President & CEO 

Wren serves as the President and CEO of the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, where he leads with a deep commitment to community empowerment and local business growth. A proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, he completed the Advanced Standing Macro MSW program with a focus on systems-level change and public advocacy.

Before pursuing his graduate studies, Wren served in the United States Air Force for six years, with multiple deployments, including one to Iraq and another to Afghanistan. His military service instilled in him a profound dedication to service, leadership, and resilience—values that continue to guide his work today.

Wren began his journey in social work policy at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. While there, and later while working in a U.S. Senator’s office in Nevada, he focused on civic engagement, policy research, and constituent advocacy, laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to public service.

Throughout his career, Wren has been a passionate advocate for community development, veterans, families, and access to healthcare. He believes that strong communities are built through connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. As President & CEO, he works to strengthen ties between residents and businesses, ensuring both thrive together.

Wren’s mission is simple yet powerful: to improve lives, elevate voices, and support the people and businesses who make our communities vibrant and resilient. Wren continues to live by the three core values of the Air Force: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. 

Vice President

Matthew Hipple serves as Vice President of the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, bringing many years of leadership and construction management experience to the role. He is currently a Superintendent at Henderson Inc, where he oversees complex projects and manages diverse teams, ensuring they are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
Throughout his career, Matthew has built a reputation for strong leadership, strategic planning, and fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders, clients, and community partners.
 
His hands-on experience in project management and team development has strengthened his commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth within the region.
As Vice President of the Chamber, Matthew is dedicated to advancing initiatives that encourage business development, community engagement, and sustainable growth in New Kent. He is passionate about building connections, supporting fellow professionals, and helping create opportunities that benefit both businesses and residents throughout the community.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Matthew is a devoted husband and proud father. Matthew enjoys being outside, and you can often find him piddling in his yard. His deep roots in family life and community values inspire his passion for supporting initiatives that strengthen local businesses and enhance opportunities for families across the region.

 

Treasurer

In the heart of Providence Forge, there is a dynamic force that has not only shaped the landscape of C&F Bank but has also become an inspirational figure in the community—Christina Hockaday, the Branch Manager extraordinaire.
Born in the picturesque town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Christina’s journey to success is a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication. Her roots may be traced back to Pennsylvania, but it’s in New Kent that she found a place to call home.
Christina began defining her professional legacy after graduating from New Kent High School. With a passion for the financial world and an unyielding drive for success, Christina started her career at C&F Bank over a decade ago, taking on the teller role. Little did she know that this would be just the beginning of an illustrious climb up the corporate ladder. Through tenacity, hard work, and a hunger for knowledge, she navigated the complexities of the banking industry, embracing various roles to broaden her understanding.
Christina’s commitment to self-improvement led her to the University of Phoenix, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management. This academic achievement enriched her professional understanding and gave her the tools to lead with confidence and insight.
What sets Christina apart is her career trajectory and deep-rooted connection to the community she serves. Living in New Kent, she has seamlessly woven herself into the town’s fabric. Beyond the confines of her role at C&F Bank, Christina has found fulfillment in raising her three children in the nurturing embrace of the community.
Eager to give back, Christina has actively participated in local initiatives. Her enthusiasm has led her to take on a more prominent role in the Chamber of Commerce, where she hopes to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community she holds dear.
As a Branch Manager, Christina brings a wealth of financial expertise and a genuine passion for empowering those around her. Her journey, marked by perseverance, continuous learning, and community engagement, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals and community leaders alike.
Christina is a person who turned her dreams into reality, scaled professional heights, and enriched the lives of those in her community. As the sun continues to rise over Providence Forge, so does the influence of a leader who embodies the true spirit of success and community commitment.

Board Secretary

Maryellen Pennington

Maryellen Pennington is now retired after spending 30 years in the financial industry as an auditor, compliance officer, branch communications officer, and corporate training manager at two of the top five banks in the United States.

Her past job experiences also included advertising sales and freelance writing. She has traveled internationally to train acquired businesses, is proficient at instructional design, and enjoys the challenge of creating infographics.

With this appointment as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, Mary Ellen is excited to use the skills she’s acquired in her professional career to assist the board and help the businesses in New Kent County reach their highest potential. She’s also interested in re-establishing her freelance writing skills, teaching craft classes, and dabbling in some product development.

