February 21, 2024
Cameron Foundation welcomes Brenda Mitchell to its board, announces 2024 officers
With the retirement of one of its longstanding board members, The Cameron Foundation welcomes new member Brenda D. Mitchell, MSN, RN, APHN-ret. to its Board of Directors.
Mitchell is widely recognized for her extensive service to the region, having celebrated a 46-year career in health care in the Richmond metropolitan and Tri-Cities areas. She began her career in nursing and advanced to become the CEO of Crater Community Hospice, the region’s only nonprofit hospice provider, for the last 19 years before retiring in 2016.
Mitchell continues to hold board and committee leadership positions for a number of human service organizations, including Crater Community Hospice and Crater District Area Agency on Aging, and she is a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association (Greater Richmond Chapter). Prior to her appointment on Cameron’s Board, she served on The Cameron Foundation’s Health Advisory Council for many years. Additionally, she is a board member of the Rotary Club of Petersburg as well as the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority (Tri-Cities Chapter).
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Mitchell join our board,” said Board Chair Vandy V. Jones, III. “With our origins as a health legacy foundation, it’s so valuable to have individuals on our leadership team who can help us consider both health and social determinants of health in our decision making. Ms. Mitchell’s extensive career speaks to these qualities that we seek in our board members,” he added.
Mitchell fills the seat previously held by retiring board member Pamela Martin Comstock. During Cameron’s annual ceremony last fall, then Board Chair J. Tolleison Morriss, VI thanked Comstock for serving, “with grace, integrity, and deep sincerity.” Honoring her time and commitments, Morriss added, “Anyone who knows you will attest to how thoroughly you’ve reviewed and considered this philanthropic work, and how thoughtfully you have served in your leadership roles for the Foundation.”
Mitchell’s term begins at the Foundation’s Board meeting in February. Also at that time, Cameron’s 2024 slate of officers takes effect:
- Vandy V. Jones, III is Board Chair, having previously served as Vice Chair. Jones replaces J. Tolleison Morriss, VI, who will remain active as an officer of the board as Immediate Past Chair.
- Jeffrey W. Geisz becomes Vice Chair. Geisz also chairs the Foundation’s Grants Committee.
- Chequila H. Fields continues in the role of Secretary, and Mark H. Stevens will continue to serve as Treasurer. Stevens also is Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee.
Other members of The Cameron Foundation’s Board of Directors include T. Robertson Blount, Jr. (Chair, Investment Committee); Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. (Chair, Nominating Committee); and, Alice Squires Martin. Additionally, Martha A. Burton will remain an at-large member of the Grants Committee.