(Norfolk, VA) — CIVIC Leadership Institute is proud to announce Cathy Lewis, speaker, trainer, community advocate and former Executive Director of CIVIC Leadership Institute as the recipient of the inaugural Founders’ Honoree award. This distinction will be recognized on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center during the Annual Founders’ Luncheon, which is sponsored by Old Point National Bank.
“We are excited to celebrate Cathy, a remarkable leader and community advocate for the incredible contributions she has made, and continues to make, in the Hampton Roads region,” said CIVIC Leadership Institute’s President and CEO, Dr. Mary Kate Andris. “Without Cathy, CIVIC wouldn’t be the thriving, successful organization it is today. We are grateful for her dedication to CIVIC Leadership Institute and CIVIC Scholars, and her efforts to foster leadership and collaboration in our community is unmatched.”
About Cathy Lewis – Founders’ Honoree
Cathy Lewis was asked by CIVIC co-founder, Josh Darden, to step into the role of Executive Director in July 2001. Cathy led the organization until May of 2019. During that time, Cathy facilitated the Executive Program with over 750 CIVIC participants, established the Darden Award program in 2005, partnered with ODU to development and manage the CIVIC Scholars Program in 2013, and produced the first Founders’ Luncheon in 2013.
Cathy Lewis worked in commercial and public broadcasting for more than 30 years. She was the founding host of WHRV-FM’s flagship public affairs program, HearSay with Cathy Lewis, which anchored the Hampton Roads public media station’s noon hour for 25 years.
Cathy has also been named repeatedly to the Inside Business Power List, an annual roll call of the 75 most powerful people in the region. In 2014, she was inducted into the Silver Circle Society of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Chesapeake Bay Chapter, for more than 25 years of significant contributions to the industry.
Cathy’s community service includes service on The Williams School Board of Trustees and Norfolk’s COVID Advisory Council. Her husband is the former rector of Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk. Cathy’s humor essays about her unexpected life as a clergy spouse and sports mom have aired nationally on The Hallmark Channel. Cathy is a cum laude graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Marshall University and an honorary doctorate from Virginia Wesleyan College.
About the Founders’ Honoree recognition
CIVIC Leadership Institute Founders’ Honoree (Honoree) recognizes an individual who embodies the organization’s mission of fostering leadership in Hampton Roads by connecting and/or developing leaders from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform to collaborate, share knowledge, and address regional challenges through innovative solutions. The Honoree has leveraged the power of CIVIC to make the community a better place to live and work through servant leadership.
This annual recognition honors a CIVIC alumnus/a, former Board member, or former employee, who has inspired leaders, leveraged the CIVIC network, and collaboratively driven positive change in the region. The Honoree has also demonstrated a consistent level of support and advocacy for CIVIC.
About CIVIC Leadership Institute
CIVIC Leadership Institute, founded in 1994, is a nonprofit organization based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, dedicated to connecting and developing leaders from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform to collaborate, share knowledge and address regional challenges through innovative solutions.
Additionally, CIVIC Leadership Institute offers other programs, such as the CIVIC Scholars Program designed for college students at Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College. This is a customized program for young professionals to develop their leadership talent all while networking with leaders here in Hampton Roads.
Overall, CIVIC Leadership Institute plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of leaders in Hampton Roads, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and civic engagement.