As a participant in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute’s (VRLI) 2024 Cohort, Zachary Whitlow, Community Vitality Program Administrator for the Department of Housing and Community Development, provides an overview of the third VRLI session of the year, which was held in Tappahannock, Warsaw and King William on September 11-13, 2024.
The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) held its third session of the year in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, both of which embody the essence of rural Virginia, where scenic landscapes, historical significance and a strong sense of place come together. Over three enriching days, cohort members engaged with the area’s deep-rooted heritage and forward-looking spirit, exploring the charms of several small towns, connecting with local leaders and embracing the coastal lifestyle. This unique setting, combined with inspiring speakers, provided participants with valuable insights that strengthened their skills in leadership, community engagement and economic development.
Day 1 | September 11, 2024
Session 3 commenced on the banks of the Rappahannock River at St. Margaret’s School, an independent Episcopal school for girls, situated in Tappahannock, Virginia. Serving as the primary venue for much of the session’s educational programming, the school provided a central base, with various excursions planned across the area.
Edwina Bell, Director of Advancement, kindly welcomed cohort members to St. Margaret’s School. Following her remarks, Richard Moncure, Director of St. Margaret’s Science, Technology, River, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STREAM) program, provided an overview of the school’s unique educational approach, which integrates the Rappahannock River into the heart of the academic experience. The river’s ecological and historical significance offers students a distinctive academic edge, while its recreational opportunities create an ideal environment for learning and personal growth.
“The river is not just water; it’s our laboratory for exploration, a serene chapel for reflection, an athletic venue for challenges, and a recreational park for joy. It’s our world’s epicenter, teaching, inspiring, and connecting us to nature’s profound beauty and wisdom.”
– Richard Moncure, STREAM Director
The session’s first official speaker was Liz Povar, Principal and Founder of the RiverLink Group, a woman-owned economic development consulting firm based in Virginia. Liz delivered a compelling message to the cohort, emphasizing that “your network is your net worth.” She shared impactful examples illustrating the importance of networking for industry knowledge, building referral networks, unlocking opportunities, expanding expertise, and advancing career paths. Liz highlighted that by being authentic, curious, respectful and resilient in the face of failure, cohort members can thrive with the support of a strong personal network.
Before traveling to Warsaw, all 28 cohort members, some working in pairs, shared updates on their Community Impact Projects—the capstone of a VRLI cohort experience designed to create tangible impact in rural communities. With support from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, each member recorded a short video highlighting their project, which will be shown during the Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity in Wytheville, Virginia, on October 29-30, 2024.
In Warsaw, cohort members were welcomed by Town Manager Joseph Quesenberry. He spoke about Warsaw’s recent strides to bolster economic vitality and quality of life, noting how business and property owners, alongside local leaders, began organizing in 2015 with the goal of revitalizing the area. Shortly after, the town secured a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and engaged a team of consultants to create the Warsaw Business District Revitalization Plan. This plan enabled the town to apply for and ultimately receive (in 2017) a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from DHCD, which funded critical revitalization activities, established a revolving loan fund, and supported stormwater drainage improvements.
In 2020, Warsaw received a $468,750 Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) loan for the development of a central mixed-use site, featuring a brewery, taproom, event space, and patio. It was truly rewarding to learn about this transformative project and see its results firsthand—and even more exciting to dine there!
At Old Rapp Taphouse, cohort members enjoyed a delicious meal and were joined by Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent of the 67th District. Raised on a family farm in Richmond County, Delegate Kent shared her deep-rooted passion for rural Virginia and her commitment to advocating for the region’s agricultural, forestry and natural resources heritage. Building on the themes discussed during the tour of downtown Warsaw, she highlighted the importance of patience, emphasizing that meaningful progress is often gradual. Incremental, positive change, she noted, ultimately leads to significant, lasting impact.
