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Kelly-Wiecek and O’Bannon receive Ukrops Econ Dev Service Award

October 11, 2023

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RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 11, 2023) – The Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP) announces Angela Kelly-Wiecek and Patricia O’Bannon have been awarded the GRP Ukrops Economic Development Service Award. Kelly-Wiecek and O’Bannon were honored at the organization’s 2023 Annual Meeting, held Sept. 27, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Under their direction on the GRP Board of Directors, the Richmond Region experienced $4.25 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 18,000 jobs.

This award was created by GRP to honor volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to aiding GRP’s vision for economic prosperity. The award was established to celebrate and recognize individuals who have inspired community and corporate leadership over the years. The award is named after Jim and Bobby Ukrop, the first recipients in 2022, for nearly three decades of service to the organization.

According to John Budesky, County Administrator of Hanover County, “I have seen Miss Kelly-Wiecek take her hard work here in Hanover County and apply that not only to the projects that she does here, but also the Greater Richmond region. I think that sustains some of the commitment that the Ukrops family has made to this region and the success that ultimately has resulted.”

Watch this video dedicated to Angela Kelly-Wiecek.

At the time this award was presented, Kelly-Wiecek served Hanover County as a member of the Board of Supervisors. She has since accepted a position with the Commonwealth of Virginia as Chief Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. In addition to her service at the county level and on the GRP Board of Directors, she has served on the boards of Richmond Region Tourism, PlanRVA and Virginia Career Works. Kelly-Wiecek served as Chair of the GRP Board of Directors from 2017 to 2018.

According to John Vithoulkas, Henrico County Manager, “Pat has been absolutely committed to the Greater Richmond Partnership. The fact that we are all able to sit down and say, ‘What are we able to do as a region?’ It really has been about what we can do collectively. I think actions speak and her actions demonstrate just how important regional partnerships are. I think we all owe her a big round of thanks for everything that she has done.”

Watch this video dedicated to Pat O’Bannon.

O’Bannon currently serves Henrico County on the Board of Supervisors. She was the first woman elected to Henrico’s Board of Supervisors in 1995. During her 40-year career, she served the county as Chair six times. In addition to her service in Greater Richmond including for Capital Region Airport Commission, PlanRVA and the Henricus Foundation, O’Bannon served as chair of the GRP Board of Directors from 2014 to 2015 and currently serves as vice chair.

“The GRP Ukrops Economic Development Service Award reflects our appreciation for individuals whose unwavering commitment to Greater Richmond’s economic prosperity truly sets them apart,” said Jennifer Wakefield, GRP President + CEO. “This award symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and dedication that drives our community toward sustained growth and success. Both Angela and Pat are extremely deserving of this award.”

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About GRP

The Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. (GRP) is the lead regional economic development organization for the City of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico in Virginia. GRP attracts new companies to the region by providing in-depth market data, marketing the region globally and generating quality economic opportunities. For more information, visit www.grpva.com.