As co-founder of Civil Solutions, I am a business consultant specializing in meeting facilitation, board governance and strategic planning. I have owned and worked with many businesses in the Commonwealth, particularly when I served as President of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and founder of Positive Solutions Group, a Charlottesville-based Mediation firm. Our mediation practice includes resolving business-consumer, real estate, construction, and landlord-tenant disputes; and reducing or eliminating organizational conflict using mediation and team building for boards of directors, public sector bodies, neighborhood associations and church groups. I enjoy training individuals and groups in alternative dispute resolution techniques and I’m certified to mentor new mediators for the Supreme Court of Virginia.
I was honored to begin my public service when I was elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. During my tenure I chaired the Board and led efforts to improve public infrastructure such as resolving the 29N-Western Bypass dispute and increasing investment in affordable internet and cell service in the county’s rural areas. Other public service includes serving as Chief of Staff for the Minority Leader in the Virginia General Assembly, Del. David Toscano (VA-57), and as Deputy Secretary of Labor for Governor Ralph Northam.
I am a graduate of the University of Virginia where I earned my economics degree and attended the UVA Darden School’s Executive Program. Additionally, I hold seven professional certifications. I am originally from Illinois and grew up in Arlington, VA. I enjoy spending time with my husband Frank, our collective six children and three grandchildren, reading, gardening and drinking fine vodka.
As co-founder of Civil Solutions, I am a trainer, networker and employer relations specialist. I have been honored to serve central Virginia for over 35 years with administrative experience in various positions. I was instrumental in establishing several of the customer service programs, services and network building at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, the Church of the Incarnation, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Piedmont Virginia Community College, all in Charlottesville, Virginia. These innovative approaches included valet parking services, the use of volunteers as professional patient advocates and monthly sector roundtables.