CIVIC TEAM

Mary Kate Andris, Ed.D.

President & CEO

Mary Kate Andris, Ed.D., is President and Chief Executive Officer of the CIVIC Leadership Institute, where she leads the organization’s mission to foster leadership by connecting executive leaders from diverse backgrounds throughout Hampton Roads. Under her leadership, CIVIC has expanded its influence by convening senior executives and college scholars to collaborate, share knowledge, and address regional challenges through innovative solutions.

Prior to joining CIVIC, Dr. Andris served as Director of Council Partnerships for Girl Scouts of the USA, supporting more than 30 council CEOs and board chairs nationwide. In this role, she advised executive teams and board chairs on governance, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability, helping organizations navigate growth and organizational change.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Andris was President and CEO of YWCA South Hampton Roads, where she focused on strengthening philanthropic revenue, elevating brand visibility, and advancing the organization’s mission. During her tenure, the YWCA received its largest private gift to date, a $2 million unrestricted donation from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.

Dr. Andris has served on various boards including the Virginia Council on Women, Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads, the Governor’s School for the Arts, as co-chair of the Anna Nitschmann Scholarship at Moravian University and has been recognized as an Inside Business Women in Business honoree in 2018. She holds an Ed.D. and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Widener University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Management from Moravian University.

Mary Kate lives in Hampton Roads with her husband, Kevin, their two sons, and their dog, Nyx.

Tage S. Counts

Vice President of Strategic Engagement

Tage Counts is proud to serve the current class and alumni of the CIVIC Leadership Institute. Since returning to the Hampton Roads community in 1995, Tage’s previous roles within nonprofit, for-profit, and municipal organizations have enabled him to better understand and effectively serve the Hampton Roads region.  Tage’s passion for fostering business growth and building lasting relationships has earned him recognition as Salesperson of the Year, Employee of the Year, Top Forty Under 40, and bronze recipient of CoVaBiz’s Best Local Leader Making A Difference.

Tage currently serves his community in volunteer board roles with VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Tidewater Community College Alumni Association, and mentors students at Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College. He has given his time as a servant leader for numerous organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Portsmouth Partnership, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and the Lefcoe Leadership Program. His efforts were recognized as a previous recipient of the Corporate Volunteer Excellence Award from VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. Tage is a graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads and the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Development Program, and earned an Associate of Science Degree from Tidewater Community College.

Tage currently resides in the city of Virginia Beach with his spouse of over 30 years, Diana. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Chase and Kacey. In his free time, Tage enjoys kayak fishing on the Back Bay of Virginia Beach and spending time with his family.

Kristin Stephens

Director, CIVIC Scholars Program and Marketing

Kristin Stephens is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and nonprofits. She holds dual Master of Science degrees in Management & Leadership and in Human Sciences with a concentration in Financial Planning, and is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design.

In her previous role, she served as the Assistant Director for Experiential Learning at Old Dominion University where she managed several programs including Career Treks and the Greater Norfolk Corporation Mentorship Program. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads and is the founder and President of Tidewater LEAD.

Kristin has held several positions in the nonprofit sector, including Executive Director for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, President of Okinawa Leadership Seminar, and Education Manager for Junior Achievement, and in higher education as a Western Governors University faculty member for undergraduate leadership and business management courses. Her commitment and service have been recognized through honors including the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award and the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers’ New Professional Award.

Kristin resides in Chesapeake with her retired Navy husband and two teenage sons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending Broadway musicals, hiking, and spoiling her golden retriever and bernedoodle “furbabies”.

Rhonda Varner

Administrative Assistant

Rhonda Varner is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of diverse experience in customer service, office management, and operational strategy execution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of William and Mary, where she cultivated her passion for communication and education. In her last position, she served the Virginia Department of Social Services as the Administrative Support Specialist for the Eastern Training Office providing support for the Learning, Training and Development Division.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to community leadership. She has served as Vice President for Membership and Engagement with the Parent Teacher Association at Plaza Middle School and as a mentor with the Excellence Girls Club, supporting young women in their personal and leadership development.

Most recently, she completed the Women Who Lead Professional Development Accelerator and endeavors to inspire others to live life out loud.