DR. EUGENIA R. GARDNER NAMED CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR VIRGINIA WOMEN AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 2026

Prince William County, VA — The Virginia Women and Family Support Center (VAWFSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Eugenia R. Gardner, Ph.D., as Chair of its Board of Directors effective immediately.

As Board Chair, Dr. Gardner will help guide the organization's strategic vision and strengthen its mission to empower women, support families, and create pathways to long-term stability and success throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Dr. Gardner's exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and deep understanding of the challenges facing women and families make her uniquely qualified to lead our Board of Directors," said Frances Robin, Founder and Executive Director of the Virginia Women and Family Support Center. "Her experience building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and creating opportunities for underserved and marginalized communities will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact."

Dr. Gardner currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Gardner Group, a strategic communications and storytelling consultancy that helps organizations strengthen their impact through authentic engagement, public affairs, and narrative strategy. She also serves as President of the Educational and Charitable Foundation (ECF), where she leads scholarship, grantmaking, and community investment initiatives that have expanded educational access and improved quality of life for residents across Northern

Virginia.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Gardner has held leadership positions with the U.S. Coast Guard, the United Service Organizations (USO), the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Intel Corporation, Tuskegee University, and other mission-driven organizations. Her work has consistently focused on fostering

collaboration, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

"The Virginia Women and Family Support Center has spent the last decade creating safe spaces where women and their children can heal, grow, and thrive. I am honored to serve as Board Chair during this transformative chapter and to work alongside Frances Robin, our staff, and our community partners to

expand that impact,” said Dr. Gardner. As we look to the future, we remain committed to creating pathways for women and families to achieve stability, wellness, and lasting success."

Dr. Gardner earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Urban Studies and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy. An award-winning communicator, oral historian, and author, she has received national recognition for excellence in storytelling, public service, and

community leadership.

Her appointment reflects the Virginia Women and Family Support Center's continued commitment to strong leadership, community engagement, and innovative solutions that empower women, strengthen

families, and build brighter futures.