Executive Leadership Series Event Gathers Region’s Leaders for Gubernatorial Panel Discussion at Regent University

September 16, 2026

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 16, 2026) — On Monday, Sept. 14, Regent University launched the 2026-2027 season of its Executive Leadership Series (ELS) with a luncheon and discussion panel. The event, titled “Virginia Governors Discuss America at 250: Lessons of the Founders,” brought together four former governors of the Commonwealth for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, the U.S. Constitution, and the enduring principles of America’s founding as the nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

“The Executive Leadership Series creates a space where leaders can learn from each other, share challenges, and build relationships to make our entire region stronger,” said the Honorable Bobby Dyer, Mayor of Virginia Beach, as he greeted guests.

Prior to the panel discussion, Gordon Robertson, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network and Chancellor of Regent University, presented Regent University’s Executive Leader of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and service among the business and civic community in Hampton Roads.

This year’s Executive Leader of the Year was Gold Key CEO Bruce Thompson, a prominent leader in the travel industry and vocal proponent of community service. Thompson was recognized for his philanthropic efforts in the Hampton Roads area, including organizing the largest Walk to Defeat ALS in history and securing funding for the world’s first fully accessible oceanfront park for people with disabilities, which opened on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in May 2010.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from Regent University, an institution that has spent nearly 50 years developing inspiring leaders and emphasizing something I believe is essential to leadership: integrity,” said Thompson. “But for the grace of God, leaders would not possess the vision, courage, strength, and conviction necessary to become truly great leaders.”

The luncheon’s centerpiece was a panel discussion exploring the leadership lessons of America’s founders, featuring four Virginia governors:

Gov. Doug Wilder (1990-1994)
Gov. George Allen (1994-1998)
Gov. Bob McDonnell (2010-2014)
Gov. Ralph Northam (2018-2022)

The Honorable Robert MacDonald, Judge on the Chesapeake Circuit Court, 1st Judicial Circuit of Virginia, returned to the ELS forum as Panel Moderator. Drawing on their respective tenures as governors, the four leaders reflected on the principles that guided the nation’s founders, expanding on how those principles continue to inform effective leadership today. Attendees left the event with a fresh perspective on civic leadership, constitutional government, and the responsibilities that come with public service.

The Executive Leadership Series continues to bring together the region’s top minds for timely insights, high-level networking, and transformative leadership development, offering executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders a rare opportunity to engage with thought leaders and build lasting professional connections.

The next ELS luncheon, titled “Hampton Roads Rising: The Leaders Building Our Future,” is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, 2027, at noon at the Founders Inn and Spa. The event will bring together real estate and infrastructure leaders shaping Hampton Roads. To reserve a seat or learn more, visit regent.edu/els.

About Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with nearly 14,000 students studying on its 100-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online worldwide. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the No. 1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 14 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) and the No. 2 Top Military Friendly^® School in the nation (Military Friendly^® Schools, 2024-2025).

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