Exclusive: Leadership Prince William appoints Charles Gilliam Executive Director, welcomes Kris Johnson as assistant

The Leadership Prince William (LWP) Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Charles Gilliam as the organization’s Executive Director. Gilliam, who has been serving as the interim executive director since July 2022, brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry to his new role. Most recently, he owned Roux Pot, Inc. and the Old Town Manassas restaurant Okra’s Cajun Creole, which closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.

“The job announcement attracted more than 40 qualified applicants from across the nation,” stated Tiffany Izenour, LPW Board of Regents chair. “We are pleased that Charles has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to effectively lead the organization to the next level.”

“Charles brings a wealth of passion, experience, and knowledge to the role of Executive Director, and I am excited to continue to work with him as we improve our leadership programs and expand our reach throughout Prince William County,” she added. “His experience as a small business owner will be invaluable to us.”

Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Science in business and hospitality management from Berea College in Kentucky. He is also an LPW alumnus and a certified Emergenetics associate. Gilliam and his family reside in Prince William County.

In addition to Gilliam’s appointment, the organization welcomed Kris Johnson to the team. Johnson, who spent 16 years as the Membership & Sales Director with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, recently moved back to Manassas from Culpeper, where she served as the General Manager of the Country Club of Culpeper.

Regarding Johnson’s expertise, she stated, “While my title was Membership & Sales Director at the Prince William Chamber, I was also responsible for the planning and execution of many of their major events.”

Furthermore, Johnson’s experience as a general manager will contribute significantly to her new position. “Being a manager of a facility of that kind is challenging and totally different than my career with the Chamber,” Johnson explained. “However, my exposure to Emergenetics taught me so much about how to communicate effectively with my staff and colleagues.”

Emergenetics is a psychometric assessment tool and concept that combines neuroscience and behavioral psychology to understand individual differences in thinking and behavior. It is a key component of the LPW’s program.

Johnson’s primary focus will be overseeing LPW’s major fundraiser, the Evening of Excellence – Mardi Gras Casino event, scheduled for Friday, March 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The event will feature casino games, music, food, and an award ceremony where LPW will present the Kathy Ellington Alumni Leadership Award and the LPW Vision Award.

Johnson emphasized the importance of executing valuable, fun events to increase LPW’s visibility and brand awareness in the area.

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