Governor Appoints New Members to CNU Board of Visitors

New members bring diverse backgrounds

by Jim Hanchett July 1, 2026

Christopher Newport Hall, a grand, classic university building with a gold dome and white columns, surrounded by a green lawn and trees with autumn foliage under a bright blue sky.

Christopher Newport Hall on a sunny day with a blue sky and clouds.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has announced the appointments of new members to the Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors as well as the reappointment of the Hon. Ron Tillett, who will serve as rector.

The appointees are:

  • The Hon. Ann Cherry of Hampton, School Board member, Hampton City Schools.
  • The Hon. Michael Mullin ‘04 of Williamsburg, general counsel, Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association
  • The Hon. Karen Jackson ‘87 of Poquoson, president, Apogee Strategic Partners, LLC.
  • Cristin Toutsi Grigos ‘04 of Falls Church, senior vice president, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).

Spanberger reappointed Tillett of Goochland, managing director and co-head of Atlantic Coast Public Finance for Raymond James. Tillett, first appointed to CNU’s Board of Visitors in 2022, was elected by the board to serve a two-year term as rector. He will succeed Christy Morton ‘01, who will continue her service on the board.

“The new members have expertise across a range of fields,” said CNU President William G. Kelly. “I look forward to receiving their insight as we continue our momentum toward accomplishing our goal of being the nation’s premier regional public university.”

Kelly also thanked Morton for her continuing service to her alma mater. As rector, she led the board’s consideration and adoption of the Strategic Compass, a strategic plan for the next five years. This year, the board approved the lowest tuition increase of any Virginia public university. “Christy has been an exceptional rector and leader during a challenging period. I greatly value her guidance, support and passion for all things CNU,” Kelly said.

Kelly welcomed the opportunity to continue working with Tillett in his new role as rector - the chair of the board. “I deeply appreciate all that Ron has already accomplished in his service to the University and the commonwealth. He brings a wealth of governance experience to his new position as well as welcome candor and a wonderful sense of humor. Together, we have much to look forward to and much to achieve.”

Kelly also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the service and dedication of four board members whose terms have come to a close: John Lawson, Kelli Purdy Meadows ‘96, Larry Pope, and Boris Robinson ‘89.

The 14-member Board of Visitors is CNU’s governing body, responsible for selecting the university president, approving the University’s tuition and budget, as well as overseeing its effective governance. Members are appointed by the governor to four-year terms, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly.

“I am proud to appoint this talented group of individuals to serve on our higher education boards,” Spanberger said. “I have full confidence that their leadership will strengthen our world- class institutions while upholding the values that make our commonwealth’s colleges and universities the envy of the world. I look forward to their service as they advance opportunities for every student who walks onto our campuses.”

More about the new appointees:

Cherry is a retired executive director of public relations and marketing for Hampton City Schools. She is active in many community organizations and has served on the school board since 2016.

Mullin is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and a former assistant commonwealth's attorney for the City of Hampton. A Captain for Life, he has been involved in CNU alumni activities and serves on the Wason Center for Civic Leadership Advisory Board.

Jackson served three Virginia governors in a variety of positions and was appointed as secretary of technology by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. A Captain for Life, she also served as Interim executive director of New College Institute in Martinsville, Va.

Toutsi Grigos served as a leadership fellow and coordinated the President’s Leadership Program immediately after her graduation from CNU in 2004. She has served AGB in several roles and has 23 years of higher education experience working with chief executives, board members, board professionals, senior administrators, association leaders, and public policy officials.

Tillett served as Virginia’s secretary of finance and as state treasurer. He has chaired the CNU Foundation Investment Committee and served as a member of the Wason Center for Civic Leadership Advisory Board.

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