Other favorite distractions include playing with grandchildren, gardening, swimming, hiking, riding ATVs, reading, crafting, and having fun with family and friends. Mary Ellen lives in New Kent County, Virginia, with her husband, Michael, an orange tabby named Lord Baelish, and a calico named Calla. She and Michael have four grown children and five grandchildren.

Contact: secretary@newkentchamber.org

Fundraising Director

Courtney Carlton is a passionate and dedicated Mortgage Loan Officer at Chesapeake Bank Financial Shares, where she takes great pride in helping individuals and families finance their dream homes. With a heart deeply rooted in the Williamsburg area and surrounding counties, including New Kent, Courtney’s commitment to serving her community shines through in everything she does. Born and raised in West Point, just across the river from New Kent, Courtney’s journey began with a strong sense of local pride. After graduating from West Point High School, she pursued an associate’s degree in business administration from Rappahannock Community College. Though uncertain of her career path at the time, Courtney’s innate drive led her to a small community bank in Gloucester, VA, where she began her career in banking. There, she discovered her true calling in the Loan Department, and from that moment, her passion for helping others secure their financial futures grew. Courtney’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to her clients and her community. Today, she continues to guide families and individuals in making one of the most important decisions of their lives: homeownership. When she’s not assisting clients, Courtney enjoys the simple joys of life with her husband and son in King & Queen County, where they embrace the beauty of the outdoors every season. Courtney’s spirit of generosity and kindness is always evident, whether attending her niece’s sporting events in New Kent or visiting with family and friends. No matter where she goes, she is always ready to lend a helping hand, bridging communities with warmth and heart. Courtney Carlton is more than just a Mortgage Loan Officer; she is a dedicated, compassionate individual whose work and life reflect her deep commitment to making dreams come true for those around her.

Contact: Fundraising@newkentchamber.org| 804-966-8581

Co-Fundraising Director

With over 11 years of experience selling real estate in Richmond, Virginia and the surrounding counties, Vickie Coleman brings more than market expertise to every transaction she brings heart, connection, and a deep commitment to community. Vickie believes real estate is about far more than buying and selling homes; it’s about people, relationships, and helping others thrive.

A lifelong relationship-builder, Vickie has been married to her high school sweetheart, Martin, for 39 years. Together they have built a family that includes two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two beloved grandsons who keep life joyful and full. Family and faith are central to who she is, and she is actively involved in her local church, where she enjoys serving and building meaningful connections.

Known as a true connector, Vickie’s extensive network allows her clients to be introduced to some of the best local vendors, service providers, and professionals in the area trusted resources that make the real estate journey smoother and more successful. Her passion for relationships led her to found GROW Connections, a networking group dedicated to supporting local businesses, giving back to local nonprofits, and promoting a healthy, supportive community.

Giving back is at the core of everything Vickie does. Through both her real estate business and GROW Connections, she invests her time, talents, and financial resources into causes and organizations that strengthen the community she loves.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home or you’re a local business owner looking to grow, connect, and be promoted, Vickie would be honored to serve you and the friends and family you care about most.

Marketing Committee Director

Shequita Lee is the visionary founder of SL Media Consulting, is a dynamic speaker, adept social media strategist, and inspiring workshop facilitator with over a decade of rich experience in the digital landscape. She specializes in empowering small business owners by equipping them with the essential tools and unwavering confidence to elevate their online presence through smart strategies, engaging content creation, and immersive training sessions.

Her inspiring journey began in 2009 amidst the rise of social media platforms such as MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook, sparking a fervent passion for guiding businesses toward online success.

Shequita first captured attention by skillfully cultivating a thriving team of travel agents through innovative social media strategies that transformed their outreach. This remarkable success propelled her into the realms of coaching and consulting, where she passionately teaches business owners to master the art of managing impactful social media accounts through lively workshops and interactive live sessions.

As a devoted mother and grandmother in a beautifully blended family, she brings warmth and compassion to her work. Originally hailing from the vibrant state of Connecticut, she now calls Virginia home. There, she actively engages in volunteering and delights in exploring the breathtaking variety of wineries that the region has to offer.

