Officers
Mr. Carter Smith
Board ChairCarter Smith is currently the President and owner of Currie Medical, a manufacturer and reprocessor of medical devices serving large hospital systems nationwide. Over his career, Carter has led successful business turnarounds, investigated fraud and mismanagement, and spearheaded over a dozen strategic acquisitions. Carter holds a B.A. in history from The University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden Business School.
Matt Frauenzimmer, CAPT, USN
Vice ChairMatt Frauenzimmer served with distinction in the US Navy for over 30 years. His experience spans multiple operational deployments around the world to shaping policy. He has led in combat, crisis response, and on the home front while commanding aviation, installation, and training units. Matt holds a BS in History (with Merit) from the US Naval Academy and a MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business. He is graduate of the Naval War College and the CIVIC Leadership Institute.
J.T. Hasty
TreasurerJT Hasty works as an account executive for Towne Insurance. In addition to The Planning Council, JT volunteers at the YMCA SHR Mount Trashmore, LINK of Hampton Roads, Children’s Harbor, and the National African American Insurance Association. JT is the treasurer for the Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals and the Co-Chair of the TowneBank Emerging Leaders DEI. JT is a graduate of Virginia State University and holds an MBA from Regent University.
Ms. Cydney Lopez
SecretaryCydney Lopez is the Founder/Executive Director of Nurturing Amenities, a nonprofit organization committed to improving maternal well-being by providing mothers with tools, resources, and opportunities to strengthen their support networks and manage stress effectively. Cydney holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University and a Master of Public Health from Capella University.
Ms. Oneiceia Howard
Immediate Past ChairOneiceia Howard currently serves as the Assistant Director for the City of Norfolk’s Department of Neighborhood Services. She has over two decades of community engagement and workforce development experience and lends her background and interests to support several boards and community organizations. Oneiceia received her BS in Sociology from Georgia Southern University and MPA from Troy University.
Carter Smith is currently the President and owner of Currie Medical, a manufacturer and reprocessor of medical devices serving large hospital systems nationwide. Over his career, Carter has led successful business turnarounds, investigated fraud and mismanagement, and spearheaded over a dozen strategic acquisitions. Carter holds a B.A. in history from The University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden Business School.
Honorable Martin Thomas Jr., ESQ
Vice Chair
Martin Thomas is a partner at Decker Law in downtown Norfolk where he has litigated personal injury cases since 2006. Martin is the Vice Mayor of the City of Norfolk. Martin received his bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) and State University in 2002 and graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2006.
Captain Matt Frauenzimmer graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and over a 25+ year career, he’s served in multiple operational, leadership, and command roles—from deployments aboard aircraft carriers to shaping Navy policy. He’s flown over 2,500 hours, led in combat and crisis response, and commanded both aviation and installation units. He holds graduate degrees in business and leadership, and national security affairs, and today leads the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Consortium.
Cydney Lopez is the Founder/Executive Director of Nurturing Amenities, a nonprofit organization committed to improving maternal well-being by providing mothers with tools, resources, and opportunities to strengthen their support networks and manage stress effectively. Cydney holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University and a Master of Public Health from Capella University.
Oneiceia Howard currently serves as the Assistant Director for the City of Norfolk’s Department of Neighborhood Services. She has over two decades of community engagement and workforce development experience and lends her background and interests to support several boards and community organizations. Oneiceia received her BS in Sociology from Georgia Southern University and MPA from Troy University.
Board of Directors
Ms. Eva Wiggins
Eva Wiggins is responsible for all marketing initiatives for Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate. Prior to joining Harvey Lindsay, she worked with various International Development Agencies throughout Central and South America, including United States Agency for International Development, United States Department of Justice, Catholic Relief Services, and the United States Peace Corps. Eva received her Bachelor’s from University of Santa Barbara and Master’s from Cornell University.
Ms. Serena Amerson
Serena Amerson, MA, CFRE, serves as Assistant Vice President of Planned Giving at Old Dominion University, where she leads a comprehensive strategy to grow legacy giving and secure transformational support aligned with the university’s priorities. A seasoned nonprofit leader with previous roles including Executive Director of Major Gifts & Annual Giving at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Chief Development Officer at ForKids, Inc., and Associate Director of Development at the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.
