The Norfolk Forum, the nation’s oldest publicly subscribed speakers’ forum recently elected Jody M. Wagner, as its 2017–18 board president. Wagner is president of Jody’s Popcorn, which she and her husband, Alan Wagner, MD, founded in Virginia Beach in 2005. Wagner previously served as the Virginia Secretary of Finance (2006-2008) and Virginia State Treasurer (2002-2005), after practicing law with Kaufman & Canoles from 1983 through 2001.
The Norfolk Forum was founded in 1933 to educate local citizens about the major affairs of the time. Entering its 85th consecutive season, The Norfolk Forum continues to bring renowned leaders who are shaping the news, national policies, the arts, and sports to its stage each season. One of Wagner’s goals is to increase the number and diversity of the Forum’s annual subscribers.
The Forum also named Maura Murchake as its executive director.
“Maura brings over 15 years of marketing experience to our organization and her leadership will be essential to the growth of The Norfolk Forum in the coming years,” notes Wagner. “I am thrilled that in her new role, Maura will help expand The Norfolk Forum’s outreach into the Hampton Roads community and beyond. The timing couldn’t be better as we have a fabulous line-up of diverse speakers who will appeal to different segments of the community.”
The 2017–18 season of The Norfolk Forum will feature Tom Brokaw (September 26), Diana Nyad (November 14), John Brennan (February 20), and Geno Auriemma (April 24). All lectures are held at Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall and begin at 7:30 pm. Season tickets are available online at www.thenorfolkforum.org, or by calling 757-627-8672.