Richmond - Around the Cone - September 2023

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3
AROUND THE CONE
As we transition from summer to fall, we want to
showcase our staff here at Richmond District. The
district is full of hardworking and innovative people
who have a wide variety of experience in the
transportation industry.
In this issue of Around the Cone, we will highlight
our staff’s accomplishments over the last several
months, from hosting the Six-Year Improvement
Plan meeting to spending the day with
Commissioner Brich and most importantly you will
meet some of your teammates and co-workers.
Some have been here for ages, while some are
brand new, but either way, they are just like you -
committed to keeping Virginia moving!
THIS ISSUE:
MESSAGE FROM
DALE & LEZLIE
PAGE 2
SIX-YEAR
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
MEETING
PAGE 6
STATE ROADEO
PAGES 7-12
MEET AARON FRENCH
PAGES 16-17
CVC KICK-OFF
PAGE 20

M E S S A G E F R O M
D A L E T O T T E N , P . E .
D I S T R I C T E N G I N E E R
On July 25, I was fortunate enough to celebrate my
20th anniversary with VDOT. It is fairly common to
reflect on the past when one reaches a milestone such
as this. I thought of all the experiences I'd been a part
of and the changes that I have witnessed during my
time. While there are many reasons to be proud of
our organization, it's the people that make it truly
special.
We have proven time and time again that we come
together in the most difficult times. The Richmond
District takes challenges head-on and uses them as an
opportunity to grow together as a team.
I am proud to be part of this team and to represent
the Richmond District. I'd like to thank you for the
effort you put in each day on behalf of VDOT and
Virginia's motorists.
Dale is pictured with Chris Winstead, who hired him at the
Chesterfield Residency in 2003.
M E S S A G E F R O M
L E Z L I E E L L I S
D E P U T Y A D M I N I S T R A T O R
While there are a lot of things that make the
Richmond District great, it is the people that make
it such a unique and special place. As you look
through this issue of Around the Cone you’ll meet a
lot of your teammates all through the district and I
hope you’ll find yourself as proud of them as I do.
Working alongside the talented and motivated
individuals of the Richmond District has inspired me
for the last 33 years. I find myself beyond impressed
by the collaboration and communication that the
Richmond District teams share and how it so often
leads to innovative ideas and solutions to
challenges.
The sense of belonging and camaraderie that has
come with being part of a great team has created a
positive and uplifting work environment that I look
forward to being a part of every day.

M E E T
Jovanna
Bellamy
B U S I N E S S A D A
As the Assistant District Administrator of Business, Jovanna serves as a member of the
District Executive team and as the District's lead financial officer. Additionally, Jovanna
provides overall direction for the operations of Accounting, Business Office, Asset,
Inventory and Records Management, Information Technology/Telecommunications,
Budget, Facilities, and Security.
Q: Where did you work before here and what’s the professional achievement you are
most proud of you?
I worked in the Central Office Administrative Services Division as their Senior Business Manager and
held the role of Statewide SPCC Program Administrator for 4 ½ years. Over the last 19 years in my
overall Administrative, Business and Operations career, I am most proud of reaching the Administrator
level. I've set career goals and have elevated from Analyst to Manager, Senior Manager and now
embracing the fruits from my contributions as an ADA-B is my greatest achievement.
Q: What was your first job?
At the age of 15 with a work permit, I worked as a cashier/stocker at Barrett Shoes on the Boulevard
in Colonial Heights. At a young age, I was counting and reconciling register tills and preparing daily
cash deposit slips.
Q: What five words best describe you?
Social butterfly/personable, family-oriented, caring, dedicated and open-minded.
Q: Who is your favorite sports team?
Washington Commanders!
Q: What would someone be shocked to find out about you?
I have a deep love for motorcycles and used to ride on the back of my Dad's cruiser at a young age.
After riding sports bikes for almost ten years on a Kawasaki ZX-6 & ZX-10 (1000), I am now looking for
a Cruiser style motorcycle for a more laid-back ride.
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As the Communications Manager, Lorena's role involves overseeing the creation and
implementation of communication strategies to effectively convey messages to all
stakeholders that meets VDOT's mission, enhances reputation and provides
transparency.
Q: How do you usually start your day?
Definitely with a cup of coffee!! I enjoy listening to the morning news on my drive into work
or practicing some positive mediation to start out my day.
Q: What advice would you give yourself if you could travel back to the
start of your career?
Slow down and enjoy the ride!! We get so caught up in our hectic day-to-day lives that we
forget to pause, smile and enjoy those around us!
Q: What five words best describe you?
Committed, family-oriented, caring, courageous, and encouraging.
Q: What's the best book you've ever read?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or skills? If yes, what are they?
I used to play the violin.
M E E T
Lorena
Arias
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
M A N A G E R
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 4

