Board of Visitors Members
RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
The Honorable Samuel Parham '96
Sam Parham, a lifelong Petersburg resident, has served as mayor since 2017. He runs his family’s cleaning business and is active in civic and regional development. A VCU graduate, he first joined City Council in 2014. Mr. Parham was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Parham’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
Sam Parham, a lifelong Petersburg resident, has served as mayor since 2017. He runs his family’s cleaning business and is active in civic and regional development. A VCU graduate, he first joined City Council in 2014. Mr. Parham was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Parham’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
John Rathbone
John Rathbone retired as CFO of Norfolk Southern after a 32-year career. A Virginia Tech graduate, he later gave $1 million to William & Mary’s business school. He is an emeritus trustee of the W&M Foundation. Mr. Rathbone was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Rathbone’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
John Rathbone retired as CFO of Norfolk Southern after a 32-year career. A Virginia Tech graduate, he later gave $1 million to William & Mary’s business school. He is an emeritus trustee of the W&M Foundation. Mr. Rathbone was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Rathbone’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
Vickie Schray
Vickie Schray has 25+ years in public policy, leading national reforms in higher education. She’s coordinated efforts across education, workforce, and economic development. Her work focuses on improving quality, access, and affordability. Founder and Principal of Vanguard Coaching & Consulting Services, LLC. Ms. Schray was appointed to a four year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Schray’s term expires on June 30, 2029.
Vickie Schray has 25+ years in public policy, leading national reforms in higher education. She’s coordinated efforts across education, workforce, and economic development. Her work focuses on improving quality, access, and affordability. Founder and Principal of Vanguard Coaching & Consulting Services, LLC. Ms. Schray was appointed to a four year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Schray’s term expires on June 30, 2029.
Charles Patton
Charles Patton is Managing Member of Patton Holdings, LLC. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, including executive roles at American Electric Power. Patton is active in civic and corporate boards focused on economic development and education. Mr. Patton was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Patton’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
Charles Patton is Managing Member of Patton Holdings, LLC. He has extensive experience in the energy sector, including executive roles at American Electric Power. Patton is active in civic and corporate boards focused on economic development and education. Mr. Patton was appointed to a two year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Patton’s term expires on June 30, 2027.
Bouwien Smits
Bouwien Smits is Site VP and GM of Civica Rx in Petersburg, VA, leading operations to produce insulin and essential injectables. She brings 25+ years of pharma experience, with past roles at Sage Therapeutics and Takeda. Ms. Smits was appointed to a three year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Smits’ term expires on June 30, 2028.
Bouwien Smits is Site VP and GM of Civica Rx in Petersburg, VA, leading operations to produce insulin and essential injectables. She brings 25+ years of pharma experience, with past roles at Sage Therapeutics and Takeda. Ms. Smits was appointed to a three year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ms. Smits’ term expires on June 30, 2028.
Albert Poole
Albert Poole is Of Counsel at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC, with over 40 years of experience in business law, commercial transactions, and asbestos defense. A founding member of the firm, he has earned honors from Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Super Lawyers, and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Poole was appointed to a three year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Poole’s term expires on June 30, 2028.
Albert Poole is Of Counsel at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC, with over 40 years of experience in business law, commercial transactions, and asbestos defense. A founding member of the firm, he has earned honors from Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Super Lawyers, and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Poole was appointed to a three year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Poole’s term expires on June 30, 2028.
The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr.
James W. Dyke Jr., senior advisor at McGuireWoods Consulting, is a former Virginia Secretary of Education. He advises on education, transportation, and economic policy. Dyke is a longtime regional leader and award recipient. Mr. Dyke was appointed to a four year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Dyke’s term expires on June 30, 2029.
James W. Dyke Jr., senior advisor at McGuireWoods Consulting, is a former Virginia Secretary of Education. He advises on education, transportation, and economic policy. Dyke is a longtime regional leader and award recipient. Mr. Dyke was appointed to a four year term in June 2025 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Mr. Dyke’s term expires on June 30, 2029.
CONTACT
BOARD OF VISITORS
Gerrit Smith – Senior Executive Administrator& Clerk to the Board
gsmith@rbc.edu Phone: (804) 862-6221
Mailing Address: Richard Bland College Board of Visitors
Maze Hall 11301 Johnson Road South Prince George, VA 23805
BOV Email: bov@rbc.edu
