Welcoming Andre May to Our Board of Directors

We are excited to welcome Andre May as the newest member of our Board of Directors! Andre brings an impressive repertoire of skills, experience, and leadership that will profoundly contribute to advancing the chamber’s mission and supporting our members.

Andre currently serves as an External Affairs Representative at Dominion Energy, a role in which he demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering connections, advocating for the community, and driving meaningful impact. He is also an active member of several influential organizations, including the Dominion Energy African American Resource Group (AARG), the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. His dedication to equity, inclusion, and advocacy stands as a testament to his passion for empowering others.

A Unique Philosophy on Leadership

Andre’s philosophy on leadership is one that truly aligns with the chamber’s mission. To him, leadership means knowing when to lead from the front, when to lead from the office, and when to allow others to lead for themselves.

• Leading from the front means setting the example with your actions. Whether it’s “picking up the banner” or working shoulder-to-shoulder with your team, Andre believes in building camaraderie and demonstrating a strong work ethic through active participation.

• Leading from the office reflects the importance of stepping back to handle the logistics, ensuring that your team has clear goals, the right tools, and the support they need to succeed. Andre champions the idea that leaders should focus on removing obstacles and taking care of the details, allowing their teams to flourish.

• Leading for themselves emphasizes the importance of trusting your team to grow and solve challenges independently. Andre believes this develops confidence and prepares others to take the reins in the future, continuing the cycle of leadership and growth.

These principles aren’t just ideas for Andre; they are the guiding values he’s practiced throughout his career and military service, which have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community.

Andre’s Vision for the Chamber

Andre’s vision for the chamber also emphasizes the importance of improving messaging and visibility within the community. He strongly believes that more people should see and experience the difference the chamber makes. For example, he has proposed ideas like partnering with the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience to provide educational tools that support black-owned restaurants in developing strong brands and business plans. Similarly, Andre envisions collaborative efforts with local HBCUs to inspire and enable business students to become future entrepreneurs.

Andre’s personal connection to the chamber’s mission speaks volumes. His first introduction to the VABCC came through a Dominion Energy co-worker. Yet, he noted that his wife, a realtor who faced challenges in an industry where only 4% of the Richmond Realtor’s Association members are black, could have benefitted greatly from the chamber's resources. This experience fuels Andre’s passion for ensuring the VABCC becomes a household name for black entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community.

A military veteran and former U.S. Army CBRN Officer, Andre’s background is built on discipline, strategic thinking, and a heart for service. This foundation, paired with his drive for innovative solutions and advocacy, makes him a dynamic addition to our board.

Andre’s enthusiasm for building relationships and his belief in the chamber’s role as a catalyst for success make him a perfect fit for our team. His expertise and passion will help amplify our efforts to empower and support our members, facilitating more opportunities for black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.

Please join us in giving Andre May a warm welcome as he begins this exciting new chapter with the chamber. Together, we’ll continue building a brighter, more inclusive future for our businesses and community at large.