THRIVE Peninsula, Inc. is a volunteer-driven, prevention-focused nonprofit that has supported Peninsula residents for 50 years. Originally founded as Denbigh United Christian Outreach (DUCO), the organization rebranded in 2013 to better reflect its mission. THRIVE Peninsula helps families maintain stability during financial crises by preventing hunger, ensuring secure housing and employment, and building pathways to long-term stability. Serving Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, and Poquoson, THRIVE is supported by over 120 partners, including 80 churches. THRIVE’s programs include The Market at THRIVE, a free food grocery store; a Raised Bed Garden providing fresh produce; financial services offering coaching and emergency assistance; a free bookstore in partnership with REACH, Inc.; Project Connect for legal and benefits assistance; and Hispanic Services, which has significantly expanded to serve the local Hispanic community. In January 2024, THRIVE received the CAN Partner of the Year Award from the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

Major General Wallace C. Arnold has dedicated over fifty years to public service, private industry, and higher education. A native Virginian, Gen. Arnold graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. His distinguished military career culminated as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Department of the Army. Shortly after moving to the Peninsula upon his retirement in 1995, Gen. Arnold joined the Hampton Rotary Club and served as President. This organization opened doors to other opportunities, including the Peninsula Community Foundation, and the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America, in addition to numerous other local and national organizations. He leaned into his military experience in support of the local school district to improve their connection with military families and helped to support scholarships for African American and People of Color to attend colleges & universities.  

James “Jim” Mears was raised in Virginia Beach, discovered his passion for finance in high school, and has since dedicated his career to the field. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bridgewater College and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Mears has also achieved the “Certified Chief Executive” designation from The Credit Union Executive Society’s CEO Institute program. He began his career in public accounting before joining BayPort Credit Union as Comptroller, eventually rising to President/CEO. Mr. Mears has been a member of the Rotary Club of Newport News since 1993 and has served on numerous boards, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. His extensive volunteer work includes roles with the Alzheimer’s Association SE Virginia Chapter and Soundscapes, an organization providing musical education for children. Under his leadership, BayPort Credit Union launched The BayPort Foundation, raising nearly a million dollars in its first four years to support educational and community initiatives.

Glenn Oder has dedicated over 40 years to his faith, family, and community. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Mr. Oder began his career as a licensed Landscape Architect, and served on the Newport News Planning Commission and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2001, Mr. Oder served five terms, holding leadership roles on the Transportation, Housing, and General Laws committees, and where he fought against predatory payday lending practices and supported legislation to extend unemployment benefits. In 2011, he became the Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority, overseeing its transformation into a vibrant mixed-use community, a unit of the National Park Service, and promoting its preservation as a crucial site related to the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America in 1619. Upon his retirement in 2024, Mr. Oder was honored with the title of CEO Emeritus.