About the Organization
Today, the organization strongly supports regional good-government initiatives, such as fair, non-partisan truth seeking in Virginia's affairs.
Speakers include area government officials; educators; candidates for office; specialists in transportation, economic development, tourism, and regional cooperation; health care and non-profit service providers; authorities on housing and challenges of the homeless; and political analysts, among other metro region leaders.
As the organization moves forward into its second century of public service, Richmond First welcomes new members from all neighborhoods in the region who believe that well-informed citizens are essential for a better government for everyone.
2025-26 Officers and Directors
Interim President - James (Jim) Jernigan
Vice President of Programs - Betty Burrell
Treasurer - LaShawn Allen
Secretary - Sandy Parker
Communications Director - Jazlyn Green
Membership Director - Lynn Bernard
At-Large Director - Dr. Lorita Daniels
At-Large Director - Lorraine Waddill
At-Large Director - Sam Seeley
Advisory Committee Members:
Ann Burks
Charles Ajemian
Kathy Graziano
Rayford Harris Jr.
Judy Philpott
Suzanne Munson Jernigan
Bernie Henderson
PRESIDENT
James Jernigan
After a successful corporate career in the U.S. and internationally, Jim founded CATEA Enterprises, Inc. in 1998-a business development consultancy leveraging his expertise in global operations, product development, business expansion, turnarounds, and startups. Now proud to call Richmond home, Jim is an active member of the community. He serves on the boards of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and ChildSavers100, and mentors MBA candidates at the University of Richmond's Robins School of Business, entrepreneurs at Lighthouse Labs RVA-a nationally recognized, equity-free early-stage accelerator-and clients at The Healing Place and CARITAS.
Vice President of Programs
Betty Burrell
Betty retired as a public service professional with over 42 years of progressive leadership experience in local government across various Virginia and Florida localities, including the City of Richmond, VA. She has volunteered with numerous organizations, such as the Cumberland Community Center Association, Virginia Voice, the Library of Virginia, and Communities In Schools, among others. Betty holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University. She has also completed several leadership programs, including the Virginia Executive Institute, the GFOA Advanced Government Finance Institute, and the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service Senior Executive Institute.
TREASURER
LaShawn Allen
LaShawnda Peteet-Allen is a mission-driven fundraising and communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience supporting nonprofits and social impact organizations. As Director of Philanthropy at YWCA Richmond, she leads fundraising, donor engagement, and communications to advance the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Her approach blends data-informed strategy with authentic storytelling, grounded in empathy, equity, and long-term sustainability. Throughout her career, LaShawnda has led cross-functional teams, managed complex campaigns, and built systems that drive clarity, collaboration, and results.
LinkedIn Bio: LaShawn Allen
SECRETARY
Sandy Parker
Sandra has over 40 years of experience in education, counseling, and administration, with a focus on adult learning, workforce development, and correctional education. She began as an employment and training counselor and played a key role in expanding adult learning centers and workplace education programs across Virginia. As a regional principal with the Department of Correctional Education, she strengthened academic, vocational, and reentry programs for incarcerated adults. Sandra holds degrees from Virginia Tech, Radford University, and George Washington University, and is a past president and lifelong member of the Virginia Association of Adult and Continuing Education. She remains active in the Correctional Education Association and contributes to historical scholarship through the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia, its African American History Committee, and the Richmond Civil War RoundTable.
COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
Jazlyn Green
Jazlyn is a Richmond native who works as the Senior Talent Development Specialist in Human Resources at the Virginia Housing. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a dual Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Human Resources and Real Estate. She is currently pursuing her Master's degree at Regent University in Organizational Leadership.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Lynn Woltz Bernard
Lynn serves as a Chesterfield County election official and as a volunteer for several NFP organizations. She holds certifications in various holistic lifestyle modalities and is a lifetime member of the National Center for Homeopathy. Her art, photography, and writing have been displayed/published widely over the past three decades after having resigned from a successful fashion design career to raise her 4 children. Lynn is an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the University of Virginia.
DIRECTOR
Dr. Lorita Daniels
Lorita is a professor of Public Administration and Policy at American University, where she teaches graduate students in the Master of Public Administration program. She currently serves on the local school board (2020-present), including as chair in 2024, advocating for equitable education initiatives. From 2014 to 2019, she was the governor-appointed Commissioner of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, investing in the arts and supporting artists statewide. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Healthy Families Rappahannock Board, helping ensure access to resources for new parents. Her deep commitment to public service is reflected in her involvement with numerous boards and nonprofits, as well as her published work in national and local outlets. Lorita holds a PhD in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech.
DIRECTOR
Sam Seeley
Sam has worked in public relations and marketing for over 25 years, mainly running her own communications consulting firm. She is an Accredited Public Relations professional and has been an adjunct professor in the VCU School of Business for over 15 years teaching marketing and communications. Additionally, she has also taught as a visiting faculty member of the Anglo-American University in Prague. Sam holds a BA from Furman University and an MA from UVA. She served as president of RFC for two terms: 2011-13.
DIRECTOR
Lorraine Waddill
Lorraine is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in political science and has spent over 15 years as a Legislative Aide in the Virginia General Assembly. She has served on the Virginia State Advisory Commission of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and as Chair of the Board at John Tyler Community College. Today, she remains active in civic and community life through her involvement with the League of Women Voters Richmond Metro Area, the Huguenot Republican Women's Club, and Mt. Pisgah Church in Midlothian.