WRLF Board Profiles

Current Board Member Profiles

Berna Heyman joined the Foundation board in July, 2008. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Associate Dean of Libraries, Earl Gregg Swem Library, at the College of William and Mary. A Chicago native, Mrs. Heyman earned her undergraduate degree from Washington University (St. Louis, MO) and her MLS from Simmons College (Boston, MA). Her husband is retired from NASA. Considering her appointment to the WRLF, Mrs. Heyman explained, "I love libraries and everything they represent. That's why I became a librarian more than 40 years ago.... I am eagerly looking forward to this opportunity to work with the Williamsburg Regional Library."

Dr. Elizabeth C. Foxx joined the Foundation board in July, 2009. A native of Newport News, Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. She did her residency in anesthesiology and moved to Williamsburg in 1996. Her husband is also a medical doctor. Considering the library foundation, Elizabeth noted "We value the library as a tremendous asset to our community and I look forward to helping it continue its service."

Jim Oliver joined the board in July, 2007.  He was born in Colorado and raised in Wyoming. He served in the United States Navy and earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Colorado in Electrical Engineering/Finance and Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Colorado and Virginia. Jim is Principal of Nielsen Associates LLC, a local accounting firm. Prior to moving to Williamsburg, he worked in the corporate world in New York City.  He has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Virginia Society of CPA’s, National Society of Tax Professionals and Rotary International (Past Chapter President-Greenwich, CT).  He is active in Christopher Wren Association and has been involved with the AARP Tax Aide program from the local to the national level, including six years as state AARP coordinator.

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Raymond A. Adams, Jr. joined the Foundation board in July, 2009. From 1953 to 1955, Mr. Adams served in the U.S. Army in South Korea. He holds degrees from the Smithdeal Massey Business College, Richmond, Virginia and a business degree from the University of Richmond. Mr. Adams was the Director of Finance for the City of Williamsburg for more than 25 years, retiring in February 2001. Among his many affiliations, he has been active in the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club since 1969 and is primarily responsible for establishing the Kiwanis Club Foundation. About joining the Library Foundation board Ray has said, "I am delighted to be able to do this and believe in giving back to the community."

Susan H. Axtell joined the Foundation board in July, 2010. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Wellesley College and attended the University of London. In 2009 Susan retired as Teacher-Director of the Williamsburg Parent Co-operative Preschool, after more than thirty years in that position. She and her husband have two adult sons. Reflecting on the Williamsburg Regional Library, Susan noted that "Being allowed to walk to the downtown library was the first perfect freedom of my young childhood, and the library remains high on my list of favorite destinations…. WRL has been an invaluable resource for me as parent, teacher, family advocate, and human being. Its continued good health is close to my heart."

Sherrie Chappell joined the Library Foundation board in July, 2011.  A native of Decatur, Georgia, is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Prior to moving to Williamsburg in 1983, Sherrie worked for many years at the University of Georgia Library, doing everything from cataloging to managing personnel. She now works part-time at Mermaid Books, an independent book seller on Prince George Street. She is a member of The Williamsburg Garden Club, and has served on its Executive Board as an officer and member of the Board of Directors for many years. She and her husband, Gordon, are members of the Kingspoint Couples Book Club.  A regular patron of the Williamsburg Regional Library, she has long been a member of the Friends of WRL.

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Didier de Vulpillieres joined the Foundation board in July, 2009. A native of French Algeria, Didier was educated in France and the United States. After earning a degree in electrical engineering and serving in the French army, he emigrated to the United States. He also holds an MBA from the University of Michigan. Didier enjoyed a career in the automotive supplier industry, developing and marketing automotive electronics. He retired as General Manager of Synerject China. Didier and his wife relocated to Williamsburg nearly 30 years ago. They have two adult children. An avid reader he notes, "I have always made extensive use of the services of the Williamsburg Library, which has impressed me by it capabilities as well as by the design of its building."

Michael J. Fox joined the Foundation board in July, 2009. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Michael joined the College of William and Mary staff in 1997 and currently serves there as Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the Board of Visitors. Active in the community, he is a past chair of the Williamsburg Regional Library Board of Trustees. In 2009 he served on the boards of Walsingham Academy, the Williamsburg Community Foundation, and Old Point National Bank. About the library, Michael has expressed his interest maintaining and enhancing best library of its size in Virginia.

Dorothy "Dottie" Gabig joined the Foundation board in July 2010. A graduate of the the College of William and Mary, Dottie taught elementary school for several years before starting a family. Over the years, she has maintained strong ties to William and Mary having served on numerous College boards and committees including the Earl Gregg Swem Library Board, William and Mary Alumni Association Board, Fund for William and Mary Committee, the Lord Botetourt Auction for the Athletic Educational Fund and the Class of 1961 35th Reunion Committee. Dottie and her husband live in Williamsburg and have two adult children and six grandchildren. She hopes "to encourage the community to realize and use the wonderful facility that our library is."