Shequita takes great pride in her array of certifications and celebrates the ongoing growth and remarkable achievements of her business, continuously striving to inspire others in their digital journeys.

Contact: marketing@newkentchamber.org | 804-966-8581

Member Education Director

Alan Ramsey is a copywriter, storyteller, content creator, and believer in the Oxford comma. For the last three years he has been one half of Ramsey Writing Services, and he also is one half of Positive Lemons, a positivity company, 

 

Previous adventures include being a railroad engineer (yes, he got to blow the horn, and no, he did not say all aboard.) across the state of Ohio. Prior to his writing career he worked at a large living history museum in tidewater Virginia as a Supervisor of Historic Interpreters. 

 

When not working he enjoys exploring the world with his daughter from their home base in Providence Forge, Virginia.

Contact: education@newkentchamber.org | 804-966-8581

Membership Director

Robin Thomas has been a resident of New Kent since 2021. Currently, she provides administrative support for the Department of Facilities for the Henrico County Public School system. With over 20 years of experience working in the school environment, she is passionate about inspiring people to support education and help young men and women become the best version of themselves as they prepare to venture out into the world on their own.

She was born in New York into a military family and grew up in Virginia Beach. As a young adult, she was called to serve her country in the United States Air Force, developing her mechanical skills and working on fighter planes. While serving in New Hampshire, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management before returning home to Virginia. Several years later, she was inspired to go back to school to complete her Masters Degree in Business Administration at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Her community involvement includes serving as the Membership Chair for the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Parliamentarian for the New Kent Junior Women’s Club, and a member of the Richmond Society for Human Resource Management.

Robin has two adult children, Jordan and Kendall, who live in Richmond and Raleigh, respectively. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling, supporting live theater, going to the movies with her daughter, taking road trips, and spending time with family and friends.  She is a Disney enthusiast who lives her life according to the Donald Duck quote “Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own.”

Contact: membership@newkentchamber.org | 804-966-8581

Co-Membership Director

Trent Boullianne is a Business Development Manager with The Lee Group, where he works closely with local businesses to support their hiring needs while helping jobseekers find meaningful, long term opportunities. His background includes talent acquisition, business development, and community engagement, with a strong focus on building trusted relationships.

Before joining The Lee Group, Trent spent nearly ten years in the pawn industry supporting individuals during difficult moments. That experience shaped his people first approach and reinforced the importance of empathy, listening, and service.

Outside of work, Trent enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his wife and kids.

As a Board Member of the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, Trent is passionate about fostering collaboration, welcoming new businesses, and helping create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and connected.

 

Government Liaison 

Kenneth Magee is the Director of Growth & Organizational Effectiveness at Virginia Natural Gas, where he oversees the delivery of natural gas to more than 300,000 homes and businesses throughout the Hampton Roads region. In addition to driving business growth and expanding services to new customers, Magee manages key organizational functions including operations, strategic planning, and the company’s overall structure.

Prior to this position, Magee was Regional Director of Operations at Nicor Gas, a sister company to Virginia Natural Gas under Southern Company, based in Illinois. There, he ensured that 2.2 million customers and businesses received clean, safe, and reliable natural gas.

A champion of workforce development and community engagement initiatives, Magee serves on the Hampton Roads Workforce Council Foundation Board of Directors, Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors, New Kent County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is a member of the Virginia Maritime Association Transportation Committee.

Magee attended local schools in the Hampton Roads regions such as Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University receiving a degree in Technical Education. He also received a Master Certification in Project Management from Villanova University.

Contact: government@newkentchamber.org | 804-966-8581

Dr. Craig Coleman, is a board-certified physician, retired U.S. Navy officer, and founder of Coleman Health Services. He brings experience in clinical medicine, systems engineering, and healthcare cybersecurity to his board service. Dr. Coleman has worked across hospital, clinic, and telehealth environments and has led initiatives focused on care coordination, patient advocacy, and responsible use of emerging technologies in healthcare. His background in high-accountability environments informs his commitment to governance, operational discipline, and mission-focused leadership. As a board member at Thrive Virginia, he supports strategic growth, program oversight, and community-centered initiatives that strengthen families and promote long-term stability