Advisory Board

Lindsey Barden

Principal Broker/Founder, Dark Horse|CRE

At Dark Horse|CRE, our vision is simple— produce the best business strategies on a concierge platform, that delivers results for each client’s unique set of needs. We assist our clients with their growth plans and deal positioning throughout Central, Coastal and Western Virginia and represent all facets of Tenants, Landlords, Buyers and Sellers within the retail real estate business.

Dawn Beninghove, RN, CCM, CRP, NCDP, CSA

Chief Operating Officer

The creation of Companion Extraordinaire has truly been a labor of love. It grew out of care for my father during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Over the past 37 years, I have gravitated from being a staff nurse to the Administration of Health Care as a Registered Nurse. I obtained my National Certification in Case Management and specialized in patients with brain injuries and Dementia. In addition, I have completed a Ministerial Internship Program and have a chaplaincy certificate, a Faith Community Nurse certification from Bon Secours, and I became a certified Senior Advisor. Being able to combine all of these skills offers a holistic approach to our clients’ care supporting their body mind, and soul.

Jocelyn Blizzard, CFRE

Director of Alumnae Relations, St. Margaret’s School

College preparatory boarding and day school grounded in Episcopal values where girls, grades 8-12 grow and thrive.

Dorothye Brodersen

CFO, Infotel Systems

We provide voice and data solutions systems for businesses.

Valerie Caperton

Senior Account Executive, NBC12

NBC12 is Central Virginia’s trusted news source. We are committed to providing unparalleled service by demonstrating our core values of integrity, leadership and advocacy. We fulfill our On Your Side brand promise though quality news, programming and information on the media platform of your choice.

Alison Conners

Renaissance Executive Forums

Renaissance Executive Forums of Virginia groups area business owners into “CEO Advisory Roundtables” to help intentionally scale their growth and improve their lives. We strive to help members scale their companies while adapting to changing markets and emerging technologies shared through learning and peer advice from like minded CEOs.

Mary Foley

Woman in Charge, Bodacious! Ventures

Known for her insights, candidness and humor, Mary Foley energizes women entrepreneurs with the clarity, confidence, and tools to attract, engage, and win more clients.

Nancy Foster

Financial Specialist

Nancy started her career at Altria and worked there for 11 years becoming a top salesperson in the frozen foods division. From there she created a financial services practice at one of the top providers in the industry. She has received many industry awards, including being a Million Dollar Round Table member for the past 12 years, and rising to the level of Court of the Table. She has frequently been recognized as performing at the top levels in the financial services field. Her educational style and awareness of the unique concerns of women and women business owners has led her to focus her practice where her passion is, women and women business owners.

Pam Gavin

Managing Member, Gavin Law Offices

Gavin Law provides nationally ranked, award-winning intellectual property, business and financial law services and legal counseling to business and individuals around the world or just down the street.

Nancy Greene

CEO of N D Greene PC

Attorney Nancy Greene is a business lawyer and litigator who has been practicing law for over 25 years and is the CEO of N D Greene PC. Nancy has seen it all, and is determined to help business owners avoid the legal landmines that could cost them everything. Her practice focuses on business litigation, employment law, women-owned businesses, start-ups and those businesses in transition from family to legacy.

Allison Otey

Vice President/Lawson Enterprises, Inc.

Allison Otey is the Vice President of Lawson Enterprises. Lawson is a family run business that her Grandfather, Clint Lawson, started and that her Father, Tommy Hunt, ran for 40 years and built to 342 units by his retirement. Allison has been in the business for 12 years now. Prior to Lawson, Allison worked in the City Attorney’s Office with Joe Phillips and Christina Sheldon. She also worked as a Paralegal for 10 years with Anderson, Franck and Davis. Allison has been married to her husband Larry for 36 years. They have three children, Trevor, Blake and Ashton,whom they are glad still love to spend time with their parents!

Patty Smith

Co-Owner, Midas of Richmond

Midas of Central Virginia operates full service automotive repair and maintenance service centers in the Greater Richmond area. The stores are locally owned and operated by Mark and Patty Smith.

We believe in being active in our community and establishing relationships with various community groups.

Heather Todd

Franchise Consultant, Mr. Electric / The Dwyer Group

Established in 1994, Mr. Electric® is a global franchise organization providing electrical installation and repair services. Mr. Electric franchisees provide these services to both residential and commercial customers at almost 200 locations worldwide. Mr. Electric is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc., family of service franchises

CeCe Wells

Editor, Rappahannock Times

The Rappahannock Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and event information to the communities of: Essex, King and Queen and the counties surrounding beautiful Tappahannock, VA.

Jill T. White

President/Owner, T&J’s Dairy Barn, LLC

Family-owned and operated, serving great pizza and many other food choices. Winner of “Best Lunch Spot” and “Best Ice Cream Spot” in the Northern Neck with 25+ flavors of made on site ice cream!