Krissy Gathright

Board Member



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Let's Get Started.

Krissy Gathright is Chief Operating Officer and Board Member for Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc., a publicly-traded lodging REIT headquartered in Richmond. Krissy has been recognized as one of the most influential women in lodging by Hotel Management and Lodging magazines and one of Real Estate Forum’s Women of Influence. As a passionate supporter of innovation, she serves on the governing board of the AH&LA Consumer Innovation Forum, an industry leadership group bringing together brand, owner and management company executives to improve the consumer shopping, buying and stay experience. She is also an active investor in and advisor to multiple startups. Krissy earned a Bachelor of Science degree, with distinction from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.

Our Team


Richard Wintsch, Executive Director

Richard Wintsch

Executive Director



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Noelle James, Director of Startup Growth

Noelle James

Managing Director



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Laura Shibut

Program Director



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Verity Ahlin

Operations Manager



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Morgan Evans

Communications and Program Manager



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Board of Directors

Utibe Bassey, Board Member

Utibe Bassey

VP Customer Experience, Dominion Energy


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Larry Eiben, Board Member

Larry Eiben

Co-Founder, Thirdline Capital


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Jamie Christensen, Board Member

Jamie Christensen

Innovation Director, Gannett Fleming


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Maria Pahuja

Board Chair


Founder, Vayas

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Karen Booth Adams

Founding Board Member


CEO, Hot Technology Holdings

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Chandra Briggman

Chandra Briggman

Board Member


President & CEO, Activation Capital

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Matt Briggs

Board Member


VP, Product Management, Capital One

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Krissy Gathright

Board Member


Board Member, Apple Hospitality REIT, Venture Investor

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Arnold Kim

Board Member


Founder & Editor, MacRumors.com

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Tom Krieger

Board Member


Principal, CapTech

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Anne Wilson

Board Member


VP Marketing and Brand Strategy, Aeroflow Health

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Community Resources

We are proud to be part of an energetic community that provides access, exposure and opportunities to local entrepreneurs and startups at any stage.

Activation Capital logo

Activation Capital is an incubator for Richmond’s innovation ecosystem.

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Build RVA is a community makerspace and product incubator.

CAV Angels logo

CAV Angels is an angel group of UVA Alumni funding exciting startups.

Chamber RVA logo

ChamberRVA is a member-based nonprofit devoted to the region's success.

Dominion Resources Innovation Center logo

The Dominion Energy Innovation Center is a stem tech startup providing coworking space and resources.

Hatch Kitchen RVA logo

Hatch Kitchen RVA is a commercial kitchen and incubator, helping to grow businesses faster and smarter.​

Jackson Ward Collective logo

The Jackson Ward Collective is a hub that connects Black business owners to each other and to resources that can help our businesses thrive.

lighthouse labs logo

Lighthouse Labs is the premier and nationally recognized Seed-Stage Accelerator in Virginia.

Metropolitan Business League logo

The Metropolitan Business League is a nonprofit association that fosters business development and expansion for small, women- and minority-owned businesses.

NRV logo

New Richmond Ventures is a venture capitalist group advancing creativity and innovation in Richmond.

SCORE logo

SCORE is a premier volunteer, nonprofit providing free small business advice.

Trolley Ventures logo

Trolley Ventures is a venture capitalist group that supports early-stage companies in Central Virginia.

Virginia Council of CEOs logo

The Virginia Council of CEOs is a member-based network that connects CEOs for learning and growth.