Overview
Strategic Planning is a continuous activity of PNK. The new Strategic Plan will be updated semi-annually to address the evolution of the 2030 Vision for NKC. The Strategic Planning Committee serves as the EXCOMM’s agent in the integration of the work products of the Governance Committee, the Financial Oversight Committee, the Land Use and Ordinances Committee and the Citizens’ Outreach Committee. The goals, strategies and key performance indicators of the 2030 Strategic Plan will be the embodiment of the Partnership’s evolving platform and, it is hoped, the County’s aspirations.
Purpose
The Strategic Planning Committee (the “Committee”) of the Partnership for New Kent, LLC (PNK) will assist the Partnership in developing and maintaining a Strategic Plan for the advancement of New Kent County during this period of unprecedented growth. The Committee will report to the Executive Committee (EXCOMM) of the Partnership, and the Chairman of the Committee will serve as a member of the EXCOMM. The Chairman of Partnership Chairs the EXCOMM.
Membership
The Committee will consist of at least five members, a majority of whom, including the Committee Chairman, must be residents of New Kent County. The Chairman of the Partnership will appoint one member of the Committee as Chairman. The Chairman of the Committee will be appointed annually by the Chairman of the Partnership.
Meetings and Structure
The Committee will meet at such times as are deemed appropriate by the Chairman. The Chairman and any two members constitutes a quorum of the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee will be responsible for preparing the agenda, presiding over meetings and coordination of reporting to the EXCOMM. In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, the responsibilities of the Chairman may be performed by any other member of the Committee.
Authority and Responsibilities
The Committee will act as a liaison between its members, the EXCOMM and the Partnership. The Committee will, from time to time, as requested by the EXCOMM or when the Committee considers it appropriate:
● Review with the Chairman of the Partnership the process for development, approval and modification of the Partnership’s strategy and Strategic Plan for New Kent County.
● Review with the members of the EXCOMM (individually or as a Committee) the key issues, options and external developments influencing the Partnership’s Strategic Plan.
● Report regularly to the EXCOMM as required by the Chairman of the EXCOMM and initiate and facilitate an annual review of the Partnership’s strategy and strategic options for New Kent County.
● Assure that the EXCOMM has the opportunity for timely and thorough review of the Partnership’s strategy development and Strategic Plan for New Kent County.
● Meet with the Chairman of the Partnership periodically to assess the County’s performance in achieving the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan and ensure the Partnership is regularly apprised of the County’s progress with respect to implementation of the Partnership’s approved Strategic Plan for New Kent County.
● At least annually, the Committee will assess its own performance and the adequacy of this Charter. The Committee will report the results of these reviews to the Chairman of the EXCOMM and, if considered appropriate, make recommendations to the Partnership to amend the Charter.
The Committee will perform such other duties and responsibilities as specified by the Partnership and the EXCOMM from time to time.
Authority to Retain Experts
The Committee will have the authority, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, to retain, dismiss or replace independent advisors to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities. The Partnership will provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee and approved by the EXCOMM for payment of compensation to any advisors employed by the Committee.
Committee Members
Maurice (Mo) Gauthier, Captain, USN (ret), Chair
Mr. Gauthier was appointed Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of VSE Corporation in April of 2008 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in February of 2009. Upon retirement from nearly three decades of naval service, Mr. Gauthier joined VSE in October 1997, as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and as Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development before joining the Nichols Research Corporation Navy Group as its President in February, 1999. With the acquisition of Nichols Research Corporation by Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in 1999, Mr. Gauthier served in multiple roles at CSC, rising to Vice President and General Manager of CSC’s Navy and Marine Corps Business Unit.
Mr. Gauthier is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University’s Defense Systems Management College as well as the Advanced Executive Program and the International Marketing Program of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
He has served on the Boards of the World Affairs Council and the USO. He is currently serving on the Board of the National Defense Industrial Association, the Naval Historical Foundation, and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, where he serves as the Vice Chairman.