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Victoria "Tory" B. Gussman joined the Foundation board in July 2009. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University. Tory serves as Director of Property Planning and Management for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. She and her husband David have lived in Williamsburg since 1979. Some of her affiliations have included serving on the Williamsburg Land Conservancy Board of Directors and membership in the Urban Land Institute, the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. Tory is well acquainted with the library having served two terms on the Williamsburg Regional Library Board of Trustees. She writes, "I look forward to serving on the WRLF Board and helping to further support for the exceptional public resources that is WRL."

Vivian E. Hamilton joined the Foundation board in July, 2010. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Vivian currently is an Associate Professor of Law at the William and Mary School of Law, teaching family law, constitution and family, and civil procedure. She taught previously at American University’s Washington College of Law and at the West Virginia University College of Law. Vivian serves on the board of the Virginia ACLU and is an active member of its Legal Committee. She also serves on numerous other committees and boards, including the Association of American Law Schools Section on Family and Juvenile Law, the Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation, and the Black Student Fund. Vivian has two children. Thinking about the Williamsburg Regional Library she comments, "We’ve derived much benefit and pleasure from the library, and it’s evident every time we visit that many other city residents do as well. I would be truly pleased to work with those of you who help ensure that the library continues to thrive as an invaluable community resource."

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Charles F. Hobson joined the Foundation board in July, 2006. Dr. Hobson has been a resident of Williamsburg since 1979. He received his Ph.D. from Emory University in 1971. He is a historian associated with the College of William and Mary's Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture. In that capacity, he directed The Papers of John Marshall, a scholarly edition of Chief Justice Marshall's correspondence, papers, and selected judicial opinions. His next project will involve the St. George Tucker papers. Chuck and his wife Ann have two children, both of whom grew up in Williamsburg, and two grandchildren. They enjoy reading, traveling, and bicycling. For many years he has sung in the choir at Bruton Parish Church. Thinking about himself and the library he noted, "Books are my vocation and avocation. I believe that the local library is one of the community's most essential services and one of its most valuable assets."

Barry L. Marten joined the Foundation board in July, 2010. He earned his BSed and MSed in chemistry from Western Illinois University. Barry retired from Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation’s Fuel Components Division in Newport News, Virginia after a 27 year tenure. During his career, Barry held various management-level positions in the fields of advanced product development, materials and process technology and environmental affairs. He has served on the board of the James River Association and is a former member of the Greater Peninsula Workforce Investment Board and former Chair of the Board of Directors of CHROME (Cooperating Hampton Roads Organizations for Minorities in Engineering). He and his wife have two adult children.

Marilyn M. Riddle joined the Foundation board in July, 2006. A resident of Virginia for 42 years, the past nine in James City County, Mrs. Riddle and her late husband had four children. Marilyn earned a BS in mathematics from the University of Mississippi and taught secondary math for 23 years in Newport News Public Schools. She is a past president of the Newport News Friends of the Library. She served a four year term on the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, appointed by Governor Mark Warner. Marilyn is active at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, volunteers for Colonial Williamsburg, is helping to plan the stamp and cachet project for America’s Four Hundredth Celebration, and serves on the Williamsburg USPS Customer Advisory Council. She views the library as one of the best in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As an educator and an educated individual Marilyn is a strong advocate for the Williamsburg Regional Library, noting "I am totally committed to life long learning activities."

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Elaine Themo joined the Library Foundation board in July, 2011.  A life long learner, Dr. Themo earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and her Ph.D. from American University, School of International Service.  An emeriti sociology professor from the College of William and Mary, she has expertise in both sociology and anthropology.  Dr. Themo has volunteered with several boards, including the Christopher Wren Association, League of Women Voters, Williamsburg Area, and the WHRO Community Advisory Committee.   Thinking about the libraries, she noted an overarching goal is always “to expand the opportunities for, range of, [and] audience for reading…” and to “introduce more and more children to reading and introduce adults to [an] expanded scope in subject matter.”

Mary Lou Walten joined the Foundation board in July, 2008. She received her B.S. in mathematics from William Paterson College (New Jersey). Mrs. Walten is a former school teacher and has volunteered in the medical field, a historical society, for the girl scouts, and with garden clubs at various times. She has served as volunteer coordinator for the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Considering her appointment to the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation board Mrs. Walten wrote, "I feel so proud to be on the WRLF board and so happy to live in a community with probably the finest public library I have ever been privileged to have in my town or city. I look forward to helping in any way possible as a new board member."

Louis B. Weeks joined the Foundation board in July, 2009. Mr. Weeks was President of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA and Charlotte NC from 1994 until his retirement in June 2007. During his career he also served as a stated supply pastor, a missionary in the Presbyterian Church in Congo (Zaire) and as a professor and dean at Louisville Seminary. He has written broadly in church history, ethics, development, administration, Bible, patroral care, and ministry. He and his wife Carol have two adult children, and several grandchildren. He writes that throughout his career he has always valued "the books and other resources illuminating many perspectives, religions, and cultures in the library."

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