ULHR Board of Directors

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.

Gilbert T. Bland | President & CEO

Gilbert T. Bland is a nationally recognized business executive and civic leader with deep expertise in banking, franchising, and nonprofit leadership. He began his career in finance as a commercial lending officer for Continental Bank of Chicago and later served as Vice President at Independence Bank of Chicago.

For over three decades, Mr. Bland was an award-winning franchise owner/operator of Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Mrs. Fields Cookies, overseeing the development and operation of more than 70 restaurants across Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. His businesses employed over 2,000 people annually.

Today, he serves as President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, where he leads transformative work in education, housing, health, and economic empowerment for underserved communities.

Mr. Bland serves on numerous boards, including Sentara Health (13 years), Norfolk State University, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, and the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable. He is a founding member and Treasurer of the national Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA) and was the catalyst and inaugural Chair of the Virginia African American Advisory Board (VAAAB), now codified by the Virginia General Assembly.

His past service includes leadership on the boards of Truist Bank’s National Community Advisory Board, the James Madison University Foundation, Randolph-Macon College (Trustee Emeritus), Old Dominion University, and several community-based organizations.

Mr. Bland’s recognitions include:

• • Darden Award for Civic Leadership
  • Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism (Volunteer Hampton Roads)
  • Outstanding Alumnus Award – JMU School of Business
  • James McLamore Founder’s Award – Burger King Corporation
  • Inductee, Virginia Business Black Leaders Hall of Fame
  • Named a “Living Legend” and listed among Virginia Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential Virginians” for 10 consecutive years

He holds an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Longwood University. Mr. Bland and his wife Joyce have five children.

Gaylene Kanoyton
President
Gaylene Events, LLC

Joyvan Malbon-Griffin
Lawyer
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual

Maxine McNair
Claims Supervisor
GEICO

Bryan K. Stephens
President/CEO
Hampton Roads Chamber