Newport News, VA – An Achievable Dream (AAD) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members, Keira Lombardo of Smithfield Foods, Inc., William T. Morrison of TowneBank, and Doug Lutz of Capital Group.
“Our Boards of Directors are comprised of dedicated community leaders who are committed to the mission and vision of An Achievable Dream as we work to bring equitable opportunities to students in traditionally under-served communities in Virginia,” said Dr. Lee Vreeland, AAD President and CEO. “We are excited to welcome Keira, Will, and Doug to our board and we are grateful for their expertise and passion for this work.”
Keira Lombardo, Chief Administrative Officer, Smithfield Foods, Inc., now serves on An Achievable Dream, Inc.’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Lombardo joined Smithfield Foods in 2002 and assumed her current position in 2020. Based at the global food company’s headquarters in Smithfield, Virginia, she leads the communications, sustainability, legal, government affairs and human resources functions. Mrs. Lombardo is responsible for enhancing the company’s reputation and brand and creating internal strategic alignment among its 55,000 global team members. As the principal spokesperson for Smithfield Foods, Mrs. Lombardo is also responsible for developing, communicating, and executing a number of strategic initiatives, including Smithfield’s acclaimed sustainability program. She is president of the Smithfield Foundation, a non-profit organization that acts as the company’s philanthropic arm, and serves on the boards of several industry organizations, including The National Association of Manufacturers and The North American Meat Institute.
Mrs. Lombardo shares, “Education has the power to dramatically strengthen communities. I am proud of Smithfield Foods’ long relationship with An Achievable Dream, and I am honored to continue that partnership as a member of the Board of Directors. We continue to support An Achievable Dream in providing students with equitable access to educational opportunities, right here in our own community.”
William T. Morrison, also known as Will, who joined An Achievable Dream Virginia Beach, Inc.’s Board of Directors, serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TowneBank Mortgage and Towne Realty following the merger of Monarch Bank and TowneBank in June of 2016. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Monarch Mortgage from August 2011 until such merger, Mr. Morrison has over 30 years of banking experience and has previously served as chief operating officer and chief credit officer at local community banks. A resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia for 45 years and a graduate of Princess Anne High School and Old Dominion University, Mr. Morrison’s civic and community activities include having served on the Virginia Beach Community Service Board, the United Way Funds Distribution Committee, the Virginia Beach Youth Foundation, Virginia Beach Forum and serving on Old Dominion University Executive Advisory Council Board for the School of Business.
“An Achievable Dream works tirelessly to close the educational gap and provide students a path to success and futures filled with opportunity,” says Mr. Morrison. “TowneBank is proud to support this important work and I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors.”
Doug Lutz, Administrative Coordinator at Capital Group, now serves on An Achievable Dream Certified Academies, Inc.’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lutz provides administrative support to several departments of Capital Group including event planning, data analysis, technical assistance, and editorial support. He also co-leads the volunteer programs and several employee resource groups, including the Veterans community and Arts community. Prior to joining Capital Group, Mr. Lutz had a successful career as a bandmaster in the United States Marine Corps’ music program before retiring in 2007. He then decided to put his organizational skills to use in a corporate environment. While at Capital Group, Mr. Lutz has become one of the company’s national speakers promoting diversity and inclusion, especially with regard to the LGBTQ+ community.
“My first experience with AAD was as a volunteer helping at the end-of-year field day for the Newport News AAD Academy elementary school,” shares Mr. Lutz. “I was so impressed with the entire school, from staff to students. There are so many temporary ‘fixes’ in the world, but only when you provide hope to our kids will a true difference be made. An Achievable Dream does this, and I am truly excited to be part of this mission.”
A full list of the members of An Achievable Dream’s Boards of Directors can be found here.