Our team MEET

from MVV 2022 Program Booklet

by Runk & Pratt

NAT X. MARSHALL

Miss Virginia Volunteer Board Of Directors

MISS VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER PRODUCTION & PERFORMANCE

VICKIE RUNK | HOST

Vickie Runk has been an innovator and operator of senior living communities in Central Virginia for more than 25 years. She is an accomplished visionary for the development of programs to enhance the lives of seniors, and she has been nationally recognized for her work with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In recent years, Vickie has taken her expertise in hospitality and business, and has successfully founded or renewed several small businesses — from golf courses, to restaurants, to hotels, to premier wedding and event venues and services. Being a part of pageants as a young woman has led Vickie to continue to advocate for the empowerment of young women in all aspects of life by providing them with scholarships and support to help them reach their goals. As a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother of three children, she understands the value of hard work and the reward of taking your passion and giving it purpose.

Christopher Runk is the President of the Miss Virginia Volunteer Organization. In the business world, he is the Regional Director of Runk and Pratt Companies. Chris literally grew up in his families’ businesses and now helps to oversee a diverse portfolio including; healthcare, hospitality, marketing, and media. Born and raised in the foothills of Lynchburg, Virginia. Chris attended Liberty Christian Academy before continuing his education at Liberty University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. He’s known for his green thumb and love for nature, even owning a large Macaw, named Zazu. When he isn’t working, Chris can be found on the golf course attempting to beat his brother’s score.

CLARK | OFFICIAL CHOREOGRAPHER

A New York native, Alisha has trained in dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, film acting, and musical theater. She's the founder of Lynchburg Dance Connection and runs the Charlotte, NC branch. She received her B.A. in Sport Management and Coaching from Liberty University and was Captain of D-trex Dance Crew. She has coached and choreographed for both Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheerleading teams in NY, MA, and VA. After college, she continued her training in commercial Hip Hop and Street Jazz in L.A. Internationally, she has trained in Thailand, the Philippines, and China, and she travels throughout the East Coast teaching masterclasses. Locally, she has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia’s “Dancing with the Lynchburg Stars”, HAIRSPRAY, Masterworx, Forest Dance Academy, Seven Hills Dance Studio, Central Virginia Ballet, Charlottesville Ballet, and more.

LYNCHBURG DANCE CONNECTION | PERFORMERS

Est. 2017, Lynchburg Dance Connection (LDC) was originally developed as a social media database for college students to find local classes, camps, masterclasses, auditions, events, performances, and more in the Central Virginia Community. LDC’s mission is to unite the dance community and create a supporting and uplifting environment in and out of the studio walls. Weekly, LDC holds classes open to all in the levels of Intermediate/Advanced, Advanced, and Professional levels while giving upcoming choreographers, videographers, and other creatives an opportunity to work their craft. Annually, LDC hosts a showcase at the Academy Center of the Arts that include dance studios, crews, teams, and companies throughout the community. This is an evening to celebrate what each group represents under a given theme while giving out Senior Scholarships and studio scholarships. LDC strives to be inclusive to all while spreading love and unity within the dance community and beyond! We believe there is room for ALL in the dance industry and that we are better together.