The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) celebrates community partnerships, extended strategic plan, staff promotions, and new staff in its 27th year of service to the Greater Williamsburg community. “It is a pleasure to celebrate the promotion of two long-time staff and welcome three new employees,” said Deanna Van Hersh, WHF President and CEO. New staff join a team with over 75 years of combined philanthropic service. “Staff has been focused on strengthening relationships with community partners by listening and learning about their priorities, their view of the needs in our community, and their view of the Foundation and our work. We will continue to listen as we introduce new staff and feed what we learn back into our work,” said Van Hersh. While there are some new faces at the Foundation, the mission, vision, and strategic focus remain the same.

Promotions

• Bill Pribble, former Senior Program Officer, was promoted to Vice President of Programs.  A lifelong resident of James City County, Bill joined the Foundation in 2003. Bill is a dedicated leader who holds WHF’s history, mission, and role in the Greater Williamsburg Area in high regard. Bill is known as a thoughtful listener and has a reputation for inclusive engagement. He is instrumental in WHF’s pursuit of collaborative strategies that bolster the efforts of partners aligned with the Foundation’s vision of health opportunities for all. In his new role, Bill directs program planning, implementation, and assessment, as well as grants administration.

• Shelby Boltz, former WHF Executive Assistant and Office Manager, was promoted to Grants Administrator – her third promotion since joining WHF in 2004. Shelby’s health background, institutional knowledge, keen attention to detail, and vast connections in this community are invaluable.  In her new role, Shelby will engage with partners around funding inquiries, proposals, reporting, and site visits. 

New Staff Members

These professionals bring more than six decades of combined experience. Each brings unique value and skillsets that complement the Foundation’s mission to “Collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg.”

• Adriene Bivens joins WHF as Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She holds a degree in Business Administration and an MBA. Adriene brings over 20 years of experience in administrative and executive assistant positions including 11 years in the US Air Force as an enlisted aid to Generals, Commanders, various officers, and divisions throughout the world.

• Kelly Metcalf-Meese joins as Program Officer. She has a degree in Government and Psychology and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Kelly brings a wealth of experience in the health area, having worked in federal executive and legislative branch agencies as well as William & Mary’s Center for Public Policy Research and the Schroeder Center for Health Policy.

• Deb Fisher serves as Communication Specialist. She holds a degree in Sports and Health Sciences, a Master of Public Health, and is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health. Deb brings over 15 years of experience developing, leading, and evaluating strategic plans and programs for various government and nonprofit organizations. Deb is also a US Air Force veteran who served more than 10 years in various locations in the United States and overseas.

Other Foundation News

• Trustees recently voted to extend WHF’s current strategic plan from three to five years (through 2025).

• Community Access Network (CAN) has completed an information-gathering process related to integrated care needs in the Greater Williamsburg Area, and we are grateful to those who provided valuable input during this discovery process. CAN is developing a summary of their findings which will be available as a resource to those working to promote or implement integrated care.

• The National Academy of Medicine recently formed the Commission on Investment Imperatives for a Healthy Nation and has invited WHF to join the local funder coalition to help inform the Commission’s deliberations on priorities and strategies to strengthen cross-sector alignment for health.