Day 2 | September 12, 2024
Day 2 began at the 1710 Tavern, the oldest tavern in Virginia! Now fully renovated with support from a $250,000 DHCD IRF grant, cohort members enjoyed breakfast while taking in the charm and character of this historic landmark. They experienced the unique ambiance that has captivated visitors for centuries, while Greg Huff, chef and owner, briefly shared the history of the tavern and highlighted how the restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu centered on seasonal dishes from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Energized and ready to explore, cohort members divided into two groups to experience downtown Tappahannock and cruise along the Rappahannock River, ensuring each group enjoyed both activities.
The downtown Tappahannock tour, led by Jovita Kelly, President of Historic Downtown Tappahannock, provided cohort members with a firsthand look at this vibrant riverfront community. Collaborating closely with local government, downtown businesses and community partners, Historic Downtown Tappahannock has been working to revitalize the district through preservation-based economic development. The area has seen business growth and diversification, an increase in cultural opportunities, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the historical essence of one of Virginia’s most storied towns.
Highlights of the tour included stops at the historic Essex Inn, a Victorian-era bed and breakfast; the new Tappahannock Central Park, featuring a playground, splash pad and other amenities that Town Manager Eric Pollitt emphasized are accessible to all; and Hot Mix VA, an internet radio station operated by cohort member Giles Scott and others to spotlight local artists and support a variety of community initiatives.
Cohort members also visited the DAW Theatre, a 1930s-era venue currently undergoing restoration. Supported by a $50,000 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Financial Feasibility Grant (FFG), Historic Downtown Tappahannock and the DAW Theatre Foundation have confirmed sufficient market potential to support the theater’s reopening.
At the June Parker Marina, cohort members met Nate Parker, manager of the marina and co-owner of Rappahannock Roundstern, a local charter boat business in Tappahannock, to enjoy a Heritage Water Tour along the Rappahannock River aboard boats provided by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). With deep family roots in the region, Nate brought local history to life through storytelling and shared marine science insights, emphasizing that the Rappahannock River “runs through his veins.”
Cohort members were also joined by Chief Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Beth Green!
After exploring downtown Tappahannock and cruising the Rappahannock River, cohort members returned to St. Margaret’s School for lunch, catered by Northern Neck Burger, and to hear from Tappahannock Mayor Roy Gladding. Building on discussions about collaboration and leveraging your network, Mayor Gladding emphasized the importance of readiness when opportunity arises. He highlighted how the community and town leadership have united to position Tappahannock to take full advantage of emerging opportunities for impactful growth and development
The afternoon continued with a series of thoughtful and inspiring speakers, each providing valuable insights to cohort members. Chris Thompson, Director of Strategic Housing at Virginia Housing, opened (virtually) with an in-depth exploration of rural housing issues. He highlighted the unique challenges rural communities face in providing affordable housing and introduced various resources available through Virginia Housing to address these challenges. By equipping cohort members with these tools, he encouraged them to return to their communities prepared to address Virginia’s affordable housing crisis, understanding that investing in affordable homes fosters broader community success, transforms neighborhoods and enhances quality of life.
Following this, Reverend Dr. Linwood T. Blizzard, II, Senior Pastor of the historic Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, Virginia, led a reflective discussion on the role of faith in rural communities. He explored how authentic connections, support networks, and spiritual comfort are vital in rural areas, where community bonds are often essential to individual and collective resilience. His session provided cohort members with a deeper understanding of the power of faith-based relationships to unify and uplift rural communities.
Concluding the day, Liz Martin, CEO of VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, and Dr. Shannon Kennedy, President of Rappahannock Community College, shared insights into the transformative impact of rural health partnerships on workforce development, health outcomes, and community vitality. Their discussion underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between healthcare and education sectors in building a skilled workforce and improving community health. Cohort members left with a greater appreciation for these partnerships as cornerstones of sustainable, thriving rural communities.
After a full day of activities, cohort members enjoyed a relaxing evening at Wind Vineyards at Laurel Grove, a unique destination for wine enthusiasts and families seeking memorable outings. Owner Tyler Wind shared his dedication to agritourism, offering cohort members an exclusive look behind the scenes of winemaking. While Wind Vineyards is dedicated to producing high-quality wines, it also recognizes the importance of family-oriented entertainment. With a variety of attractions, including weeknight events, thrilling monster truck shows, and concerts featuring nationally recognized talent, Wind Vineyards delivers an unparalleled experience for guests of all ages.
