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