccs.edu

Ashby Kilgore’s career in education spanned more than four decades, having worked as a teacher, principal and deputy superintendent. In 2007, she was appointed superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, the first woman to lead the 30,000-student school division.

Leading an agenda focused on college, career, and citizen readiness, the school division created initiatives that set high expectations for all students. The initiatives included Early College and Early Career in partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly Thomas Nelson CC); Career Pathways and STEM innovations with a 417% increase in career certification; a youth development movement and the summer SPARK initiative, resulting in a 93% graduation rate, a 2% dropout rate and a decrease in suspensions as options for student leadership and success expanded.

In 2012, Kilgore was named a 2012 Old Dominion University Darden College of Education Fellow in recognition of her career achievements. She is also the recipient of a 2016 Urban League of Hampton Roads Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leader Award in Education, the 2015 Humanitarian Award presented by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and the 2014 Thomas Nelson Community College Medallion.

Although she is retired, Kilgore remains active in her community and continues her work to advance career internships for high school students. She currently serves on the boards of Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Virginia Living Museum, and WHRO Public Media.

Term of service began 7/1/2020, appointed  by Governor Ralph Northam

Bruce Meyer

bruce.meyer@vccs.edu

Bruce Meyer of Virginia Beach has deep experience on the State Board for Community Colleges, having served terms 2001-2004 (appointed by Governor Jim Gilmore), and 2010-2014 (appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell). During his latter term, Meyer served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the VCCS State Board.  He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for Tidewater Community College.

He is Founder and President of Meyer Group Insurance (MGI), a full-spectrum insurance brokerage firm, headquartered in Virginia Beach, specializing in Employee Benefits Solutions and Executive Benefits in Hampton Roads as well as throughout the United States.

Recognized as a leader in his industry, Meyer is often called upon at the state and federal level for his knowledge of insurance matters. Meyer and his wife, Connie, publish Hampton Roads Weekly (HRW), a community newspaper which focuses on community news, business, culture, politics, lifestyle and entertainment.

He is a past chairman of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads and was awarded Citizen Advocate of the Year for the Commonwealth of VA.  He was Founder and Chairman of the Republican Professionals Network (RPN) of Hampton Roads.

Term of service began July 20, 2022, appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

RJ Narang

rj.narang@vccs.edu

RJ Narang currently serves as president and CEO of Renegade Technology Systems, Inc., headquartered in McLean, VA. The company, which maintains a staff of 25 employees, provides information technology services to agencies within the federal government.

Narang also serves as a board member for Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ensuring quality and affordable healthcare facilities for the public at large.

An avid member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, Narang is also a staunch supporter of the Northern Virginia branch of RIF or Reading Is Fundamental. He frequently takes part in book distribution events and classroom readings.

Narang graduated from American University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He would return to AU to earn his master’s degree in public administration in 2018.

Term of service began 7/1/2019, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam

Richard S. Reynolds, III

major.reynolds@vccs.edu

Richard “Major” Reynolds brings a wealth of experience to the board, both as a former state legislator and prolific fundraiser.

Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1975, Reynolds was presented with the 2009 WM P Robinson, Sr. Medal by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

Throughout his career, Reynolds has chaired a variety of non-profit fundraisers to include the United Negro College Fund campaign in 1982 and more recently, the Feed More Capital Campaign in 2017.

He would go on to serve as honorary chairman of the Reynolds Community College Capital Campaign from 2006 to 2010. Reynolds would also co-chair the Civil Rights Memorial Fundraising Committee which raised $2.5 million over three years.

Reynolds currently serves as Managing Director of Reynolds Trusts. He previously worked as vice president, mergers and acquisitions at Richmond-based Robert Shaw Controls Company.

Reynolds graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1956.

Appointed 7/1/2019 by Governor Ralph Northam

Terri Thompson

terri.thompson@vccs.edu

Terri Thompson was appointed to the State Board by Governor Ralph Northam to begin a two-year term beginning July 1, 2019. She was subsequently reappointed to the Board to begin a four-year term in June of 2021.

Thompson earned her master’s degree in Science from The American College in 2019. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Science from Lincoln University in 1986.

Thompson currently chairs the Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Health Board; a position she’s held since 2018. She is also a longtime member of the Tidewater Community College Board and a 2011 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

Term of service began 10/1/2019, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam.

Reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam 6/14/2021.

Michael Eric Wooten

michael.wooten@vccs.edu

Michael Eric Wooten of Woodbridge is Vice President for Strategic Direction at the National Industries for the Blind. During the Trump administration, Wooten was Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy at the White House, Senior Advisor in the Office of Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education, and the department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges and Acting Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

He directed a national education portfolio that included advocacy for community colleges, career and technical education (CTE), and adult literacy education; directed national initiatives serving more than 17 million students through a staff of 75 personnel; and was key participant in new national initiatives to expand apprenticeships and strengthen the national workforce.

He was a member and Chairman of the Northern Virginia Community College Board. Wooten served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Major.

Wooten earned his Ed.D. degree in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned master’s degrees at George Washington University, the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and Norwich University. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Chapman University and his A.A. at Perimeter College at Georgia State University.

Term of service began July 20, 2022, appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.