For more than a decade, the Roanoke Valley Leadership Serieshas been a signature initiative of Faith Christian School, bringing together influential leaders from across the Roanoke region to inspire growth, collaboration, and service. For the past ten years, the series has drawn 300 attendees annually, bringing together Roanoke’s most respected leaders from diverse backgrounds to hear from highly regarded speakers. Through its consistency, excellence, and influence, the series has earned its reputation as Roanoke’s premier leadership event.
The annual Inspiring Roanoke Award will once again be presented to a local leader whose impact continues to inspire and shape our region.
Faith Christian School is proud to invest in today’s leaders while preparing tomorrow’s—equipping both community members and students to actively serve others with purpose and conviction.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
8:00-9:30 AM
Roanoke Ballroom | Hotel Roanoke | Limited Seating
Networking & Breakfast to begin at 7:30 am
The Roanoke Valley Leadership Series is free and is not a fundraiser.
Henry has been an attorney for over 40 years, and began his legal career as a litigator in private practice, later being appointed a municipal judge for the city of West Columbia, SC. He served as Chief Legal Counsel for then-South Carolina Governor David M. Beasley from 1995 through 1997. Gov. Beasley and Henry co-founded The Center for Global Strategies, Ltd., a nonprofit organization that connects businesspeople to international initiatives.
Henry also served as President of Greater Europe Mission, during which time he earned a Doctorate in Executive Leadership, with a focus on Emotional Intelligence. He now regularly offers training courses on Emotional Intelligence and mediates disputes between parties.
He and his wife, Celia, have been married for 39 years and have four children: Laura, Lee, Leslie, and Layna, two of whom are married. Henry and Celia enjoy four beautiful grandchildren.
Leadership Breakfast
The Roanoke Valley Leadership Series Breakfast is Roanoke's premier leadership and networking event. The free breakfast will be held on Wednesday, April 29th, at the Hotel Roanoke. Dr. Henry Deneen will deliver a message designed to inspire and equip Roanoke's Leaders.
Sponsor Reception
An exclusive evening for event sponsors on Tuesday, April 28th, at Rockledge, the home of Drs. Nancy and Kevin Dye. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Chelsea Friske at leadership@fcsva.com.
What people say about the Roanoke Valley Leadership Series
"The Roanoke Valley Leadership Series provides local leaders the opportunity to network, learn from one another and experience leadership insights from keynote speakers. As a speaker, I was impressed by the hospitality and quality of the event! Perfect logistics, delicious food and gracious hosts. Engaging with the students at Faith Christian School was one of the highlights of my visit in addition to meeting so many impressive leaders from the Roanoke Community. "
Dee Ann Turner, Author of Bet on Talent
The Faith Christian School’s Roanoke Valley Leadership Series epitomizes the best of our community. Being present with the best minds, across all industries, dedicated business leaders, faithful servants and those who care deeply about our Valley is so inspiring and gives great hope for our future.
Kim Blair, Carilion Foundation
"If you want to impact your clients, partners, and employees on topics ranging from leadership to character, then you need to attend the Roanoke Valley Leadership Series event. As a previous speaker, I was impressed with event and the vision of impact that it has upon the community. This event serves as great reminder as to what the emphasis needs to be for our personal lives and businesses.”
Chad Hennings, Air Force Veteran and three-time Super Bowl Champion
Presented By
Faith Christian School
In 2015, Faith Christian School began the Roanoke Valley Leadership Series to inspire leaders in the Roanoke Valley. Faith Christian School is a Christian classical school that offers a historically unique approach to learning that has produced some of the greatest leaders, inventors, scientists, writers, philosophers, physicians, lawyers, and artists in the world. Given such, the school’s approach to classical education will be highlighted in a historically and meaningful way within our purpose.
RVLS COMMITTEE
Chair, Stephen Hamilton, Executive Vice President, Hawk Advisors
Peter Baur,Head of School, Faith Christian School
Bob Childress,Owner-Operator, Chick-fil-A
Aaron Copeland, President, Copeland Excavation
Chelsea Friske, Executive Director, Roanoke Valley Leadership Series
Ellie Hammer,Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Eric Johnson, Vice President & General Manager, Empire Bakery
Steven Jones, Executive Vice-President & CFO, VFP, Inc.
JoAnn Kowtko ‘01, Director of College Counseling & Alumni Coordinator, Faith Christian School
Amy Milberger, Director of Development, Faith Christian School
Alex Phillips, President, Tidy Services, Inc.
James Taylor, Attorney, Spilman, Thomas, and Battle, PLLC
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