LeadForward Summit 2026

Learn. Connect. Lead Forward. Leadership today requires more than experience. It requires the ability to adapt, build meaningful relationships, understand the forces shaping our communities, and create opportunities for those coming behind us. LeadForward Summit 2026 is a one-day leadership experience designed for professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and emerging talent who want to strengthen their leadership, expand their networks, and engage in conversations that matter. Through dynamic speakers, interactive discussions, professional networking, and opportunities for intergenerational connection, LeadForward will explore three issues influencing the future of leadership and our communities: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work How is AI changing organizations, careers, and the way leaders make decisions? Mentorship: How to Get One. How to Be One. How do professionals build relationships that accelerate growth—and how can experienced leaders intentionally develop the next generation? Addressing Housing Affordability Why has housing affordability become a critical workforce, economic development, and community leadership issue? FEATURED SPEAKERS Joel Hawks Senior Vice President, AI, Automation & Data MVB Financial Corp. Joel Hawks is a financial technology leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering business value across the banking and fintech sectors. As Senior Vice President of AI, Automation & Data at MVB Financial Corp., he oversees the strategic deployment of enterprise artificial intelligence infrastructure, automation, and data capabilities. His LeadForward session will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace, what leaders should understand about responsible AI adoption, and how professionals can prepare for a rapidly changing business environment. Aisha Scott Founder & Chief Leadership Executive, Time To Impact 365 Founder & CEO, The Real Boss Ladies of HR Aisha Scott brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, commercial real estate, multifamily management, human resources, coaching, and organizational development. An executive leadership coach, educator, and experienced facilitator, Aisha has worked with organizations including Georgetown University, Bank of America, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Defense, and NOAA. Her interactive session, “Mentorship: How to Get One. How to Be One,” will examine both sides of the mentoring relationship—helping professionals understand how to identify and build meaningful mentoring relationships while also preparing experienced leaders to effectively encourage, guide, and develop others. Shelby Carney Special Projects Director Partnership for Housing Affordability Shelby Carney is a recognized regional leader in housing and community development whose work focuses on expanding access to quality, affordable housing through collaboration, innovative policy, and strategic investment. She currently leads the administration of Henrico County’s $60 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund, helping create pathways to affordable homeownership for working families. Her LeadForward session will explore housing affordability as an economic, workforce, and community leadership issue and examine why access to stable housing has implications for employers, families, neighborhoods, and the future of the Richmond region. LEADERSHIP THAT MOVES FORWARD LeadForward is not simply a day of presentations. It is designed to create meaningful conversations across industries, generations, and professional experiences. Participants will have opportunities to: • Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming work and leadership. • Strengthen their approach to mentorship, sponsorship, and professional development. • Examine housing affordability as a workforce and economic-development challenge. • Learn directly from accomplished business and community leaders. • Connect with professionals from a variety of organizations and industries. • Share experiences and lessons learned through facilitated conversations. • Build relationships during breakfast, lunch, networking sessions, and the closing reception. LEAD FORWARD. GIVE BACK. Leadership is also about what we make possible for others. More than two dozen high school juniors and seniors will participate in leadership development activities during the Summit. Throughout selected networking sessions, LeadForward participants will have the opportunity to encourage, inspire, mentor, and connect with these young people as they begin imagining their college, career, and leadership journeys. Professionals will be invited to share their experiences, answer questions, offer advice, and help students see possibilities that may not yet be visible to them. For an emerging leader, one conversation can make a difference. For an experienced leader, LeadForward provides an opportunity to be that conversation. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? LeadForward Summit 2026 is designed for: • Professionals at all stages of their careers • Executives and organizational leaders • Managers and supervisors • Entrepreneurs and business owners • Young and emerging professionals • Human resources and talent-development professionals • Technology and financial services professionals • Housing and community-development professionals • Nonprofit and civic leaders • Mentors, coaches, and professionals committed to developing others Whether you are looking to strengthen your own leadership, expand your professional network, understand emerging workplace trends, or invest in the next generation, LeadForward is designed for you. SUMMIT EXPERIENCE Registration includes: • Continental Breakfast • Full-Day Leadership Summit • Featured Leadership Conversations • Artificial Intelligence Session • Interactive Mentorship Session • Housing Affordability Discussion • Financial Services Career Luncheon • Professional Networking • Intergenerational Leadership Connections • Summit Materials • Dessert Networking Reception LEARN. CONNECT. LEAD FORWARD. The strongest leaders never stop learning. They build relationships. They adapt to change. They share what they know. And they create opportunities for others. Join us for LeadForward Summit 2026 and spend the day investing in your leadership, expanding your network, and helping move the next generation forward.