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History

The origins of NSA Virginia (formerly known as the Virginia Speakers Association) can be traced back to a group of women who all shared a seminar platform for a program held in Norfolk, Virginia in 1991. Desiring to network with other professional speakers, the group expanded their circle to include a few men.

By spring 1992, ten to fifteen professional and aspiring speakers were meeting regularly over lunch at Fisherman's Wharf restaurant in Norfolk, Virginia. Hope Mihalap and David Meinz served as co-chairs of the group.

In 1993, they recognized a need for broader educational opportunities for members. Therefore, they began to work toward qualification as an official chapter of the National Speakers Association.

In 1994, NSA Virginia offered three full-day quarterly meetings featuring national speakers. In January 1995, David Meinz was elected to serve as the first president.

Members currently come from all parts of Virginia (and some from as far away as North Carolina) to attend monthly meetings and special events.

NSA Virginia Past Presidents

1995-96: David Meinz CSP
1996-97: Steve Kissell CSP
1997–98: Harold Wood
1998-99: Harold Wood
1999-00: Harold Wood
2000-01: Pat Moore
2001-02: Doris Young
2002-03: Kristin Arnold CSP
2003-04: Rick Chess
2004-05: Renee Cobb
2005-06: Gloria Thomas
2006-07: Will Turner

 

Chapter Member of the Year


This is the highest honor awarded by members of NSA Virginia. This award recognizes a fellow member's outstanding service and contributions to the association.

1997-98: David Meinz, CSP
1998-99: Harold Wood
1999-00: Harold Wood
2000-01: Kristin Arnold
2001-02: Kristin Arnold
2002-03: Doris Young
2003-04: Lois Gallo
2004-05: Lois Gallo
2005-06: Sandy Dumont
2006-07: Gloria Thomas


President's Award


Each year the president recognizes members who have shared their time and expertise in extraordinary ways to support NSA Virginia's goals.

1998-99: Patrice Carlock, Steve Kissell, Pat Moore
1999-00: Kristin Arnold, Roger and Kathy Cawthon, William Persinger
2000-01: Gloria Thomas, Jim Meisner, and Harold Wood
2001-02: Rick Chess, Hayley Foster, Julia OConnor, Milt Saunders, and Harold Wood
2003-04: Rich Chess, Doris Young, Lois Gallo and Gloria Thomas
2004-05: Gloria Thomas, Will Turner and Sandy Dumont
2005-06: Will Turner and Steve Philbrick
2006-07: Tom Davidson, Sandy Dumont, and Dorothy Erlanger


Members Emeritus


2008 Hope Milhalap
2007 Steve Kissell
2004 Harold Wood
Awarded the first NSA Virginia Member Emeritus award, which designated him as a lifetime member. This award is given at the discretion of the NSA-VA board following nomination and a unanimous vote.