Colonial Williamsburg Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Colonial Williamsburg has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, organizational alignment, digital infrastructure, financial operations, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to preserving 18th-century history, Colonial Williamsburg advances the American democratic experiment through immersive educational experiences and the meticulous restoration of historic sites for modern audiences.

Leadership Roles at Colonial Williamsburg

  • Chief Executive Officer - Carly Fiorina
  • President - Virginia Bryan
  • Chief of Staff - Dana Tomlin
  • Chief Information Officer - Sam Rucker
  • Chief Financial & Operations Officer - Jacquelyn Ferree
  • Carly Fiorina - Chief Executive Officer

    Carly Fiorina, the Chief Executive Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, directs the overarching strategic vision for the foundation. Fiorina architects long-term growth initiatives that bridge 18th-century preservation with contemporary educational relevance. By aligning philanthropic efforts with hospitality revenue streams, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the financial sustainability of extensive museum collections and historic site maintenance. Fiorina manages high-level relationships with the Board of Trustees to secure the future of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of fostering an informed citizenry across North American markets. Carly Fiorina maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every restored building and educational program reflects the highest standards of historical accuracy. This leadership role demands constant innovation in visitor engagement strategies, ultimately positioning the foundation as a premier destination for cultural tourism and academic enrichment.
    Carly Fiorina

    Virginia Bryan - President

    Virginia Bryan, the President at Colonial Williamsburg, leads the execution of the foundation's core educational and preservation mission. Bryan oversees the daily management of museum collections, decorative arts, and folk art exhibitions. The President directs the development of interactive experiences that highlight the American Revolution for contemporary audiences. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions and teachers, Bryan expands the reach of the foundation's educational outreach programs. Virginia Bryan ensures that all public-facing initiatives align with the goal of promoting an active and informed citizenry. This role involves managing the curatorial and educational staff to maintain the highest standards of historical interpretation. Through strategic leadership, the President drives the foundation's commitment to excellence in public history. Bryan coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that the visitor experience remains engaging, educational, and reflective of the foundation's unique position as a steward of 18th-century history.

    Dana Tomlin - Chief of Staff

    Dana Tomlin, the Chief of Staff at Colonial Williamsburg, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across all internal departments. Tomlin manages the daily operational cadence for the leadership team, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the foundation's complex hospitality and educational divisions. Tomlin bridges the gap between departmental heads and the executive office, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Dana Tomlin monitors the execution of organizational objectives, providing critical support for the implementation of large-scale preservation projects. This role involves managing sensitive stakeholder communications and ensuring that the foundation's internal policies align with its broader mission of historical education. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to maintain its status as a leader in cultural heritage management while supporting the diverse needs of the staff and visitors.

    Sam Rucker - Chief Information Officer

    Sam Rucker, the Chief Information Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern museum operations and guest services. Rucker oversees the integration of advanced technology within historic environments, ensuring seamless connectivity for visitors across the expansive campus. The Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive donor data and internal records. By implementing data-driven analytics, Rucker provides the leadership team with actionable insights regarding visitor behavior and operational efficiency. Sam Rucker directs the modernization of ticketing systems and digital educational outreach programs, expanding the reach of the foundation to global audiences. This role involves collaborating with the hospitality and retail teams to enhance the guest experience through innovative digital solutions. Through the deployment of scalable cloud systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the foundation remains at the forefront of technological adoption while honoring the integrity of its 18th-century mission.
    Sam Rucker

    Jacquelyn Ferree - Chief Financial & Operations Officer

    Jacquelyn Ferree, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, manages the fiscal health and physical infrastructure of the foundation. Ferree oversees the complex financial modeling required to sustain 600 restored buildings, museums, and the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer directs the allocation of capital for ongoing restoration projects and facility upgrades. By optimizing revenue from hospitality, dining, and retail operations, Ferree ensures the continued funding of educational programs. Jacquelyn Ferree monitors operational expenditures to maintain the balance between preservation costs and commercial viability. This leadership role involves coordinating with the finance department to report on institutional performance to the Board. Through rigorous oversight of the foundation's assets, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer secures the long-term stability of the organization, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality cultural experiences to a diverse and growing visitor base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Colonial Williamsburg Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Colonial Williamsburg?
    Colonial Williamsburg is led by Carly Fiorina (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Virginia Bryan (President) and Dana Tomlin (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s executive team?
    The executive team of Colonial Williamsburg includes leaders such as Carly Fiorina (Chief Executive Officer), Virginia Bryan (President), Dana Tomlin (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Colonial Williamsburg have?
    Colonial Williamsburg has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Colonial Williamsburg’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Colonial Williamsburg includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial & Operations Officer.