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.
ANGELA OAKES
Marketing Representative
Areas of Expertise:
Business Development, Marketing, Graphic Design, Research
Angela joined the EDA in August 2016. She was previously with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, where she served first as a GIS Cartographic Technician and then as a Project Research Specialist, preparing proposals for companies interested in expanding or locating in the Commonwealth. She assists with the EDA’s overall marketing and attraction efforts, including managing active business attraction projects, preparing the "Henrico Now" newsletter, participating in trade shows and marketing missions, performing website updates, and coordinating special events.
MICAH KEMP
Research and Real Estate Coordinator
Areas of Expertise:
Market Research, Project Management
Micah joined the EDA late in 2016. He previously worked with the Virginia Housing Development Authority and is currently enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Urban and Regional Planning graduate program. With his background in planning and regional economic development, Micah now manages Henrico’s commercial real estate platforms and provides site and market research for potential development opportunities in the county.
FELICIA AINSA
Existing Business Manager
Areas of Expertise:
Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development
Felicia is a business development professional who has more than 10 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.
CURTIS COBERT
Existing Business Representative
Areas of Expertise:
Business Development, Research, Marketing
Curtis joined the EDA in 2016 as an Existing Business Representative. He previously worked as a Business Development Manager with the City of Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, assisting both new and existing companies as well as conducting research for the department. With the EDA, he helps with efforts to retain and help expand the roster of existing Henrico companies, performs department research, plans and executes special business events and assists with the marketing plan for the existing business program.
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
Patrick R. Liverpool – Chair
S. Floyd Mays Jr. – Vice Chair
Harold D. Parker Jr. – Treasurer
Susan W. Custer – Secretary
Brian P. Glass
David L. Maiden
Benjamin B. Miles
Travis J. Pearson
John M. Steele
Edward S. Whitlock III