Ms. Nicole Brown-Griffin
Nicole Brown-Griffin is a Wealth Advisor at Wealth Avenue in Virginia Beach. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial and tax industry, serving both civilians and service members. Nicole is a Certified Financial Planner™, Accredited Financial Counselor®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and an Enrolled Agent. Nicole graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Mr. Greg Grootendorst
Greg Grootendorst serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), a role he has held since 2023. In this position, he advances the organization’s mission of fostering collaboration among local governments across the Hampton Roads region. Greg has been with HRPDC since 2001, serving as the Chief Economist before becoming the Deputy Director. He has contributed to numerous regional initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to regional cooperation and long-term planning.
Ms. Nicole Naidyhorski
Nicole Naidyhorski is the Business Development and Marketing Director for Kaufman & Canoles. She is responsible for the firm’s marketing, communication, and business development efforts. She also manages all aspects of events, charitable contributions, and community engagement. Nicole has 23 years of experience in the legal marketing industry. She is a 2024 Women in Business Achievement Award recipient and a graduate of LEAD757.
Mr. James R. Herndon
James (Jim) R. Herndon is a retired owner of Controlled Conditions Corp, a Commercial HVAC company. His professional career began as an apprentice at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., and attending ODU as a part of his career development. He advanced to President of MHI and later President and CEO of Colonna’s Shipyard. Jim serves as a member of the Union Mission Ministries Board, Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce Board, Elder of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk.
Nicole Bolding
Nicole Bolding is a Director of Thriving Y’s at Y-USA. She supports YMCA CEO’s and boards nationwide with CEO Searches, Financial Sustainability, Collaborations, and Board Development. Nicole serves on the steering committee for the national Native American/Indigenous Resource Network. Nicole has her degree in Business Management with a minor in Human Resources from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
Ms. Kate Ellis, ESQ
Kate Lennon Ellis is an attorney at Woods Rogers in Norfolk, Virginia. In her practice, she represents clients in complex civil litigation in federal and state courts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in Political Science and Legal Studies from St. John Fisher College and her Juris Doctor degree from the William & Mary School of Law. Kate is named as a 2025 Top Lawyer in Civil Law Litigation by Coastal Virginia.
Ms. J. Gail Nicula, Ph.D
Gail Nicula teaches public administration courses for Old Dominion University’s School of Public Service. She developed two original courses for the MPA program, on civic engagement and on complex problem solving. Her undergraduate degree and first master’s degree are from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her Ph.D. is from Old Dominion University, in Urban Services Management.
Ms. Patrycja Plucinski
Patrycja Plucinski, CFP®|AAMS® is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor serving Norfolk, VA. With over 20 years of experience, she partners with clients to help them organize, grow, protect, and transfer wealth. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.A. in business management.
RADM Byron E. “Jake” Tobin (Ret.)
RADM Tobin commanded Naval Base Norfolk and U. S. Naval Forces in Japan. Jake retired from the Navy after 36 years.
Janet Days, CAPT, USN (Ret)
CAPT Janet Days, USN (Retired) has dedicated 37 years to the United States Navy, serving with distinction in various leadership roles. She currently serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Suffolk, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Old Dominion University (Summa Cum Laude) and an MBA from the Monterey Navy Postgraduate School. She is a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff College and the CIVIC Leadership Institute.
Ms. Liz Boyles
Liz Boyles began her career at the CIA, transitioning to organizational development consulting, specializing in change management and strategy development at federal agencies. Liz currently runs global projects in Ball Corporation’s procurement strategy team. Liz is an alum of Texas A&M and has graduate degrees from GWU and UVA. She is the Director of the Maury High School Mentoring Program and member of the Norfolk City Emergency Management Committee.
Jo Ann Short, Ex Officio
Senior Management
Jo Ann Short
President/Chief Executive Officer
(757) 622-9268 Ext. 3008
Since joining in 2022, Jo Ann Short has focused her leadership on three strategic priorities: Board Development, Program Expansion, and Fund Advancement. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the YMCA Movement—including 14 years as CEO—Ms. Short brings a proven track record in strategic growth, organizational mergers, governance enhancement, fund development, financial turnaround, and program innovation. Ms. Short holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Leadership & Development and a Master of Science in Organizational Management & Leadership from Springfield College.
