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.

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.

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.

Charles Patton
Charles Patton is Managing Member of Patton Holdings, LLC. He 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.

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.

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.

Public Notice

Public Notice - September 2, 2025
- The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors Executive Committee
  to meet in-person on September 5, 2025
  
  The Executive Committee of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors will hold an in-personmeeting on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST., at the office of Poole Brooke Plumlee PC, located at 4705 Columbus Street, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-6749. The purpose of the meeting is to interview prospective search firms under consideration for leading a presidential search.
  
  The meeting will be held in open session. For questions please reach out to Gerrit Smith, Clerk to the Board of Visitors, at gsmith@rbc.edu or (804)862-6221.
  
  All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comments during the meeting.
Public Notice - September 16, 2025
- The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors Executive Committee to meet in-person on September 19, 2025.
  
  The Executive Committee of the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors will hold an in-person meeting on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST., at the office of Poole Brooke Plumlee PC, located at 4705 Columbus Street, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-6749. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the references and cost compare the final three presidential search firms under consideration for leading a presidential search.
  
  The meeting will be held in open and closed sessions. For questions, please reach out to Gerrit Smith, Senior Executive Administrator and Clerk to the Board of Visitors, at gsmith@rbc.edu or (804)862-6221.
  
  All times are approximate, and the Board reserves the right to adjust its schedule as necessary. There will be no opportunity for public comments during the meeting.