MCV Foundation Trustees Come Together at Annual Board Meeting

The beautiful Country Club of Virginia served as the location for the Foundation’s annual board meeting and dinner. Gail Johnson reflected on her last three years as board chair and passed the gavel to Harry Thalhimer. “Take it with my blessing and to new places,” she said. Harry expressed gratitude for Gail’s leadership, “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Gail for the last 18 months. We have worked together to accomplish what we didn’t think was possible, and this a true testament to Gail.”

The new slate of officers selected included Harry Thalhimer as chair, Gail Johnson as immediate past chair, Charles Crone as corporate secretary, and Darius Johnson as treasurer.

Four trustees renewed their terms for three years: Roger Boeve, Elizabeth Buono, Jeffrey Gumenick and Keith Middleton, and Gail renewed her term for one year.

We also wish to express our gratitude to the five members who completed their board terms this June — JoAnne K. Henry, Ed.D.; John Martin; Bertha C. Rolfe, R.Ph.; George W. Vetrovec, M.D.; and Harold F. Young, M.D. We look forward to continued collaboration with them through a new initiative, currently in development, that will allow our former board members to stay engaged with the Foundation.

During the dinner, two former board members were awarded lifetime honorary trustee status for their significant contributions over the years.
Austin Brockenbrough III portrait
Austin Brockenbrough III is named a lifetime honorary trustee.

Austin Brockenbrough III was a board member for 21 years and established a team of investment professionals to manage the Foundation’s endowment until his firm formally took over in 2012. “When I think of Austin and his service to the Foundation, he has helped ensure the stability of the investment portfolio through his wise counsel and advice,” said Harry Thalhimer, board chair. Austin has agreed to take a lead role with a new group to engage former trustees.

Bill Gray portrait
J. William Gray Jr., J.D., is named a lifetime honorary trustee.

J. William Gray Jr., J.D., served on the board for 20 years and continues to provide his expert legal advice that has guided the Foundation since 1995. “Bill is an encyclopedia on Virginia philanthropic organization rules and regulations. He lives every day to make sure we do great things at the MCV Foundation and that we do it right. He is a pillar of unwavering support,” said Harry Thalhimer.

We were pleased to honor four recipients with the MCV Foundation awards during the dinner reception.

Jerome F. Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D. was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Jerome F. Strauss Award, established in his honor as a nationally renowned researcher, educator and administrator who has served as dean of the VCU School of Medicine since 2005. This award will be given annually to a VCU Health administrator, faculty or staff member who has demonstrated extraordinary service and stewardship to MCV alumni, donors or other members of the community to support and advance the mission of the MCV Foundation.

Herbert A. Claiborne Jr., M.D. was selected as the 2016 recipient of the Michael B. Dowdy Award. This award recognizes a volunteer who has played a lead role fundraising for the MCV Campus. Dr. Claiborne is a lifetime honorary trustee of the MCV Foundation and served as a trustee for 16 years and board chair from 1995 – 2001. He is chair of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, and has been a strong advocate for the VCU School of Nursing.

Judith B. Collins, W.H.N.P. was selected as the 2016 recipient of the Eugene P. Trani MCV Campus Leadership Award. This award recognizes exceptional dedication and support of the MCV Campus. Judy has been a trustee of the MCV Foundation since 1997 and has been an active member of the communications, development and executive committees. She is a recognized leader in women’s health and has been a strong supporter of the VCU School of Nursing.

Joel J. Silverman, M.D. was selected as the 2016 recipient of the Robert Irby Award. This award is presented to a faculty member who has assisted with major fundraising efforts. As the chair of the VCU Department of Psychiatry, he worked tirelessly to obtain state funding to establish a new building for the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. He has brought together donors and friends to provide unprecedented philanthropic support to the growing area of mental health.