About Us
Our Team
Our Team Is Your Team
Whether your business is new or established, domestic or international, the Henrico EDA is your central point of contact for development in Henrico. Our skilled staff will help you navigate the complexities of site selection – from initial research to completed deal. And for businesses already located in Henrico, we’re always on call to help you succeed in any way we can.
To learn more about areas of opportunity to develop community-wide success and discover the Henrico EDA's vision for continued growth, please read our 2020 Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Sharon Anderson-Grooms
Business Specialist
Sharon joined the EDA team in September of 2024. Prior to the EDA, she served as the Capital Access Manager for the Metropolitan Business League and has 35 years of banking experience. In her role with the EDA, Sharon supports the Business Retention efforts and is the first person guests see when arriving at the EDA.
Ebonie Atkins
Managing Director
Throughout her 12-year career, Ebonie has made a commitment to serving the community by operating in the public sector. Before joining the EDA, she served as the Business Investment Manager for VEDP where she worked directly with C-Suite executives of tech companies to support their relocation and expansion in Virginia. She joined the EDA in 2020, where she plans and directs business retention activities which include outreach to Henrico businesses and managing expansion projects for existing companies.
Ashley Kubat
Director of Administration
Ashley joined the EDA in 2021 and has worked for Henrico County for over ten years. Her responsibilities include finance, human resources, and strategic planning. She has a B.A. from JMU, an M.P.A. from VCU, and is a SHRM-CP.
Andrew Larsen
Managing Director
Andrew has served in economic development for more than half a decade. He possesses a deep passion for working to grow the economy for all by facilitating new capital investments and job creation. Before joining the EDA, he served as a Business Investment Manager at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). There he worked with C-suite executives and site selection consultants to cultivate new and existing business investments and job creation in the Commonwealth. During his time at VEDP, Andrew helped secure more than 50 projects in Virginia, leading to total capital investments of over $1.8 billion and the creation of over 6,900 new jobs. Today, he assists existing local businesses with growth and new businesses with establishing operations in Henrico.
Linda McArdle
Business Manager
Linda joined the EDA in 2022 as the Business Assistant. Now in the role of Business Manager, she coordinates the Business First volunteer team, assists with retention and expansion efforts for existing Henrico companies, and plans special business events.
Wendy Miller
Managing Director
Wendy joined Henrico EDA in 2014 and has since held multiple roles within the organization. She currently serves as Managing Director, focusing on marketing and project management. Throughout her time with Henrico, Wendy has contributed to various initiatives that support economic development and community growth. Prior to joining Henrico, she held roles in human resources and finance, bringing a diverse range of experience in operational management.
Anthony J. Romanello
Executive Director
Anthony Romanello has served Virginia local governments since 1992. He was Assistant to the City Manager in Richmond, Town Manager of West Point, County Administrator and Deputy County Administrator of Stafford, and Deputy County Manager in Henrico. In March of 2019, Anthony was appointed Executive Director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority.
Anthony graduated from Hermitage High School in Henrico. He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and American Government with a Minor in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
Anthony is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State & Local Government, the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute, and Leadership Metro Richmond. He is an adjunct instructor in Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration.
Anthony is an Eagle Scout and in 2015 was recognized by the National Eagle Scout Association as an Outstanding Eagle Scout.
He is the author of Random Thoughts: Reflections on Public Service, Fatherhood, and Middle Age and the children’s book The Girl Who Lived on the Third Floor.
Anthony and his wife Diane live in Glen Allen, Virginia. They have five children, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters. Every chance he has, Anthony plays very bad ping pong and even worse golf.
Jason Smith
Business Manager
Jason is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in community and economic development. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s from James Madison University.
Jason most recently served as Director of Business Development and Talent Solutions at Virginia’s Gateway Region in Petersburg, VA. Before this role, he worked at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), where he served as a Project Manager, Business Retention Specialist and Senior Business Manager with the Regional Talent Solutions team managing the VJIP and Virginia’s Economic Gardening program. Prior to VEDP, Jason spent 15 years working in various leadership roles in City and County governments throughout Virginia.
In his free time, Jason enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children. He is passionate about continuous learning and looks forward to attending workshops and seminars to keep his skills sharp while visiting with colleagues, stakeholders and partners.
Devon White
Project Research Specialist
Devon received her bachelor's degree from VCU in Environmental Studies in 2014 and has spent the last five years as a GIS Analyst at Stantec for Dominion Energy's Strategic Underground Program. Devon utilizes her passion for research and her innovative GIS skills to grow Henrico's economy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-white-47b793b1/
Holly Zinn
Marketing and Communications Manager
Prior to joining the EDA, Holly served at the Henrico County Manager’s Office for more than a decade. As an administrative assistant, she supported the County Manager, Deputy County Managers, and the Legislative Liaison. In her eventual role as Management Specialist II, she oversaw the department’s budget, maintained the county legislative response system, coordinated special events, and even guided summer interns. At the EDA, Holly will focus on cultivating Henrico’s economy for all by harnessing the potential of grants and the power of strategic planning.
Board of Directors
Edward S. Whitlock III – Chair
Dennis J. Berman – Vice Chair
Samuel Bagley – Treasurer
Suresh Soundararajan - Secretary
Robert W. Brown, Jr.
Susan W. Custer
William Gordon
Tyee Davenport Mallory
S. Floyd Mays Jr.
Travis J. Pearson
Board Meetings
Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Henrico EDA Office, located at 4300 E. Parham Rd., Henrico, VA.
Committee Meetings
There are no committee meetings scheduled at this time.
