Inside Business 2022 Women in Business: Connie McKenzie, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Job title: Vice president of development and alumni relations, Eastern Virginia Medical School.

At work: I am a vice president for Eastern Virginia Medical School and a member of its senior management team. I am involved in critical decisions that are helping EVMS chart its future strategic direction. I currently oversee 30 people across two departments. In the 12 years since arriving at EVMS, I have led my team to obtain about $150 million for the organization. My position guides a department of development professionals who build relationships with individuals, foundations and corporations capable of gifts to EVMS. In my role with alumni relations, I work with a team to help EVMS alumni maintain important connections and facilitate alumni-student interaction for enriching the educational experience.

Volunteer activities: I have played a leadership role for many years in the Association of Fundraising Professionals as a past president of the Hampton Roads chapter. This volunteer organization advances professionalism and ethics in fundraising. My leadership has helped grow the organization, stress ethical behavior with donors and provide training and mentoring for young development officers who are committed to building careers that benefit nonprofits serving needs in Hampton Roads. I am also a past president for the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach and continue to volunteer with the JLNVB in support of the mission of training women as leaders in our community. I currently serve as the vice chair for Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and am a member of the board of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation.

Home and family: I grew up in Virginia Beach. After attending VCU for graduate school, I remained in Richmond, returning to Virginia Beach 20 years ago. This allowed me to be close to my folks who remained in Great Neck. I have a lifetime seat as head of the fan club for McKenzie Grace, 22; Mason, 17; Max, 10; and my husband, David.

Motivating factor: Those who fundraise do so as a way to improve the world. I am motivated by the successful relationships I have built to advance the common good, effect improvements and make a lasting impact in health care and medical education.

Advice for women in business: It’s important for women to find a mentor in their field. Additionally, an investment of time in ongoing personal development — be that conferences, training or simply reading current publications in your field — will help to keep you current and advance your career.

The one thing I would change about Hampton Roads: Hampton Roads would benefit from unified business development strategy across the municipalities.

Professional goal in five years: I will be launching another capital campaign for benefit the mission of my institution.

Downtime: Beach, yoga, reading, football, time with my family.

What really gets under my skin: Things move pretty fast on our team. It is frustrating when we hit speed bumps.