In 2010, Mo and his wife, Sandi, purchased their Fair Winds Farm on Farmers Drive in Barhamsville, and began construction of the equestrian center operated by Sandi’s sister, Arleen Hensley, and the farm winery. Mo and Sandi are owner/operators of Gauthier Vineyard.
Mo and Sandi have four children: Aimee Stevenson of Barhamsville, VA; Melanie Overton of Orlando, FL; Lieutenant Commander Christopher Yates of Chesapeake, VA and Jonny Yates of Rocheport, MO; three son/daughter-in-laws; four grandchildren; and an energetic Vizsla named Rochambeau who currently serves as the Winery Dog.
Thomas (Tom) Gillman
Tom is a founder, President & CEO, ESG International. Tom began his career as an engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding. In his late 20s, he and his business partners launched Energy Services Group International (ESG) to provide technical consultants to the commercial nuclear power industry. Through the years, the group has launched several enterprises, including Production Support Services, Optimize IT, and ESG Insurance & Financial Services. Additionally, in 2012, ESG acquired BCP Engineers and Consultants, based out of Louisiana and Florida. Currently, ESG and subsidiary companies have over 650 employees spread over multiple states, China, India and Spain.
Tom holds an engineering degree from Ohio State University and an EMBA degree from the College of William & Mary. He has been active in the charity world since his 40s, serving on the board of Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels, coaching marathoners for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and organizing races for the United Way.
Currently Tom serves on the boards of the Muscarelle Museum, the Williamsburg Winery, Old Point National Bank, and the Entrepreneurship Center, College of William & Mary. He spent eight years on the Economic Development Authority, City of Williamsburg, including the last few as Chairman.
Tom is married to Cindy Gillman (W&M 1993) and they have three children, Jordan Dinos, Allison Cale, and Peter Gillman, all married, and four grandchildren.
Tom’s outside interests include travel, wine, running, and swimming.
Charles Karow
Charles Karow is the founder and CEM of Karow Associates, LLC, a consultancy and software development firm that works with businesses, large and small, to save time and money, while increasing revenue, through appropriate use of technology. He specializes in fast, reliable Internet applications.
Since Charles runs several Internet-based businesses himself, he knows how to connect with customers and use scalable IT infrastructures on cloud-based platforms to keep things running efficiently.
Charles helped Ryland start selling homes on the Internet (and quadruple their conversion rate), helped The Cleaning Authority “revolutionize the cleaning industry” and is currently working on starting a company to market a tool for option traders that will dramatically reduce the time required to analyze, place and monitor trades, and prevent costly mistakes.
Charles also provides technical and operations support to his wife’s business, Epsilon Registration, helping association and corporate meeting planners use online and onsite registration technology to provide a great first impression to their attendees while saving time and money.
Prior to starting Karow Associates, Charles worked for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), where he evaluated the interference potential of Government electronic systems, and developed an innovative interference analysis and frequency management software package for use in developing countries.
Charles is a licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Computer Consultant, and was one of the earliest Microsoft Certified Professionals. He holds a BE, Magna cum Laude in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.
Charles (Chuck) Ward, IV
Owner/President Safe&Sound, LLC (Est. 2004)
Current Positions Held:
President- Gloucester Kennel Club; AKC non-profit: 2015-present
New Kent Educational Foundation Scholarship Sponsor: 2013-present
PNK2030 Strategic Planning Committee: 2018-present
Managing Member, Class A Builder- Stone River Properties, LLC: 2007-present
Previous Community Positions Held:
V.P.- Gloucester Kennel Club; AKC non-profit: 2014-2015
Youth Soccer Coach- New Kent Parks and Rec: 2005-2017
Spouse: Michele L. Ward
Daughters: Cyndal (d. 2012), Sara (JMU), Kaitlyn, Emily
Minutes of Meetings
