Governor appoints new members to the Radford University Board of Visitors

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced the appointment of four new members to four-year terms on the Radford University Board of Visitors. The appointments include Jeanne Armentrout of Fincastle, Virginia; Jennifer Wishon Gilbert of Mount Jackson, Virginia; George Mendiola Jr. of Manassas, Virginia; and James C. Turk Jr. of Blacksburg, Virginia.

Armentrout is executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Carilion Clinic, where she oversees the administrative and support functions for the healthcare system, including audit and compliance; diversity, health equity and community benefit; human resources; physician recruitment and credentialing; home care and hospice; technology, data and digital care; marketing, planning and organizational communication; supply chain, retail and wellness. Armentrout serves as adjunct faculty in the Healthcare Administration program at Radford University Carilion. She is a member of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Armentrout received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1981 from Radford University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia in 1987 and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Jefferson College of Health Sciences (now Radford University Carilion) in 2019.

Gilbert is a 20-year veteran broadcast journalist, most recently working as senior Washington correspondent for CBN News. She worked as a White House correspondent for nearly a decade after previously covering Congress. She began her television career in the Roanoke Valley at WDBJ-7 as an associate producer and reporter, then left to manage WDBJ-7’s Richmond bureau where, as Richmond bureau chief and capitol correspondent, she covered the General Assembly, governor’s office and Virginia’s congressional delegation.  

Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies in 2001 from Virginia Tech.

Mendiola serves as the third president of FSA Federal, the largest U.S. Department of Justice government service provider. He leads the organization of more than 1,500 professionals across 400 government sites, providing investigative, legal, litigation and administrative support services. He has 20 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, contracts management, proposal development, customer engagement and financial planning.

Mendiola earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration in 2002 from Radford University.

Turk has served as a partner in the law firm of Harrison & Turk, P.C., since 1987 and practices general law in all Virginia state and federal courts. A native of Radford, Turk has a legacy of community involvement, having served on numerous boards, including SunTrust Bank, New River Valley Region Board of Directors; Virginia Tech Athletic Foundation Board of Directors; Roanoke College, President's Advisory Board; and New River Community College Education Foundation, Board of Directors. Turk served as an adjunct professor in the Radford University Department of Criminal Justice from 1986 to 1999.

Turk received a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business administration from Roanoke College in 1979 and a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1984.

"Each new member brings unique insight and experiences to the Board of Visitors, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to envision the future for Radford University and focus on our students' success," said President Bret Danilowicz.

The new Board of Visitors members were appointed to fill the expiring terms of Thomas Brewster, Ed.D., of Roanoke, Virginia; Krisha Chachra of Charlotte, North Carolina; Susan Whealler Johnston, Ph.D., of Berryville, Virginia; and Nancy Angland Rice of Vienna, Virginia.

"Radford University was so fortunate to have the vision and leadership provided by Tom, Krisha, Susan and Nancy over the past years,” said Rector Debra K. McMahon. "They were instrumental in moving our strategic plan forward and remained passionate about their service, steadfastly supporting our students, faculty, staff and the broader community. We are extremely indebted to Dr. Johnston who chaired the Search Committee for our new president, Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D.”