Staff
Melanie Benjamin
Executive Director
Melanie works in partnership with the Board of Directors to maintain the integrity of The Center's mission and planning and ensure a sustainable financial base for operations and growth. She also works in the community to build relationships and partnerships in support of healthy aging for all.
Danielle Bricker
Marketing Manager
Danielle develops, implements, and executes strategic marketing initiatives to expand awareness of Center resources and the benefits of healthy aging, supporting every facet of the organization.
Jennifer Crews
Program Director
As head of our program team, Jennifer ensures programs and operations are effective, efficient, and aligned with our mission and values. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.
Kristine Critzer
Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Kristine provides office and bookkeeping support to ensure The Center adheres to best practices for nonprofit business operations and reporting.
Susan Gallander
Program Coordinator
As a member of our programming team, Susan helps develop and oversee a wide array of offerings across mulitiple dimensions of wellness.
Lynn Divers
Philanthropy Director
Lynn directs fundraising activities, working to grow a program that cultivates, solicits, and stewards philanthropic support in alignment with The Center’s mission. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.
Marquise Fordham
Facilities Coordinator
With primary responsibility for day-to-day maintenance, repairs, and operation of building systems, Marquise helps ensure an optimal environment for Center activities.
Linda Hahn
Travel Coordinator
Linda has been with the Center since 1999. A licensed travel agent, she oversees The Center's travel program as well as individual travel for members and guests.
Anna Grey Hogan
Philanthropy Manager
Anna Grey handles many of The Center's fundraising efforts, processing and reporting gifts and stewarding our generous community of supporters.
Liz Howard
Program Coordinator
Liz is part of the programming team that develops and coordinates the many programs available to Center and community members.
Bobbi Hughes
Coordinator of Volunteer Resources
Along with overseeing volunteer programs at The Center, Bobbi works with other nonprofits to provide volunteer resources, matching individuals with positions that suit their interests, skills, and talents.
Alexandra Littlehales
Graphics and Social Media Coordinator
Through design and production of print and digital communications Alexandra brings The Center’s brand to life to inform and engage a broad range of audiences.
Gale Jackson
Welcome Desk Associate
Gale welcomes people to evenings at The Center, providing support for members and guests.
Suzanne Orejuela
Member & Visitor Services Coordinator
As a resource and advocate for members and guests, Suzanne is a primary contact for members and guests, helping ensure excellent customer service, communication, and engagement so that everyone’s Center experience is rewarding.
Virginia Peale
Strategy & Communications Director
Virginia plays an integral role in the formation and implementation of planning and strategy, exploration of new opportunities for brand development, and internal and external communications. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making.
Dawn Ross
Rental Coordinator
Looking for a party, wedding, performance, or meeting venue? Dawn can help you choose from among the great options available at The Center at Belvedere!
Trevor Saunders
Facilities Manager
As our Facilities Manager, Trevor oversees the maintenance of the building, its systems, and its grounds, ensuring that things look good and run smoothly.
Kim Shipley
Finance Director
Kim oversees the financial operations necessary for The Center's successful operation. Along with budgeting, analysis, and reporting, she monitors financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant statutes and regulations.
Alex Waltrip
Fitness Coordinator
Alex plans and teaches fitness classes where individuals can work at their own pace to reach their health and fitness goals.
Olivia Watts
Program Coordinator
As a program coordinator, Olivia helps our programming team develop and oversee a wide array of offerings for The Center community.
Are you interested in working at The Center? Our open positions are listed here.
Board of Directors FY24
Officers
Christine Thalwitz
President
Director of Communications, Madison House; Adjunct Faculty, PVCC
Jennifer King*
Vice President
CEO and CCO, Chase Investment Counsel Corporation
Larry Martin*
Treasurer
Consultant, Hantzmon Wiebel LLC
Mary Wilson*
Secretary
District Manager for Child Support, Commonwealth of VA (ret.)
Directors
Beverly Adams*
Associate Professor, Emeritus, Psychology Department, University of Virginia
Dan Brody
President, Health Data Services, Inc.
Mark Brown*
CFO, Whirlpool Coporation (ret.)
Patti Cary*
Partner in Advisory Risk Management, KPMG (ret.)
Katie Caverly*
Owner, IKOR of Charlottesville
Julie Christopher*
Virginia Department of Aging, Commissioner (past)
Sean Greer
CEO, Trove Home Care
Joyce Turner Lewis*
Guidance Counselor, Albemarle County Public Schools (ret.)
Deidra Massie
Vice President Marketing, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge
Peggy Slez*
Attorney (ret.)
Shareef Tahboub
President of Park Street Senior Living, and Development Director of Assisted Living/Memory Care/Independent Living Communities
Cecil D. Thompson, Jr.*
Major, U.S. Army (ret.); Charlottesville City Schools, Coordinator of Support Services (ret.)
Gregory Winston*
Principal & Founder, Winston & Associates
* Center member
Board of Directors meetings are generally held the fourth Monday of every odd month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.