M E E T
Kali
Robinson
H U M A N R E S O U R C E S
B E N E F I T S S P E C I A L I S T
As the Human Resource Benefits Specialist, Kali administers the Commonwealth's
employee benefit programs and leave policies available in state government, as well as
Federal policies to VDOT staff. Kali also assists in running the Service Anniversary Awards
and Just Sayin’ Spot Recognition Program as the District Recognition Coordinator.
Q: What's your favorite part of working at VDOT?
My favorite part of working here is the supportive leadership. At VDOT, our leadership understands the
importance of a supportive and empowering workplace. I am grateful for the open communication and
genuine concern our leaders demonstrate for the well-being and success of our employees.
Q. What would your ideal work day be like?
My perfect workday would consist of successfully wrapping up the meaningful tasks and ongoing
projects that I have at hand. A significant part of these tasks revolves around providing assistance to
employees who are navigating challenging situations. Being able to help individuals with their shortterm
disability, long-term disability, and workers' compensation claims gives me a sense of fulfillment.
Equally gratifying is supporting employees during their happier moments, such as parental leave,
vacation time, and recognition awards.
Q. What was your best subject in school?
My best subject in high school was Mathematics. In college however, my best subject was Human
Resource Management.
Q. What TV character do you most associate with?
Rory from Gilmore Girls
Q. How would your best friends describe you?
Hard working, passionate, empathetic, and a problem solver.
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 5

Six-Year Improvement
Plan Meeting
On April 24, the Commonwealth Transportation Board
(CTB) conducted the Richmond District Public meeting to
allow citizens an opportunity to comment on
transportation projects recommended for funding in the
Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). The program
allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail,
bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation projects.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Sheppherd Miller III
started the meeting by reminding all in attendance that
safety is paramount for our department and said "Last
year was a record year for deaths on the highway, 1,000
people died, many because they were distracted by their
phones. Please put your phones down!" Commissioner
Brich echoed Secretary Miller’s plea for safety on roads
and closed the meeting by saying "This is an exciting time
to be in transportation, I'd say it's an even more exciting
time to be in transportation in Virginia."
PAGE 6

State
R O A D E O
Competition and Camaraderie
In the heat of the summer, almost 50 VDOTers who ranked in
their district’s Roadeo competitions gathered at the Meadow
Event Park in Doswell to challenge one another in events
including motor grader, tractor mower, backhoe, single axle
dump truck, tandem axle dump truck and low boy.
Spectators, wearing their district’s colors watched their favorite
competitions and cheered from the sidelines. Everyone
acknowledged the exceptional skills that are required to achieve
the intricate tasks laid out with such large machinery. While the
competition on the courses was close, the camaraderie between
the competitors and spectators won the best in show!
The competition concluded with a luncheon and award
ceremony. Commissioner Brich congratulated the group and
shared that he would continue the tradition of spending the
day with the winners and doing their job for the day. He then
sweetened the deal for winners by extending the opportunity
to shadow him for the day.
While the July temperatures were hot, the competition at the
2023 State Roadeo was even hotter and the Richmond District
was on fire with three winners - Jeff Allgood, first place in the
mower tractor event; Nathan Wood, first place in the motor
grader event and Joe Tarry, third place in the backhoe event.
Jeff and Nathan are headed to Beckley, West Virginia for the
upcoming Southeast Regional Roadeo competition.
PAGE 7

