The Honorable Kelly Gee Appointed to RBC Board of Visitors
For Immediate Release: January 14, 2026
Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu
The Richard Bland College Board of Visitors is pleased to welcome alumna Kelly Gee (‘08) as its ninth and final member. Gee’s board service will begin immediately with her term on the board concluding in June 2029.
“As a proud graduate, it is a privilege to be appointed to the Richard Bland College Board of Visitors,” Gee said. “I am eager to serve and to contribute to the meaningful work that supports the College’s mission and future direction.”
Gee brings more than 15 years of public service experience, with deep expertise in leadership, strategic development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and nonprofit board service. Additionally, she has led several impactful initiatives and built strong community partnerships along the way.
John Rathbone, Rector of the RBC Board of Visitors, affirmed the importance of having all board seats filled and commended the appointment of Kelly Gee, saying, “At a time when higher education faces significant headwinds, RBC’s governing board requires smart, talented professionals like Kelly Gee to maintain positive momentum and continue to drive regional advancement.”
RBC President Debbie Sydow says Gee brings a valuable skill set to the College’s Board of Visitors and her unique perspective as an alumna is particularly significant.
“Kelly Gee has built her career around public service, prioritizing community and economic development,” Dr. Sydow said. “Her deep understanding of the role that public higher education plays in access, workforce readiness and regional vitality aligns directly with the Richard Bland College mission and strategic priorities.
“At a time when the new Board of Visitors is deliberating how best to position Bland for the future, Kelly’s expertise, her knowledge of our community and her perspective as an RBC graduate make her a tremendous addition to the board.”
Gee currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement of Central Virginia, where she is committed to helping young people build the skills needed for lifelong success. Her career in public service includes serving as a senior staff member to the Virginia General Assembly, Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery and Secretary of the Commonwealth for Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Gee has also maintained a strong connection to her alma mater by serving on the RBC Foundation Board of Directors as Chair of the Advancement Committee and Secretary of the Executive Committee.
In April of last year, the Virginia General Assembly established the RBC Board of Visitors, which assumed governance oversight of Richard Bland College on July 1.
