OUR TEAM IS YOUR TEAM.
Whether your business is new or established, domestic or international, the Henrico EDA is your central point of contact for development in Henrico County. Our skilled staff will help you navigate the complexities of site selection – from initial research to completed deal. And for businesses already located in Henrico, we’re always on call to help you succeed in any way we can. Contact us at 804.501.7654 or fill out this form.
GARY MCLAREN
Executive Director
Areas of Expertise:
Economic & Business Development, Marketing, Management, Strategic Planning, Government
Gary McLaren became Executive Director of the Henrico County Economic Development Authority in April 2009. He previously served for six years as Deputy Director of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Virginia’s primary statewide economic development agency. He joined the VEDP in 1999 as Director of Business Development and led Virginia’s domestic and international marketing program to attract additional jobs and investment. His career in economic development spans 38 years.
TONEY HALL
Deputy Director
Areas of Expertise:
Recruitment of National and International Business Capital Investment
Toney has more than 20 years of experience at the local and regional levels, attracting capital investment from a variety of national and international business sectors. He oversees the EDA’s marketing functions as well as its business attraction and expansion programs. Before joining the EDA, he served as Vice President of the Greater Richmond Partnership, founded the Virginia Biotechnology Association, and held several other private and public sector positions.
TWYLA POWELL
Business Attraction Manager
Areas of Expertise:
Domestic & International New Business Development
Twyla is an experienced business development professional who has worked for 20 years in private sector business development and project management and eight years in public sector economic development. Most recently, in her former role as Business Development Manager for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, she was responsible for attracting capital investment and new jobs to the Commonwealth. As the EDA’s Business Attraction Manager, she leads the Business Attraction program to bring new domestic and international businesses to Henrico.
MICAH KEMP
Marketing Representative
Areas of Expertise:
Market Research, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing
Micah serves on the EDA’s business attraction team, working to market the benefits of Henrico County and its business offerings. He joined the Henrico after working as an analyst for the Virginia Housing Development Authority and completing his master’s of Urban and Regional Planning at VCU. Micah is responsible for coordinating Henrico’s marketing and lead generation efforts, responding to project inquiries, and managing select projects.
ABIGAIL PATTERSON
Research and Real Estate Coordinator
Areas of Expertise:
Market Research, Real Estate, Project Management
Abigail joined the EDA in 2018 after receiving her Master's in Geographic Information Systems from John Hopkins University. As the EDA Research and Real Estate Coordinator, she maintains and manages our real estate database, provides mapping support for projects, and performs research and data analysis for development opportunities in the county and to support businesses.
FELICIA AINSA
Existing Business Manager
Areas of Expertise:
Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development
Felicia is a business development professional who has more than 15 years of experience in consulting and helping businesses achieve a higher level of success. Most recently, she worked for three years in workforce development to ensure that companies protect their most important asset – their people. As the EDA's Existing Business Manager, she leads retention and expansion efforts and coordinates the Business First volunteer team to identify local businesses in need of support.
AUDREY POLK
Existing Business Representative
Areas of Expertise: Business Retention and Expansion, Economic Research, Project Management
Audrey joined the Henrico EDA team in April 2018. Previously, she worked as a Research Analyst for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), where she calculated state ROI’s and designed customized marketing proposals for projects locating to or expanding across the Commonwealth. Audrey is also a proud VCU alumna, chips and salsa enthusiast, and self-proclaimed podcast junkie. As the Existing Business Representative, Audrey provides informational assistance to local Henrico businesses, manages business expansion projects, and helps coordinate business retention special events.
DIANE BLANKENSHIP
Existing Business Assistant
Areas of Expertise:
Office Administration, Business Services, Expansion & Retention Support
Diane is likely the first person you’ll meet when visiting the Henrico EDA offices. She joined the team in 1996, bringing with her extensive experience in customer service and administration. She is responsible for various administrative duties, including all County account payables. She also assists with the management of the Business First program.
WENDY MILLER
Office Administrator
Areas of Expertise:
Office & Financial Administration
Wendy joined the EDA as an Administrative Assistant in 2014, bringing with her considerable experience in corporate and office administration, finance, human resources, project management and real estate. She oversees diverse operational areas, including vendor and contract management, the EDA and Henrico County budgets, and EDA Industrial Revenue Bonds. Wendy also serves as Project Manager for White Oak Technology Park
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
S. Floyd Mays Jr. – Chair
Benjamin B. Miles – Vice Chair
Travis J. Pearson – Treasurer
Edward S. Whitlock III – Secretary
Dennis J. Berman
Susan W. Custer
Brian P. Glass
David L. Maiden
Harold D. Parker Jr.
John M. Steele
BOARD MEETINGS
The Henrico County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday of each month.
January 18, 2018
February 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
April 19,2018
May 17, 2018
June 21, 2018
July 19, 2018
August 16, 2018
September 20, 2018
October 18, 2018
November 15, 2018
December 20, 2018*
Meetings begin at 6:30pm in the Board Room of the EDA offices located at 4300 E. Parham Rd. Henrico, VA 23228.
*December Board Meeting will be held at the Dominion Club (6000 Dominion Club Dr., Glen Allen 23059)
Committee Meetings
Personnel - October 18 at 4:00pm
Marketing - TBD
Strategic Planning - TBD
Nominating - TBD
Finance - TBD
Committee Meetings are held in the Board Room of the EDA offices located at 4300 E. Parham Rd. Henrico, VA 23228 unless otherwise noted.