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Celebrating our Black History Month Local Heroes 

williams la monte

LaMonte Williams, Chief Volunteer Officer/Board Chairperson

LaMonte has been a YMCA champion for many years, holding the positions of Association Board Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chief Volunteer Officer. LaMonte began his service as a volunteer basketball coach while his children grew up in the YMCA. He has been a key volunteer at the Tom & Ann Hunnicutt YMCA serving meals during the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and volunteering for Togetherhood Projects. LaMonte is a member of the Spencer Society and supports the Annual Campaign yearly to assist with association fundraising. LaMonte's additional community service includes volunteering on the City of Newport News Planning Commission and Citizens' Advisory Committee. 

surles-law lisa

Lisa Surles-Law, Association Board of Directors Volunteer

Lisa has been a YMCA champion and key volunteer for the Summer Camp STEM Fair. Through her association with Jefferson Lab, she has helped to enhance the summer camp programs over several years. Her contributions include serving on the STEM Fair Planning Task Force, the Focus on our Future Oversight Committee, and the Advocacy Committee. Lisa was instrumental in strengthening the YMCA partnership with Newport News Public Schools to create the free Second Grade Learn to Swim Program. Lisa currently serves as the Chairperson for the Newport News Public Schools School Board and continues to advocate for community partnership enhancements to address the needs of youth. 

claville eric

Eric Claville, Association Board Secretary/ Association Board of Directors Volunteer

Eric has been a YMCA champion for over eight years, first serving on the First Tee – Virginia Peninsulas YMCA Advisory Board. He now serves as the Board Secretary with the Association Board of Directors. Eric's contribution as a volunteer has also included serving on the Board's Governance and Philanthropy Committee. Eric is a very active community advocate. Eric is an award-winning creator of The Claville Report radio commentary and currently hosts weekly State of the Water, a public radio show educating the community in law, policy, politics, and education. His skills as an expert in grassroots organization, advocacy, and policy assist in enhancing the YMCA's efforts to be a Y for All. 

Scott Garnell

Garnell Scott, Association Board of Directors Volunteer

Garnell is a YMCA champion now serving on the Association's Board of Directors and the Chairperson for the Focus on Our Future Oversight Committee. His service to the association began as a member of the Hampton Family YMCA Advisory Board, where he served as Vice-Chair and Chair. He was honored as the Hampton Family YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 2016. Garnell has a passion for helping others succeed. His other community volunteer activities include participating as a speaker during community-based forums to provide financial education, most recently regarding retirement. He and his wife, Nicquita, are members Spencer Society, pledging future financial support so the YMCA may continue to serve the community.