Cohort members were joined by Delegate Keith Hodges (68th District) and VRLI alumni (Shannon Hair, Danville; Jessica Drake, Suffolk; Jarrod Elwell, Doswell; Kendra Wood, Aylett; Rhett Weiss, Farmville). Delegate Hodges emphasized the importance of transforming local challenges into opportunities—a central theme throughout the session. He encouraged members to pursue creative solutions that drive lasting change and unite rural communities around shared goals. Additionally, current cohort members had the opportunity to hear from alumni about how VRLI helped them expand their personal and professional networks and the impact their Community Impact Projects have had on their communities. Hearing from VRLI alumni not only inspired current cohort members but also reinforced the collaborative spirit essential to rural leadership, enabling everyone to see firsthand the tangible results of community-focused leadership.
Day 3 | September 13, 2024
The final day of Session 3 was especially memorable, as cohort members traveled to King William County to visit the Sharon Indian School and meet Chief Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe. Chief Adams provided an in-depth overview of the tribe’s governance, ancestral traditions, and the programs that embody the Upper Mattaponi Tribe’s dedication to community well-being.
The tribe, deeply rooted in King William County within the traditional lands of Tsenacomacah, has maintained strong ties to Christianity, centering much of its community life around The Indian View Baptist Church, built in 1942. Adjacent to the church stands the historic Sharon Indian School.
Originally established in the early 1900s and later replaced by a more modern structure in the 1950s, the Sharon Indian School is the only public Indian school building in Virginia. It now serves as a valuable community space for tribal meetings and gatherings, symbolizing resilience and continuity. Today, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe owns over 400 acres of land and is known for its proud, humble people who embody strong values and optimism for the future. Officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 25, 1983, the Tribe achieved Federal recognition on January 29, 2018, through Public Law 115-121.
Before embarking on a tour to experience Upper Mattaponi culture, cohort members were joined by two guest speakers who shared insights on effective communication and the power of a unified voice within rural communities. Stephanie Heinatz, Founder and Managing Partner of Consociate Media, emphasized that trust is essential for impactful communication. She introduced the four pillars of building trust: vulnerability, simplicity, transparency, and reliability. Cohort members gained a better understanding of how effective communication requires a willingness to be open, clear, and consistent, all of which strengthen credibility and engagement with the community.
Martha Moore from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation spoke on the critical role of agriculture in addressing shared community issues. She discussed how agricultural concerns intersect with topics vital to rural development and that agriculture isn’t just a sector—it’s a foundation for solving community-wide challenges. Her insights reinforced the message that rural communities benefit most when they work collectively, advocating for needs and priorities with a cohesive, united voice.
Together, these discussions underscored the importance of both strong communication and strategic collaboration in building resilient rural communities.
Before wrapping up the day, Chief Adams welcomed cohort members to the Upper Mattaponi Tribal Office, where they were introduced to Assistant Chief Louise “Lou” Wratchford and other tribal members. This unique experience allowed participants, particularly those unfamiliar with indigenous communities, to gain a deeper understanding of Upper Mattaponi traditions and values. They explored various aspects of tribal life, including the community gardening program, the cultivation of indigenous tobacco, and the rich cultural significance of the Upper Mattaponi’s annual powwow. This immersive visit provided rare insights into the tribe’s enduring connection to the land and their commitment to preserving and sharing their heritage.
The Upper Mattaponi Cultural Experience Tour concluded the third VRLI session of the year! The experiences and lessons learned during this session in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck were truly eye-opening, equipping cohort members with a deeper understanding of how to foster growth and vitality in their own communities. As cohort members returned home, they did so as more informed and motivated leaders, prepared to apply the skills and perspectives gained to drive meaningful impact.
Session 4 will take place in the Shenandoah Valley on November 14-16, 2024. Stay tuned for highlights and to learn more about what VRLI cohort members are learning this year!
Photo Credit: Zachary Whitlow / Virginia Rural Center
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