Jenny Crittenden has been officially appointed as the President and CEO of Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance, a noteworthy development for the Innovate757 Startup Incubator, given Retail Alliance’s role in supporting business growth. Crittenden, who formerly served as the Senior Vice President of the Retail Alliance, has a rich background in retail and entrepreneurship. She has held various roles within the organization, served as a subject matter expert, and led programs to help small businesses expand. Her appointment as the second woman to hold this position in the organization’s 120-year history is seen as a promising step forward, with outgoing President/CEO Ray Mattes expressing confidence in her leadership. Crittenden has expressed gratitude for the opportunity and a commitment to meeting retailers’ evolving needs.

Appointment of Jenny Crittenden as President/CEO

Norfolk, VA: February 21, 2022 – Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance Board of Directors has officially appointed Jenny Crittenden as President and CEO, effective February 16, 2023. She replaces Ray Mattes, who announced his retirement in October of 2022.

Jenny Crittenden’s Background

Crittenden previously served as Senior Vice President of Retail Alliance. She is just the second woman appointed President and CEO in the organization’s 120-year history.  She’s excited to continue their mission of empowering retailers to grow their business through education, advocacy, and staying on top of cutting-edge retail trends.

Endorsement and Support

“We are very fortunate to have Jenny lead our organization into the next chapter,” said outgoing President/CEO Ray Mattes. “Working with Jenny during the past 14 months, I have found her to be extremely passionate about not only the mission but the future of this organization. Jenny is extremely professional, loves retail and operates with a high degree of integrity, all characteristics of a true leader. Under Jenny’s leadership, I am extremely confident that Retail Alliance will continue to grow and evolve.”

Experience and Contributions

Prior to joining Retail Alliance’s leadership team in 2022, Crittenden served in various facets with Retail Alliance, including its Retail Alliance Foundation Board, Executive Committee, Legislative, and Membership Chairs, and on the organization’s Board of Directors.

For the last three years, she has also served Retail Alliance as a subject matter expert teaching Marketing and Customer Service modules for the Retail Alliance Foundation’s Certificate in Retail Operations class.

Crittenden is a seasoned leader with vast experience implementing programs to help small businesses grow. Before joining Retail Alliance, she served sixteen years in the Main Street ecosystem leading the non-profit organization Main Street Preservation Trust in Gloucester, VA.

Recognition and Achievements

Additionally, Crittenden served as the Executive Director for the Cook Foundation and held the Marketing and Sponsorship chairs for the Gloucester Arts Festival. She is a recognized thought leader in retail and entrepreneurism and has spoken on the topics at the local and national levels.

During the pandemic, Gov. Ralph Northam appointed Crittenden to represent small brick-and-mortar retail on the Governor’s COVID-19 Business Task Force to help develop reopening guidelines for businesses in Virginia.

Future Outlook and Gratitude

“I am so thankful to Ray for his leadership and outstanding job of growing a very healthy organization and look forward to executing on the opportunity it presents,” said Crittenden. “Retailers are an integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and are at the core of our neighborhoods and communities. I am thrilled to be trusted to lead this time-honored organization as it evolves to meet retailers’ needs now and into the future.”

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Question & Answer

1. Who has been appointed as the President and CEO of Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance?

Jenny Crittenden has been officially appointed as the President and CEO of Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance.

2. What is Jenny Crittenden’s background in relation to Retail Alliance?

Crittenden previously served as the Senior Vice President of Retail Alliance and is just the second woman appointed President and CEO in the organization’s 120-year history.

3. How has Jenny Crittenden been recognized for her contributions to retail and entrepreneurship?

Jenny Crittenden has been recognized as a thought leader in retail and entrepreneurism, speaking on these topics at both local and national levels. She was also appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to represent small brick-and-mortar retail on the Governor’s COVID-19 Business Task Force during the pandemic.