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Jeff manages the maintenance activities in four counties - New Kent, Charles
City, Henrico and a portion of Hanover, in the Ashland Residency.
Q: What advice would you give yourself if you could travel back in time
to the start of your career?
I have worked for VDOT for 33.5 years, and I would not change a thing!
Q. What's the best piece of professional advice you've ever received?
Work hard and good things will happen.
Q. What could you give a 30-minute presentation about with no advance preparation?
Snow removal.
Q. If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Thunderstruck by ACDC.
Q. If you could choose one age to be forever, what age would it be?
38, It's a good active age and things seem to slow down a bit after turning 40.
M E E T
Jeff
Allgood
S T A T E R O A D E O
W I N N E R
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M E E T
Joe
Tarry
S T A T E R O A D E O
W I N N E R
Joe is the Superintendent at the New Kent Area Headquarters.
Q: What’s the best compliment that you’ve received from someone in the office?
“Joe always finds a way to get the job done, not a reason not to.”
Q: Is there a skill that you would recommend everyone at VDOT learn?
Learn to adapt, things are always changing.
Q: If you had the chance to be in the Olympics, which sport would you compete in?
Shooting (sporting clays)
Q: Name the most adventurous dish you’ve ever eaten.
Raw squid (Japanese dish)
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
Street Outlaws
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Nathan operates heavy equipment and uses hands-on experience in his
daily tasks. Nathan focuses on maintaining a safe work area and looking
out for the safety of his co-workers at the Chase City Area Headquarters.
Q: Where did you work before here?
Red Oak Excavating
Q: What is the part of your work day you enjoy the most?
I enjoy my whole work day and the privilege of working with such a good group of employees.
Q: What was your first job?
Working with my father doing carpentry work.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or skills? If yes, what are they?
No, I try to use all of my talents and skills everyday to bring to the job and benefit the task at hand.
I also enjoy learning new things from other experienced people.
M E E T
Nathan
Wood
S T A T E R O A D E O
W I N N E R
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On Monday, June 26, Commissioner Brich visited Amelia Area Headquarters
and Ashland Residency for hands-on work experience with 2022 State
Roadeo winners, Jeff Allgood and Keith Hawkes. Jeff and Keith were able
to spend one-on-one time with the Commissioner discussing their roles at
VDOT, sharing their job responsibilities, and introducing the Commissioner
to the teams at their respective work sites. Team members also had the
opportunity to share their experience working at VDOT with Commissioner
Brich.
The team at the Amelia AHQ enjoyed lunch with Commissioner Brich,
where they had an open platform to ask the Commissioner questions about
the future of VDOT. During his visit, Commissioner Brich practiced for the
2023 State Roadeo Executive competition, getting hands-on training by
driving a tractor. This training gave him a leg up on the competition, where
he placed second in the Executive competition.
IN THE FIELD FOR THE DAY
Commissioner Brich joins 2022 Roadeo winners
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 13

CONGRATULATIONS,
We are excited to congratulate Sierra Hodo, Business Coordinator in the
Equipment Division, on recently receiving her VCA Certification from the
Virginia Institute of Procurement. Obtaining this designation reflects
established standards and competencies for governmental purchasing and
attests to her ability to obtain maximum value for the taxpayer's dollar.
Sierra started her career with VDOT in 2016 as an intern with the Petersburg
Residency and continued her internship with tenures at the District
Accounting Section and the Central Sign Shop. She then accepted a full-time
accounting position with the Virginia Department of State Police and
returned to VDOT in February 2022.
AROUND THE CONE PAGE 14

