Jody M. Wagner to chair 52nd Annual Humanitarian Awards dinner

by | Mar 25, 2016 | What’s Happening

Thursday, April 7, Norfolk Waterside Marriott

The Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities named Jody M. Wagner chair of the 2016 Humanitarian Awards Dinner. The awards celebration honors individuals and organizations who have made significant humanitarian contributions to the South Hampton Roads community.

Wagner is founder and president of Jody’s Popcorn, a fresh gourmet popcorn and confectionary store in Virginia Beach. Wagner previously served as the Secretary of Finance under Governor Kaine, 2006 – 2008 and served in the Department of the Treasury for the Commonwealth of Virginia as Treasurer, 2002–2006. She received a B.A. in economics from Northwestern University in 1977, and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1980. Wagner was admitted to the bar in Tennessee in 1980 and in Virginia in 1984. Prior to joining state government, she worked for about 18 years at the Norfolk law firm Kaufman & Canoles, specializing in securities and banking law.

Wagner is currently treasurer of the board of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, secretary of the board of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and vice president of the board of the Norfolk Forum. She also serves on the boards of Bon Secours Healthsource, Congregation Beth E, Christopher Newport University, and The Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business.

The Humanitarian Awards are presented annually in communities across the state by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Begun in Tidewater in 1965, when the organization was part of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Humanitarian Awards honor individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. For more information about VCIC or the event, go to www.inclusiveva.org.