Alumni Profiles - UVA Alumni Association

Kelly Geary (Col class of ’97)

As part of our Q4 Hoos Elevate theme, Start Strong: Build Early Career Momentum, we’re highlighting practical strategies that help alumni grow their careers through meaningful relationships and intentional networking. Join us on November 5 as career coach, entrepreneur, and UVA alum Kelly Geary (Col ’97) shares actionable insights on personal branding, networking with confidence, and building the professional reputation that opens doors throughout your career. Before taking the stage at Let’s Network, Kelly shares her thoughts on career growth, personal branding, and the power of authentic connections in this Q&A.

Maggie Thornton (Col class of ’08, Educ class of ’11, class of ’21)

To introduce our new Education Alumni Professional Network, we’re spotlighting Maggie Thornton, a triple Hoo whose journey from teaching high school English in Charlottesville to becoming an assistant professor of educational leadership reflects the many paths a career in education can take. In this Q&A, Maggie shares why community matters, what she hopes this network can become, and why now is the perfect time for UVA alumni in education to get involved.

Laura Fleury (Col class of ’91)

When it comes to networking, UVA alumna Laura Fleury (Col class of ’91) believes the most powerful connections start with curiosity and authenticity. After more than three decades as a senior unscripted television executive at A+E Networks—where storytelling and human connection were at the heart of her work—Laura has built a second chapter as a […]

Rachelle Turiello (Col class of ’24)

Rachelle Turiello (Col ’24) was a panelist at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with her about the UVA experiences that have prepared her for and supported her through her entrepreneurial journey and the advice she’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Billy Howell (Batten class of ’18)

Billy Howell (Batten ’18) was a guest speaker at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with him about the UVA experiences that have prepared him for and supported him through his entrepreneurial journey and the advice he’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Ben Holmes (Engr class of ’09)

Ben Holmes (Engr ’09) was our keynote speaker at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with him about the UVA experiences that have prepared him for and supported him through his entrepreneurial journey and the advice he’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

Annie Page (Col class of ’17, Darden class of ’23)

Annie Page (Col ’17, Darden ’23) was a panelist at the UVA Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit that took place in Arlington, Virginia, in 2025. We chatted with her about the UVA experiences that have prepared her for and supported her through her entrepreneurial journey and the advice she’d share with fellow entrepreneurs.

William Chichester (Col class of ’05) & Patrick Payne (Col class of ’97)

William Chichester and Patrick Payne don’t shy away from the tough conversations about hiring. In this spotlight they cut through the hype around AI to share what’s actually changing, what’s staying the same, and why relationships still matter more than ever in today’s job market. Their candid perspective offers a preview of the bold insights they’ll bring as hosts of Bald, Bold, & Hired on February 19—an interactive session designed to spark honest discussion, fresh thinking, and meaningful alumni connections.

Erin McDermott (Col class of ’05, Educ class of ’06)

While at UVA, Erin McDermott could often be found making jewelry for friends and selling her handmade pieces at local boutiques. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a calling. Now the founder of Erin McDermott Jewelry in Charlotte, NC, she recently designed a UVA-inspired necklace to celebrate her Reunions year. Erin reflects on […]

Anne Marie Morán (Col class of ’08)

Anne Marie Morán is the founder of Ola Bola, a line of lightweight, water-resistant, and stylish bean bags. She was one of our 2024 12 Gifts of Hooville partners, and chatted with us about all things UVA and her journey to create Ola Bola.