James is a Senior Construction Inspector in the Southern region. James
rejoined the VDOT team in July 2023. As an Inspector, James oversees the
execution of state highway and bridge project plans in the field, ensuring
they executed to VDOT plans, specifications and standards.
Q: What's your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is the problem-solving aspect. As inspectors we are frequently faced with issues that
occur in the field that require us to dig through project documents to come up with solution that
remains within the parameters of the contract plans and specifications, but also maintains the most
efficient and cost-effective progress of the contract.
Q: What's the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part is the occasions when you are stuck in the office for multiple days.
I prefer the field aspect of inspection.
Q: If you had to eat one food for the rest of
your life, what would it be?
Almond butter and honey!
Q: The worst movie you've ever seen?
John Wick: Chapter 4
Q: What's on your bucket list?
Before I leave this earth, I would like to vacation in every
major city on the planet.
M E E T
James
Jones
S E N I O R
C O N S T R U C T I O N
I N S P E C T O R -
S O U T H E R N R E G I O N
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M E E T
Aaron
French
P E T E R S B U R G
M O M
Aaron's duties as a MOM are rather diverse and he typically works on a myriad of
tasks throughout any given week. Some of the duties associated with the position
can be assumed from the title of Maintenance Operations Manager; Aaron tackles
the management tasks associated with Petersburg's four AHQs, including
recruitments and hiring, employee relations involving Human Resources, equipment
fleet management, preparation for and management of emergency operations and
snow removal, and monitoring AHQ activities. He also helps manage the Residency
budget and serves as a liaison between the localities and VDOT by working with
County officials and Boards of Supervisors. Additionally, Aaron is an engineer and
just passed his PE exam, so he also takes on engineering and design tasks relative to
maintenance.
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Q: What's the most exciting part of your job?
The most exciting part of my job is to have a comprehensive involvement in my local
transportation program and have a direct impact on the communities in which I serve; I find it
gratifying to play an active role in public service.
Q: Who do you look up to within VDOT? Why?
I look up to anyone who has been with the Agency for an extended period of time and climbed
through the ranks. These folks possess an unparalleled amount of institutional knowledge and
experience that I hope to compare to one day.
Q: Have you ever met anyone famous? If so, who?
I met Michael Waddell, a famous personality in the outdoor television and entertainment
industry a few years ago at the Dixie Deer Classic outdoor expo.
Q: What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
I'd bring a fishing rod to catch food, matches or a lighter for fire to cook and boil water with for
survival, and sunglasses; I can't go anywhere without my shades. If there's service, my VDOT
phone is coming too.
Q: What's your idea of a perfect day?
My ideal day would involve a sunrise ride in my skiff on calm seas for a morning saltwater fishing
followed by an afternoon under an umbrella on the beach with something cold in my hand.
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Petersburg Residency
Employee of the Quarter
Congratulations to the Petersburg Employee of the Quarter, Mckenney
Area Headquarter team member, Eric Mabry!
Superintendent Rodney Sorey said, "Mr. Mabry is always dependable,
reliable, and is very conscientious. Mr. Mabry shows a continued concern for
quality control whether he is on the winter operations skeleton crew,
running the tar distributor during residency chip seal operations or cutting
sight distances on the slope mower. Mr. Mabry has shown the maturity and
responsibility to run these operations with minimal guidance or supervision.
He always runs a safe operation and provides a quality product with good
results."
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Richmond District Safety Manager, Reggie Patterson communicates safety
trends to the district and works with internal and external customers to
recommend safety corrective actions. Reggie, also conducts safety meetings
and participates in fact finding root cause analysis for injury/incident
investigations.
Q: What's the most exciting part of your current job role?
Working with employees and contractors to ensure they are safe so that they can go home to their
families every day.
Q: What’s a memorable experience you’ve had in your career so far?
When my dad passed away, almost the entire crew at the AHQ that I was assigned to came to
the funeral. That touched me more than they will ever know.
Q: What’s the one snack we’d always find in your kitchen?
Cheese!
Q: If you could trade places with one celebrity for a week, who would it be and why?
The ROCK, because he is rich enough to do anything he wants! It would be a very busy week.
Q: In a zombie apocalypse, which three people would you want with you at all times?
My son, my wife and my grandaughter because I wouldn’t trust anyone else with their safety.
M E E T
Reggie
Patterson
S A F E T Y
M A N A G E R
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CVC Kick-Off
In an effort to raise donations for our non-profit partners, the District Complex
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) team celebrated the start of college
football season and National College Colors Day by hosting a tailgate kick-off
celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 30 A total of 52 members of the complex team
enjoyed time with colleagues, participating in tailgate games, and bidding on the
opportunity to have Dale Totten, Robert Poutier, Chris Copeland and Austin Anderson
wear their college colors for a day. The top auction raised $60 to have Robert Poutier
wear Virginia Tech gear for a day! Don’t worry- we will have those images available in
the next Around the Cone!
The event raised $530 towards the Richmond District CVC goal of $10,000! Richmond
District CVC Captain, Chris Copeland said, “I cannot wait to see everything our district
accomplishes this year. The CVC is a great way for employees of the Commonwealth to
safely and easily donate to their favorite causes throughout the year.”

