Colonial Williamsburg Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Colonial Williamsburg has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and staff management.

Driven by a commitment to historical preservation and civic engagement, Colonial Williamsburg illuminates the enduring relevance of the American Revolution and fosters an informed, active citizenry through immersive historical experiences and educational outreach.

Leadership Roles at Colonial Williamsburg

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

    Carly Fiorina, the Chief Executive Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the foundation's preservation and educational initiatives. Fiorina guides the organization's mission to highlight the relevance of the American Revolution to contemporary life and the importance of an informed, active citizenry. This leadership involves overseeing the restoration and operation of Virginia's 18th-century capital, ensuring its historical integrity and educational impact. Fiorina's strategic direction encompasses the management of renowned museums, extensive educational outreach programs for students and teachers, and the integration of hospitality operations. By focusing on philanthropic support and revenue generation from admissions, products, and hospitality, Carly Fiorina ensures the sustainability of Colonial Williamsburg's core programs and preservation efforts, driving forward the foundation's commitment to historical accuracy and public engagement.
    Carly Fiorina

    Mitchell Reiss - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mitchell Reiss, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, spearheads the strategic vision and executive leadership for the foundation's extensive operations. Reiss drives the organization's commitment to preserving and operating Virginia's 18th-century capital, emphasizing interactive experiences that connect the American Revolution to modern civic life. This role involves direct oversight of the foundation's educational outreach, museum collections, and the operational success of its hospitality services, including lodging and dining. Mitchell Reiss ensures that the historical authenticity of the site is maintained while fostering an environment that promotes an informed and active citizenry. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is critical in securing philanthropic support and optimizing revenue streams from admissions, products, and hospitality to sustain the foundation's vital preservation initiatives and educational programs, thereby reinforcing Colonial Williamsburg's position as a leading historical and cultural institution.

    Virginia Bryan - President

    Virginia Bryan, the President at Colonial Williamsburg, leads strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the visitor experience and expanding the foundation's educational impact. Bryan oversees the operational excellence of the historic site, ensuring that interactive experiences effectively highlight the relevance of the American Revolution to contemporary life. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other executives to manage the foundation's renowned museums, extensive educational outreach programs, and diverse hospitality operations, including lodging and dining. Virginia Bryan is dedicated to fostering an informed and active citizenry by ensuring the highest standards of historical preservation and interpretation. The President's focus on operational effectiveness and strategic partnerships is critical for sustaining philanthropic support and revenue generation, thereby underpinning Colonial Williamsburg's vital educational programs and preservation initiatives across its expansive campus.

    Samuel Rucker - Chief Information Officer

    Samuel Rucker, the Chief Information Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins the foundation's diverse operations. Rucker oversees the digital infrastructure supporting the preservation, restoration, and interactive experiences of Virginia's 18th-century capital. This involves ensuring the seamless integration of technology across museum operations, educational outreach platforms, and hospitality services, including lodging, dining, and golf facilities. Samuel Rucker's purview extends to managing data security, enhancing digital accessibility for students and teachers, and leveraging technology to create engaging historical narratives. By driving innovation in IT systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that Colonial Williamsburg remains at the forefront of utilizing technology to connect the relevance of the American Revolution to contemporary life and to support the foundation's educational mission and preservation initiatives.

    Dana Tomlin - Chief of Staff

    Dana Tomlin, the Chief of Staff at Colonial Williamsburg, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the foundation's executive leadership. Tomlin facilitates the execution of key initiatives related to preserving and operating Virginia's 18th-century capital, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission of highlighting the American Revolution's relevance. This role involves managing critical projects, streamlining internal communications, and enhancing the efficiency of educational outreach and hospitality operations. Dana Tomlin works closely with other C-suite executives to optimize philanthropic support and revenue generation from admissions, products, and hospitality services. By ensuring effective cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff plays a vital part in sustaining Colonial Williamsburg's educational programs and preservation efforts, contributing directly to the foundation's goal of fostering an informed and active citizenry.

    Jacquelyn Ferree - Chief Financial & Operations Officer

    Jacquelyn Ferree, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Colonial Williamsburg, directs the financial health and operational efficiency of the foundation's extensive enterprise. Ferree oversees all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the sustainable operation of Virginia's 18th-century capital. This leadership encompasses managing the operational aspects of hospitality services, lodging, culinary options, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, and retail operations, all while maintaining the integrity of the historical site. Jacquelyn Ferree is instrumental in optimizing revenue streams from admissions, products, and hospitality, alongside securing philanthropic support to sustain the foundation's educational programs and preservation initiatives. By ensuring robust financial management and streamlined operations, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer directly supports Colonial Williamsburg's mission to highlight the relevance of the American Revolution and promote an informed citizenry.

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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 Mitchell Reiss (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Virginia Bryan (President).
    Who is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s executive team?
    The executive team of Colonial Williamsburg includes leaders such as Carly Fiorina (Chief Executive Officer), Mitchell Reiss (President & Chief Executive Officer), Virginia Bryan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Colonial Williamsburg have?
    Colonial Williamsburg has 6 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 Executive Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff.