President of the Board

Joshua Everard serves as the County Attorney for New Kent County, providing general legal counsel for the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, constitutional officers, and departments of local government that provide public services to the citizens of New Kent County. Mr. Everard is an established local government attorney with experience litigating complex civil disputes at the appellate and trial levels in both federal and state courts, negotiating and drafting multimillion-dollar contracts, advising public bodies, and providing general counsel to local government elected officials and executives on a wide variety of legal issues. Joshua earned his law degree from the Washington & Lee University School of Law and studied philosophy and economics at Old Dominion University. Joshua enjoys hiking and backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, riding his bicycle on the Virginia Capital Trail, and spending time with his family and friends. Ask him about his pumpkin patch.

Vice President

Joe Swartout

Joe Swartout is the founder and President/CEO of Freedom Fields Inc. and works with heroes within the First Responders, First Receivers, Dispatchers, Corrections Officers, Veterans, Faith Based Leaders communities to help combat suicides, domestic violence, and divorces caused by the invisible wounds that for decades we have all be taught to “brush off” and “just forget about it.” One is too many!
Joe is an accomplished Senior Logistics Professional with over three decades of experience in supply chain management, IT program management, government regulations, and logistics strategies. He is a retired US Army Warrant Officer and a highly decorated disabled combat veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Deliberate Hope. He receives a Bronze Star Medal and a Defense Meritorious Service Medal for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
Joe holds an associate degree from Central Texas College and a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Government-Public Administration. He is certified as a Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt. Joe has served the New Kent community officially on boards and committees and as a volunteer with the Providence Forge Volunteer Fire and Rescue. He has guided and led US military forces to defend our nation for over 30 years. He is dedicated to ensuring New Kent businesses and citizens are afforded every opportunity to excel and succeed in every opportunity possible.

  • Contact: vicepresident@newkentchamber.org 

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: chambersecretary@newkentchamber.org

Fundraising Director

Courtney Carlton  has been a resident of New Kent since 2021. Currently, she serves as the Director of Finance and Operations at Lynnhaven School in eastern Henrico. With over 20 years of experience working in the private school environment, she is passionate about inspiring people to support education and helping young men and women become the best version of themselves as they prepare to venture out into the world on their own. She recently joined the New Kent Chamber of Commerce and the New Kent Junior Women’s Club to meet more people and serve her community.

Being a military child, she was born in New York and grew up in Virginia Beach. As a young adult, she was called to serve 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 completed her Masters Degree in Business Administration through Virginia Wesleyan University.

She has two adult children, Jordan and Kendall, who live in Richmond and Virginia Beach, respectively. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting live theater, going to the movies with her daughter, visiting wineries, and spending time with family.

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

 

Programs and Awards Director

Austin Martin

Austin’s core focus for New Kent is building and empowering other small businesses for success. He also wants to maintain the tight-knit community, ensuring New Kent is where you want to be!

Austin Martin was born and raised in Varina, Virginia. He moved to New Kent in 2020 and fell in love instantly! Austin previously worked in commercial construction management, but he had other plans.
He is now the owner and founder of Early Bird Cafe, a mobile coffee unit. Early Bird is local in New Kent and travels to surrounding areas. His mobile coffee units have skyrocketed, and he couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome thus far. His love for coffee and his customers keeps him devoted to serving the best coffee in town.

Austin enjoys spending time with his family and the outdoors when he is not working. Austin and his wife have three beautiful children, Olivia, Caleb, and Tatum, as well as his furry friend, Jax.

Marketing Committee Director

Shequita Lee is a skilled Speaker, Consultant, and Social Media Manager at SL Media Consulting with over a decade of expertise. Her journey began in 2009 with platforms like MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook, igniting a passion for helping businesses succeed online.

Shequita first gained recognition by building a thriving team of travel agents through social media strategies. This success led her to coaching and consulting, where she now teaches business owners how to manage impactful social media accounts through workshops and live sessions.

She specializes in scaling growth on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok. Her signature strategy program helps businesses achieve goals by identifying gaps and delivering actionable plans tailored to their unique needs.

Whether you’re seeking social media management, strategy, content creation, or audits, Shequita offers customized solutions to build your ideal audience and boost visibility. Her collaborative approach ensures top-tier support and measurable success.

I am particularly proud of renewing my SWAM Certification and celebrating the ongoing growth and success of my business.

Member Education Director

Haneefah “Nene” Williams is a remarkable example of resilience and determination from Saint Louis, MO. As a dedicated mother of two and a proud Air Force veteran, she empowers herself, her children, and the New Kent community. Leveraging her disciplined military background, Haneefah has built a successful operations and data management career, excelling in high-pressure environments while fostering accountability and growth.

Her logistical expertise shines through her achievements in equipment accountability and inventory management. Haneefah streamlines processes, boosts operational efficiency, and ensures data accuracy, paving the way for project success. Her dedication to customer service reflects her belief in building strong connections, and she always addresses client needs with empathy.

Haneefah holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Park University. After relocating to New Kent in 2022, she bravely became a small business owner, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Haneefah is excited to pursue the role of Education Director for the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, which aligns with her passion for learning and development. Her inspiring journey underscores that with hard work and determination, she hopes to motivate the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

Membership Director

 

Brooke Mabon is active in community service and outreach and serves on multiple committees, such as the Proactive Action for Community in Crisis Committee (PACC), of which she is the chair of the Strengthening Parents, Children, and Families subcommittee, and the New Kent Community Resource Council. Brooke is excited to be part of the Leadership Team of the Tri-Rivers Trauma Informed Community Network (TICN) as a Trauma and resiliency Trainer. 
Brooke is the owner of Holistic Healing of New Kent. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). She has a BS in Psychology and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, both from VCU.
With over 15 years of experience in her field, she has extensive training and expertise in an array of mental health settings/roles, including Therapy (group/family/individual), Supervising IIH/MHSB, NKCPS Student Services, Assessing Multiple local CSBs, IIH, MHSB, CM, ABA, TDT, Alternative School, Elder Care, Group Homes, and Foster Care.​​
Brooke’s clients describe her as a great problem solver, optimistic, and genuinely caring about her coworkers.
In her spare time, when she’s away from New Kent, you can find Brooke somewhere near the Chesapeake Bay or at the “Rivah” on a boat, in the water, or along the shore. She might have a fishing pole in her hand, be sitting by a bonfire or with a pile of children on the back of her golf cart, spending time with her daughter, their dog Roxie, friends, and family, practicing self-care. 
 

Government Liaison 

Anna Jones is a distinguished professional who currently serves as the Government Liaison Director for the New Kent Chamber of Commerce. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, having earned her credentials as a Licensed Insurance Broker and a partner of Community Insurance Advisors situated in Providence Forge, VA. Her areas of specialization include Individual and Group Health Insurance, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription Drug plans, Dental/Vision Insurance, and Life Insurance.

Anna has received numerous accolades during her tenure as an Insurance Broker, including the prestigious “Top New Broker Sales” award for Humana and the “Impact Award” from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Her dedication to client satisfaction and commitment to tailoring plans that fit specific needs has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, Anna is an active community member who serves as a Board Member for the Community Strategy Council (CSC) at the Farms of New Kent. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in facilitating communication between the developer and the Homeowner’s Association while focusing on long-term planning and goals for the Farms of New Kent. Additionally, Anna is affiliated with the NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals), DAVA (Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary), and the VAHU (Virginia Association of Health Underwriters).

Originally hailing from Chesterfield, Virginia, Anna and her family decided to relocate to New Kent in 2021. They were drawn to the county’s smaller community atmosphere but with a vision for the county’s rapid growth and development. As a resident of New Kent County, Anna is enthusiastic about witnessing the ongoing changes in business growth and development in the area. She recognizes the significance of fostering strong relationships between the Chamber of Commerce and local county and government officials to facilitate continued growth. As the government liaison director for the Chamber, she is eager to cultivate meaningful relationships with county and government officials that will contribute to the progress and success of both the Chamber and the county.

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

Special Project Committee Chair

Sam Drewry is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones with an office in Williamsburg, VA. 
Sam attended Radford University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2012. While in college, he enlisted as an infantryman in the Virginia Army National Guard and has enjoyed over 14 years of military service, currently, he serves as a Platoon Sergeant in a combat infantry platoon A-Co 3-116th INF. That same dedication to cause and service is a mindset Sam carries forward in both his career at Edward Jones as well as in serving the members of our New Kent Chamber.
 
Sam and his wife, Ashleigh, have five children (two sets of twins, ages 3 and 1, in addition to a 7 year old). Originally from Southampton County, his family moved to West Point, Virginia, in January 2019, and they fell in love with the region immediately. Sam is an active member of the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Historical Society of West Point, Rotary Club of West Point, New Kent Chamber of Commerce, and the West Point Chamber of Commerce. He is also the Past President of the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, and also the West Point Chamber of Commerce, as well as the past Chairman of the West Point Crab Carnival and Taste of New Kent Wine Festival. He also currently serves on the Membership Committee and the Military Affairs Committee for the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce.
 
As Director of Membership for the New Kent Chamber of Commerce, Sam is looking forward to serving the businesses of New Kent County and growing together.