ABOUT

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

ABOUT

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

Panoramic view of Richmond. Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Richmond skyline

The Richmond EDA is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is led by a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Richmond City Council.

Nupa Agarwal Esq.

VICE CHAIR

Marketing Committee Chair
Real Estate Committee

Background

Nupa earned a degree in sociology from Randolph-Macon College, where she also minored in political science and latin studies. She then earned a juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law. While attending law school, Nupa also received a master of science in sociology from Mississippi College, specializing in cultural anthropology. She is also a certified senior professional resource manager and a realtor. Nupa has spent more than 15 years practicing bankruptcy and real estate law and possesses nearly a decade of real estate sales experience. Today, she is the owner and Lead Attorney at Agarwal Law Firm and the Referral Realtor for Virginia Capital Realty. Nupa is also the cohost of a podcast she created called “Mind on Money.”

Expertise

Nupa brings a deep level of understanding to grassroots issues she has gained while serving her bankruptcy clients and understands our responsibility to the underserved. She loves that the EDA Board is action oriented, efficient, and deeply invested in the future of our City.

Excited About: Influx of new talent

Favorite Thing: River culture

Jéron Crooks

Audit and Finance Committee
Loan Committee

Background

Jéron attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his B.S. in accounting. He began his career serving on the financial reporting team that prepared the Virginia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Next, he served on the internal audit team for a locally headquartered publicly traded company with domestic and international operations. Since 2016, he has worked with Kearney & Company, consulting for the federal government in various capacities, including audit remediation, audit readiness, business process improvement, overseeing implementations of robotic process automation tools, and financial reporting. Clients include the National Credit Union Association, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Coast Guard.

Expertise

As a CPA from our region, Jéron has a passion for giving back and uplifting our community. Being a small business owner of a residential rental real estate company, he understands the freedom of being your own boss. Because of this, he constantly seeks opportunities to educate others on entrepreneurship and encourage economic development. As a member of our Board, he loves his role in driving change and participating in decisions that lead to growth and prosperity for our community.

Excited About: Small business growth

Favorite Thing: Food scene

Evan Feinman

Marketing Committee
Nominations Committee
Real Estate Committee

Background

Evan received his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, spent two years on an energy and transportation policy fellowship, and earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He has spent his career in public service, serving in the private sector, on campaigns, and within the state and federal governments. Evan served at The Commonwealth Institute, a budget and fiscal policy think tank, and was Policy Director for Terry McAuliffe's successful 2013 campaign for Virginia Governor. He then served as Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth before taking over the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, an economic development agency focused on Southern and Southwest Virginia. In the Northam Administration, Evan was reappointed to that role, and his portfolio expanded to include the creation of the Virginia Broadband Office. That work was successful, and Virginia will be the first large state in the nation to achieve universal broadband access. Today, Evan continues his efforts to bridge the digital divide as the Director of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment with the United States Commerce Department. He oversees the $42.5 billion program to ensure all Americans can access reliable, affordable high-speed Internet connections.

Expertise

Evan has a deep background in organizational management and change, public policy, public administration, economic development, infrastructure deployment, workforce development, business attraction, and legislative and regulatory advocacy. He enjoys Richmond’s evolution as a city of culture and a destination for big investments and playing a part in that growth.

Community Involvement

STAY RVA, Founding Board Member; Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Strategic Plan Steering Committee; Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Steering Committee, Blueprint 2025; Greater Aspirations Scholarship Program

Excited About: Vibrant culture

Favorite Thing: Quality of life

Nathan Hughes, CCIM, CBI

TREASURER

Audit and Finance Committee Chair
Loan Advisory Committee Chair
Real Estate Committee

Background

A native Richmonder, Nathan received a B.S. in finance from VCU. After graduation, he earned his Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association and his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. He has been a full-time business broker and commercial realtor since 2005. With an emphasis on teamwork and customer service, Nathan opened Sperity Real Estate Ventures in 2015 and serves as principal broker. Combining decades of full-service real estate and business brokerage experience with his business and restaurant acumen, Nathan has carved a niche for himself in the Richmond restaurant market. He has assisted such notable clients as Lindsey Food Group, Ruby Scoops, and Metzger Bar and Butchery.

Expertise

Nathan has a passion for connecting people with opportunities. He combines his experience as a small business owner; insights gained from the development community; and background in the real estate, restaurant, and financial industries to determine how we can best provide Richmond businesses with the tools necessary to improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors.

Excited About: Small business community

Favorite Thing: Our collaborative spirit

Jer'Mykeal McCoy

Nominations Committee Chair
Real Estate Committee
Marketing Committee

Background

Jer’Mykeal holds a B.A. in mass communication with honors from Tennessee State University and is an alumnus of Georgetown University, where he earned his master's in sports industry management. Since 2015, he has served in various sales capacities in manufacturing and technology. He also provides consultation to small businesses and nonprofits on revenue diversification. Jer’Mykeal currently is a Sourcing Specialist at VCU Health, where he manages vendor relationships and advises on supplier diversity initiatives for the health system.

Expertise

As a business and civic leader, Jer’Mykeal uses his experience to enhance the lives of his fellow Richmonders. He loves playing an essential role in building an economically diverse and equitable City.

Excited About: Building a better Richmond

Favorite Thing: Our people

Neil Millhiser

Real Estate Committee Chair
Audit and Finance Committee

Background

Neil received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Elon University and is a Washington and Lee University School of Law graduate. He has over a decade of executive management experience in the real estate and healthcare sectors. Neil helped one of the largest patient assistance program charities in the U.S. navigate intricate regulatory issues, including the successful, nearly three-year renegotiation of a favorable HHS-OIG opinion. He currently serves as Associate General Counsel for Journey Medical Corporation.

Expertise

Neil brings a deep understanding of real estate development and property management and the legal issues related to these subjects. He is also well versed in the accompanying financial matters, including cash flow and tax implications. Having grown up in Richmond, he has a deep love for our City. Serving on our Board affords Neil a substantive opportunity to use his skills and experience in a meaningful way to help his home city succeed.

Excited About: Redevelopment initiatives

Favorite Thing: Big city opportunities, small-town vibe

John Molster

CHAIR

Audit and Finance Committee
Loan Advisory Committee
Nominations Committee

Background

John earned a B.A. in economics from Hampden-Sydney College and completed his studies at Wharton’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania. His career has been an exciting journey in the ever-evolving world of financial services. John got his start on Wall Street, researching and trading bonds. Today, as a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional and financial advisor for Truist Investment Services, he works with families to help them protect their assets and plan for future generations. He finds it especially rewarding to work with his team and his clients to help them achieve their purpose and objectives.

Expertise

John believes that the EDA Board is a terrific group of professionals who love our City and that each member makes significant, unique contributions. He brings an understanding of the financial consequences of the decisions we face, as well as deep experience in management and leadership. John uses his expertise to encourage our volunteer Board and appreciates the opportunity to do great things for his hometown. John feels that its thriving restaurant scene, excellent universities, and young, energized workforce give Richmond plenty to look forward to.