The healthcare landscape and the broader business economy in the Commonwealth are being transformed by visionaries who prioritize equity, access, and strategic impact. Virginia Business has released its prestigious 2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders list, highlighting the trailblazers driving excellence across our industries.
NAHSE Virginia is proud to celebrate our members and professional colleagues among this year’s honorees, reinforcing the vital role that Black leadership plays in shaping a more inclusive future for Virginia.
Spotlight: 2026 Black Business Leaders in Virginia
This year’s honorees represent a high standard of professional integrity and community stewardship across the healthcare, technology, and public policy sectors. We are proud to see these distinguished leaders recognized for their impact:
- Eric L. Conley, Executive Vice President and President of Acute and Post-Acute Care, Sentara Health: A veteran healthcare executive responsible for overseeing vast clinical operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care across the continuum in Virginia Beach.
- Iris Lundy, Vice President of Health Impact and Engagement at Sentara Health: A seasoned executive and NAHSE Virginia member, Iris’s leadership in health equity addresses the core challenges facing our systems today. Her work in community wellness serves as a benchmark for the NAHSE mission.
- Julian Walker, Vice President of Communications, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association: Based in Henrico County, Julian is a strategic voice at the intersection of policy and healthcare, instrumental in advocating for healthcare access and clarity across the state.
- Sarita Rhodes-Vivour, Associate Vice President of Acute Care Nursing, VHC Health: A dedicated clinical leader in Arlington County recognized for her commitment to nursing excellence and the operational success of acute care services.
- Dave Levy, VP of Worldwide Public Sector, Healthcare, and Life Sciences, Amazon Web Services: An Arlington-based global leader driving digital transformation and innovation in the public sector and healthcare technology space.
The Standard of Leadership
Whether in a hospital boardroom, a global tech firm, or a regional health system, these honorees represent the excellence that NAHSE Virginia strives to cultivate. For our organization, this recognition is more than a professional milestone; it is a validation of the mission we champion every day. Leadership within this framework means:
- Commitment to Service: Working with the intent to improve outcomes for all Virginians.
- Courageous Inquiry: Asking the difficult questions necessary to dismantle barriers in any industry.
- Essential Advocacy: Ensuring that business and healthcare systems respond to the needs of every individual, regardless of background.
- Celebrating Our Collective Impact
NAHSE Virginia celebrates the full 2026 class of Virginia Black Business Leaders. Their success is a testament to the power of representation in the executive suite and the boardroom. As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to providing the networking and professional development needed to ensure our members continue to lead the Commonwealth in innovation and equity.
Congratulations to all the honorees for their well-deserved recognition and for continuing to redefine leadership in Virginia.
To see the full list of 2026 honorees, visit the Virginia Business website.