Our Board of Directors at the Urban League of Hampton Roads plays a vital role in guiding our mission to empower communities and promote social and economic equality.

As dedicated leaders from diverse industries, the Board provides strategic oversight, governance, and support to ensure that the Urban League’s programs and initiatives are effective, sustainable, and aligned with our long-term goals. Their commitment and expertise help drive the organization’s efforts to create opportunities, advocate for justice, and positively impact the lives of individuals throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Mr. Bland has been active in business and civic activities at the regional, statewide, and national levels. Bland is a founding member and Treasurer of the National Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA). Mr. Bland also serves on the Boards of Sentara Health (10 years), Norfolk State University Board of Visitors, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Randolph Macon College, executive committee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Virginia State Council of Inclusive Communities State Board (VCIC); President and Chair of Healthy Neighborhood Enterprises CDC and the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable.

Prior board service includes the National Community Advisory Board for Truist Bank; National Community Reinvestment Coalition; Chairman, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); Old Dominion University Board of Visitors; James Madison University Foundation; Hampton Roads Community Foundation; Food Bank of Hampton Roads; South Hampton Roads YMCA, Virginia Small Business Authority; Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Center for Educational Excellence( CEE), the premier summer STEM program for high school students in the world.

Mr. Bland was the catalyst and inaugural Chair for forming the Virginia African American Advisory Board (VAAAB).

Mr. Bland has received an honorary Doctorate from Longwood University. In November 2022, Mr. Bland received the region’s top civic recognition —the Darden Civic Award for distinguished civic service. In 2021, Mr. Bland was inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. Also, in 2021, Volunteer Hampton Roads recognized Mr. Bland to receive the region’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism.

For ten years, Virginia Business Magazine recognized Mr. Bland as one of the 50 Most Influential Virginians. In September 2023, Va. Business Magazine elevated Mr. Bland to Living Legend recognition.

In January 2023, the Virginia Business Black Leaders Hall of Fame inducted Mr. Bland in its inaugural class.

Gilbert Bland graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in accounting and economics and an MBA in Finance from Atlanta University.

Maxine McNair
Claims Supervisor GEICO

Toiya Sosa
Board Member to Associate Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Riverside Health System-Corporate Office

Bryan K. Stephens
President/CEO
Hampton Roads Chamber

Louisa Strayhorn
President & CEO
LSA Consulting, LLC