Meet the NVCA and Venture Forward Teams
Our team brings together a unique blend of experts in legislative and regulatory affairs, marketing and communication strategies, and technical expertise.
Senior Programs Director, Venture Forward
Fun Facts:
- Lived in 3 different countries
- Family had a pet llama growing up
- Serves on a competitive trivia team
Communications Manager
Fun Facts:
- Proud girl mom
- Worked on four political campaigns
- Born and raised in Silicon Valley
Vice President of Government Affairs
Fun Facts:
- My initials (R.L.) stand for Richard Lewis
- Testified before Congress twice
- Four Time Fantasy Football Champion
Data Operations Manager, Venture Forward
Fun Facts:
- I have 2 dogs an Australian Cattle Dog and Augie (Australian Shepard x Corgi mix)
- One of my favorite things to do is play golf (although I’m not very good xD)
- Everyone in my family is left handed
President and CEO
Fun Facts:
- Latest project: 1970 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck
- Youth competitive water skier in slalom, tricks, and jump
- High school pole vaulter
Community and Program Manager, Venture Forward
Fun Facts:
- A true Golden State native, who loves discovering hidden gems in her home state
- A pop culture enthusiast who stays up to date on the latest and greatest
- Go-to friend for niche recommendations – from gifts, to restaurants, shops, and more
Executive Director, Venture Forward
Fun Facts:
- Born Southerner: spent her first 18 years in Mississippi
- Football (i.e., soccer) fanatic: go Chelsea!
- Wanderlust: favorites so far have been Malta (pre-GoT), Rio de Janeiro (where she first met Bobby Franklin!), & walking the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago
Director, Communications
Fun Facts:
- Enjoys playing softball, basketball, and golf across the DMV
- Prestige TV fan
- E-bike enthusiast (1,000+ miles in year one)
Manager of Communications
Fun Facts:
- On a quest to see all 30 MLB ballparks
- Travel enthusiast
- Loves spending time with family & friends
Chief Operating Officer
Fun Facts:
- Have passport, will travel. Visited all 50 states and over 45 countries…and counting
- 100% American, 50% Cuban. Uniquely Kansan. Rock Chalk!
- Happiest in a flower garden
Director of Government Affairs
Fun Facts:
- Always traveling (Madrid + Santorini are favorites)
- Once lived in four states over one year
- Motorsports enthusiast; working towards a racing license at Monticello Motor Club
Marketing & Communications Director, Venture Forward
Fun Facts:
- Avid reader
- Skilled at creating the perfect playlist for any occasion
- Perpetually planning the perfect dinner party
Senior Director of Government Affairs
Fun Facts:
- Loves experiencing new cultures through travel
- An adventurous foodie – Has yet to find a meal she won’t try once
- Auditioned for American Idol in a past life
Vice President of Government Affairs
Fun Facts:
- Volunteers at a local Farm Animal Sanctuary and has six pet cows.
- Has completed an Ironman, half Ironman and over a dozen marathons.
- Takes acoustic guitar lessons.
Senior Director of Administration
Fun Facts:
- Loves seafood
- Bucket list item is to meet Barack & Michelle Obama
- Family means the world to MiChele
Research Director
Fun Facts:
- Shiloh has eleven siblings
- Used to work on a Japanese rice farm
- Caught an alligator with his bare hands once
Vice President of Business Development
Fun Facts:
- Marathon runner
- Golfs and surfs (but not very well!)
- Certified yoga instructor
Director of Operations
Fun Facts:
- Always listening to Yacht Rock Radio
- Marine Corps Marathon finisher
- Yes, her birth name is Kisme (pronounced Kiss Me)
Director of Membership Engagement
Fun Facts:
- Tries to read 100 books a year
- Climbed to the top of Machu Picchu
- Invested in any and all pop culture news