Teamwork
In late June 2023, two teams came together at the JSOC to celebrate the
accomplishment of completing the installation of the new signage package for the
renaming of Fort Gregg-Adams. The Traffic Operations and Petersburg Residency
teams hosted members of the Fort Gregg-Adams team for a tour of our facilities and a
luncheon. Everyone was able to take time to appreciate the hard work that both teams
put into completing the project and congratulate one another on a job well done.
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M E E T
Niko
Ambrose
L A N D U S E P L A N
R E V I W E R
Nikko works as a Land Use plan reviewer for Chesterfield Residency.
Most of his day involves reviewing site plans submitted by consulting
engineers and working the engineers to ensure the site and the impacts
of that site on VDOT ROW meet our design standards.
Q: What’s a professional achievement you’re most proud of?
Passing my FE exam and receiving my EIT designation during the Pandemic.
Q: What would your ideal work day look like?
An ideal day at work would involve early morning collaboration discussions with my co-workers,
limited interruptions, and working on reviews for projects in the Residency.
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Q: Where did you go to college? What did you like about it?
I attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia. I loved the diversity (military,
international, non-traditional out of state) and the natural feel of the university for the
location. The campus allowed you to create your own path and gave students the ability to be
involved in many different organizations of interstest.
Q: What was your first job?
My first job was with Kroger in their online grocery order service.
Q: Are you involved in any professional associations? If yes, what and why did you
get involved with them?
I am currently and have been involved in American Society of Civil Engineers since college. The
organization at first was an opportunity to get involved and develop soft skills but ASCE has
provided me with life-changing experiences and opportunities that I would not have had
outside of the group. As a young engineer, I want to learn as much as possible and make
connections with other professionals in engineering. ASCE provided me with that opportunity
through networking and learning events such as their yearly leadership conferences and
monthly technical meetings. I have been able to find mentors and take on event management
roles, and now I have the privilege of being a practitioning advisor to my Alma Mater's student
chapter and be that link to those students at ODU that I had as a student.
ASCE is a professional organization, but also it allows for social opportunities, the organization
holds many social events including our yearly golf tournament at Hunting Hawk. This year's
tournament will take place in October and you can use this QR code to register!
Q: What’s one thing you’d like to achieve in the next 12
months that you’ve never done before?
Pass my PE exam.
Q: How do you pass time on your morning commute?
Morning news (Up First, Start Here) and weather round up on Spotify.
Q: What was the last Netflix show you couldn’t stop watching?
Lupin

D r y r u n s e a s o n i s a p p r o a c h i n g
IT'S TIME TO PREPARE
Check out the September Safety Newsletter for preparation tips
for the 2023 dry run season!
Around the Cone is a newsletter written for, by and about the employees of the
VDOT Richmond District.
Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland,
Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan,
and Prince George.
We want to hear good news from you! Send your story ideas for the next
issue of Around the Cone, the electronic bulletin boards (EBBs) or DOTi
News to Victoria.Marks@vdot.virginia.gov