Peninsula Chapter Awards

Dr. John C. Finn is Associate Professor of Geography and Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University. An urban geographer committed to racial and environmental justice, his research explores segregation, environmental racism, and the ongoing influence of discriminatory policy in shaping American cities. For eight years, he has directed Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century, a mixed‑methods project documenting how historical housing policies still shape racial, economic, and health disparities across Hampton Roads. Dr. Finn has authored over 50 publications and delivered more than 150 invited lectures across three continents. He collaborates with journalists, artists, activists, legal teams, and medical researchers to make academic work accessible and community‑centered. Dr. Finn received CNU’s Alumni Society Award for Teaching and Mentoring in 2021, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Award in 2024, and he is one of the founders and organizers of the Hampton Road Social Justice Conference.

The Honorable James A. Gray was elected Mayor of Hampton in 2024, following years of distinguished public service, including his tenure on the Hampton City Council since 2016, where he served as Vice-Mayor. He retired as Assistant City Manager for Hampton in 2014 ending a 37-year career in local goverment. Mayor Gray represents Hampton on numerous regional and statewide bodies including the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Economic Alliance, and the Virginia Municipal League, and he is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He has participated in the CIVIC Leadership Institute, LEAD Hampton Roads, the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Mayor Gray is active in the community, serving as President of The 200+ Men Foundation and the boards of the Fort Monroe Foundation, Hampton Education Foundation, Bernadine Franciscan Sisters Foundation, Soundscapes, and the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens.

Dr. Patricia Wessler is a family physician, educator, and global humanitarian whose career focuses on advancing health equity and serving marginalized communities. For 15 years, she has served as core faculty and Associate Director of the VCU/Riverside Family Medicine Residency Program. She has participated in numerous international medical missions and has served as Medical Director for a Costa Rica‑based medical brigade since 2019. Locally, she founded the Hampton Roads chapter of The Simple Sunflower, a nonprofit that repurposes donated florals into bouquets for hospitalized patients. Dr. Wessler serves as Chair of the Reconciling in Christ team at Trinity Lutheran Church. Her service also extends to youth empowerment, community health education, and nonprofit leadership. She has been a volunteer camp physician, a Girls on the Run coach, and a medical consultant for local initiatives. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Camp Hanover, a Christian camp and inclusive retreat center in Richmond.

Dr. Donna E. Woods is an executive leadership coach and Ford Next Generation Learning community coach whose four‑decade career in education includes roles as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, executive director of school leadership, and more. Her leadership was central in transforming high schools in Hampton City Schools into nationally recognized career academies, strengthening partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations. In the community, Dr. Woods has served as chair of the Peninsula Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, vice‑chair of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board, and a member of the Cognia Virginia State Council Board. Her greatest contribution has been helping young people discover what is possible for their lives, creating learning environments where every student is affirmed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her efforts have opened doors for countless students to see their strengths, pursue their dreams, and know they belong.