Mary Ryberg, CPA, CFE
Chief Financial Officer
(757) 622-9268 Ext. 3028
Mary Ryberg, CPA, CFE, oversees TPC’s $14 million annual budget, providing strategic leadership across all financial operations. Her responsibilities include accounting systems, financial analysis, internal controls, audits, tax compliance, payroll and benefits, budget management, expense oversight, IT systems, and business insurance. Mary brings extensive experience from higher education finance, having served as Vice President for Finance at Virginia Wesleyan University and as Senior Director of Finance at the Illinois College of Optometry. She holds both CPA and CFE designations and has earned two master’s degrees: one in Accounting with a graduate credential in Forensics and Fraud, and another in Information Systems.
Julie Dixon, MPH
Vice President, Community Planning and Development
(757)622-9268 Ext. 3002
Julie Dixon, MPH, leads, with a team of ten, a wide range of community planning, assessment, and evaluation initiatives and she facilitates the coordination of several coalitions throughout the Hampton Roads region. Julie holds degrees in International Relations and Russian Language from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Public Health from George Washington University. Her work has been recognized both regionally and statewide. In 2022, she and her team received the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Best Regional Partnership Award. In 2023, Ms. Dixon was honored with the Hampton Roads Housing Consortium Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring contributions to housing and community development.
Katherine Martinez
Director of Development and Marketing
(757)622-9268 Ext. 3022
Katherine Martinez leads the fund development and marketing initiatives to increase philanthropic support and elevate awareness of The Planning Council’s mission and impact. Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, she oversees donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, event promotion, and secure critical resources for the organization’s mission-driven initiatives. Katherine brings a strong blend of sponsorship development, donor engagement, communications expertise, relationship-building skills, and strategic marketing insight to the position. Katherine holds a BS in Sociology & Criminal Justice from ODU, is a Veteran from the Navy as a Sonar Technician.
Amanda Ofsonka
Director, Continuum of Care Programs
(757) 622-9268 Ext. 3004
Amanda Ofsonka leads the coordination team dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness across two Continuums of Care in the Greater Hampton Roads region. She works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to evaluate system strengths and gaps, monitor program and system performance, analyze data and trends, and align local efforts with national best practices. Under her leadership, the coordination team was recognized with the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Best Regional Partnership Award in 2022 for their impactful and collaborative approach to addressing homelessness.
Jordan Schaller, MBA
Director, Data Systems & HMIS Administration
(757) 622-9268 Ext. 3033
Jordan Schaller, MBA, is the Director of the HMIS Data Team, where she leads the strategic use of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) across five Continuums of Care in Virginia. With a deep commitment to data-driven decision-making, Jordan works closely with a broad network of partners and stakeholders to transform complex data into actionable insights that drive meaningful change. Her efforts are focused on improving outcomes and advancing community-based solutions to end homelessness. In recognition of this work, Jordan and her team received the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Best Regional Partnership Award in 2022.
Lisa Lyons
CACFP Program Director
(757) 657-0716
Lisa Lyons oversees all aspects of program operations and compliance for the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), leading a team of 13 Field Monitors and Operations staff. She serves as the primary liaison for compliance efforts with key regional partners, including the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of School Community Nutrition, the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Community Nutrition, and the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Division of Health and Wellness. Lisa also contributes her expertise on a national level as a member of the National CACFP Association’s Policy Committee, where she helps shape the direction and integrity of CACFP initiatives nationwide.
Tomika Pitts-Jones, MSW
Respite Care Program Director
(757) 622-9268 Ext. 3050
Tomika Pitts-Jones, MSW, and her dedicated team of seven compassionately support military families with a child with exceptional needs through the Respite Care Program in partnership with Child Care Aware of America. Specializing in compliance and advocacy, they work to ensure that children with special needs receive the care and resources they deserve. Ms. Pitts-Jones is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross, where she teaches Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED to the Respite providers for their certifications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Norfolk State University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University.
Donate
Help us continue to support families and children.
