(Norfolk, VA) — CIVIC Leadership Institute (CIVIC) announces that Tage Counts will be
departing his role as Vice President of Strategic Engagement to serve as the new President and
Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Hampton Roads (VHR).
During his time at CIVIC, Tage has been a valued member of the organization, playing a key role
in strengthening alumni engagement and community connection. He led efforts to deepen
relationships with CIVIC alumni through events, membership initiatives, and ongoing outreach,
helping to keep leaders connected to one another and to the region’s evolving civic landscape.
“We are incredibly proud of Tage and this well-deserved next step in his leadership journey,”
said Dr. Mary Kate Andris, President and CEO of CIVIC Leadership Institute. “His passion
for community impact and his ability to connect people and purpose make him a natural fit to
lead Volunteer Hampton Roads. While we will certainly miss him at CIVIC, we are excited to
continue working alongside him and VHR to support the nonprofit community and strengthen
our region together.”
Volunteer Hampton Roads mobilizes individuals and organizations to strengthen nonprofits and
improve the community through volunteerism, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships.
Tage’s transition to VHR reflects the strong network of mission-driven leaders working across
Hampton Roads and the shared commitment among organizations to collaborate for greater
community impact.
About CIVIC Leadership Institute:
CIVIC Leadership Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, that
welcomed its first class of executive leaders in 1996. Now celebrating 30 years of developing
leaders and strengthening our region, CIVIC connects individuals from diverse backgrounds and
provides a trusted platform to collaborate, share knowledge, and address regional challenges
through innovative solutions.
In addition to its flagship Executive leadership program, CIVIC Leadership Institute offers
initiatives such as the CIVIC Scholars Program, designed for college students at Old Dominion
University and Tidewater Community College. This customized experience prepares emerging
leaders to develop their leadership capacity while building meaningful connections with
established leaders across Hampton Roads.
For three decades, CIVIC Leadership Institute has played a vital role in nurturing the next
generation of leaders in Hampton Roads, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and
civic engagement.