Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2022 6 TIM ANDERSON TimAnderson is a highly respected attorney and small business owner who has calledVirginia Beach home for over 25 years. He has been awarded Pro-Bono Attorney of the Year and is a two-time winner of the Legal Elite Award from Virginia Business Weekly during his law career. In addition, Tim serves as a Board Member of the Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar, a member of the Davis Corner Rescue Squad, and is a former Cub Scout Den Leader. Tim has always prioritized community service, having been part of the UpCenter mentor program and has been an active participant in the grassroots community. Being the Delegate Elect for the 83rd District, Tim aims to fulfill his campaign promise of campaign finance reform. For far too long, we have seen out-of-control spending by out-of-state and out-oftouch special interest groups that aim to essentially “buy influence” in the Virginia General Assembly. This must come to an end. JASON BALLARD Jason Ballard is a husband, father, Veteran, attorney, and lifelong Virginian. Jason was born in Giles County in the town of Pearisburg. He graduated from Concord College with a BA in Political Science and BS in Management, and then he attended West Virginia University for law school, where he also met his future wife, Catherine. Jason currently serves on the Pearisburg Town Council. While earning his law degree, the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 unfolded. Jason felt the call to serve his country more than ever, so he joined the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps upon graduation. He began his military career with the historic 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and went on to serve as the Senior Defense Council at Fort Knox, command the JAG School’s Student Detachment in Charlottesville, and became a ELIZABETH BENNETT-PARKER Elizabeth has served as the Vice Mayor of Alexandria since 2019, and is the youngest woman elected to City Council in Alexandria’s history. Born in Alexandria to two Naval officers, Elizabeth is dedicated to serving her community. She is one of the co-leaders of Together We Bake, a nonprofit that provides job training and personal development programs for underserved women. She is the founder of Fruitcycle, a social enterprise fighting food waste and hunger. Elizabeth currently serves as the Chair of the Operations Board of theVirginia Railway Express, the 13th largest commuter rail system in the country, and is a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. She has served on the Community Criminal Justice Board, the Commission on Employment, and the UnitedWay Regional Council. Elizabeth is ready to bring her experience as a nonprofit leader, small business creator, and local government official to the House of Delegates. In Richmond, she will work to expand access to child care, ensure equitable education opportunities, fight climate change, and build an economy that works for all of our residents. MIKE CHERRY Mike Cherry is an educator, veteran, pastor, and Delegate-elect for the 66th district. Mike was born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force as a Loadmaster on C-141B and C-17A aircraft. During his 20 years on active duty, Mike continued to work on his education. He holds two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University. After retiring and beginning his career in education, he transferred to Regent University where he completed Masters in Education and Educational Specialist degrees. Currently, Mike is a Staff Pastor at Life Church and is Head of School at Life Christian Academy, a growing, thriving, fully accredited school in South Chesterfield and Colonial Heights. Mike is married to his high-school sweetheart Teresa and has two adult children. The Cherrys reside in Colonial Heights. As a longtime educator, Mike is very passionate about our education system. During the COVID shutdown, he saw firsthand the disparity for people that did not have school choice. If we are going to have true educational equity and equality, school choice THE NEWEditor’s Note: Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine welcomes all of the new and returning legislators. We are especially pleased to greet the newly-elected. VCCQM invited each of them to submit a short autobiography or biography about themselves. Here, in alphabetical order, are the responses: member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), famously known as the “Night Stalkers.” Jason is a decorated Veteran having earned the Bronze Star, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the German Armed Forces Badge of Military Proficiency, as well as the Pathfinder Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. Jason also completed SERE school, which is widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally challenging schools offered by the Department of Defense. Jason has since left active duty but continues his call to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is a trial lawyer and owner of his own firm. Additionally, he spends his spare time volunteering to coach youth basketball, football, baseball, and golf. He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, and the Night Stalkers Association. Some of Jason’s issues of interest: healthcare, law enforcement, economic growth, broadband, and education.
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