Meet the Staff

Ben Sheppard, Public Relations Director


Boyd_Steven

Steve Boyd Television Producer/Director

Steve first joined Public Relations as a television producer/director in 2004, but had to leave us for a while due to a family relocation. After experiencing life in West Palm Beach, Florida and Amarillo, Texas, Steve rejoined the HCTV family in 2007.

Steve’s videography talents, journalistic style and storytelling ability have earned him national recognition for his television programs. Before joining the Public Relations staff, Steve was a news photojournalist for Maryland’s WBOC, and was a photojournalist and special projects producer for Richmond’s WWBT, channel 12. Although he was born in Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) he grew up in the Shenandoah Valley. Steve went on to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University earning a BS in Mass Communications.

He is an Eagle Scout, loves documentaries, writing short stories, landscaping, watching and playing sports, photography and spending time with family and friends. When reflecting on his time spent away from Virginia, Steve recalls living in Amarillo before moving back home. “I saw my first roadrunner in the high plains of Texas and the other day I saw a cardinal in my backyard here in Richmond. I can remember thinking, roadrunners are interesting and funny birds, but that particular cardinal made me realize that I am home.”


ElvaCollins
Elva Collins Office Assistant

Elva is an Office Assistant IV for Public Relations, and hers is often the first voice you’ll hear when calling our department. Elva assists residents and other county agencies over the phone and in person, as well as performs a variety of administrative functions in our busy office. Elva is a member of the My Henrico Academy team helping to plan sessions, prepare materials and communicating program information with participants as well as county staff. Elva is responsible for proofing and distributing many of the publications produced by Public Relations including the annual report and county phone directory.

Elva joined the Public Relations team in 2006 after working in the private sector and briefly with the Virginia Department of Education. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Elva attended Salisbury University and Montgomery College before relocating to Richmond.

Elva is a big fan of the University of Maryland and West Virginia University athletics attending basketball and football games whenever she can. She appreciates all kinds of music, enjoys live concerts and travel.


VictoriaDavis
Victoria Davis Public Relations Specialist

Victoria joined the Public Relations team in 2018 as a Public Relations Specialist. Victoria was an intern with the Division of Fire in the Office of Emergency Management before being hired to work full time in the County Manager’s office in 2017. Since then, Victoria has expanded her wings with the Public Relations team on an array of assignments. She assists members of the county’s Board of Supervisors with their town hall meetings, including the live-streaming of meetings on the Henrico County Government YouTube channel; she coordinates community engagement activities, such as the Local Government 101 program and the county’s Sister City Partnership; and she supports the department ‘s social media efforts, among other duties.

A native of Henrico and product of Henrico County Public Schools, Victoria graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, shopping and traveling.

Victoria brings a diverse skill set with a positive personality and a contagious smile. Victoria always believes the best is yet to come!


Spencer Dunn photo
Spencer Dunn Television Producer/Director

Spencer joined Public Relations as a television producer/director in 2019. Prior to taking the full-time position, he got his feet wet with the county through a pair of media internships, first with the Division of Fire in 2015 and later with Public Relations in 2018.

During his work as an intern with Henrico, he was impressed with the many skilled and devoted county employees he met, and he’s thrilled now to be able to help tell their stories. He believes that every subject can be interesting and hopes his work will entertain as much as it informs.

Spencer, who earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University, is a huge movie buff, and his favorite place to be is in a theater. One of his previous jobs was in a comic book store, meaning he knows more about superheroes than just about anything else.


Dunn_Steven
Steven Dunn Television Producer/Director

Steven joined HCTV in 2005 as one of our television producers/directors. With a background in news and photojournalism, Steven brings an edgy touch to the programs he produces for the station. His philosophy on television production is simple: he “just wants to make a good story happen.”

Before joining the Public Relations department, Steven honed his interviewing, editing and storytelling skills as a photojournalist for local news stations WWBT Channel 12 and WTVR Channel 6. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech (Hokies Rule!) where he began as a science major before jumping the fence to visual media.

A former Steven Spielberg wannabe, Steven loves sci-fi and is a glorified trekkie.


Ryan Eubank Senior Television Producer/Director

Ryan joined Henrico County in 2003 as one of our first television producer/directors, and was promoted to Senior Producer/Director in 2004. Ryan’s forte is his storytelling ability — from inception to completion — of his award-winning television programs. As a producer, videographer, nonlinear video, audio, and photo editor, Ryan is the driving force behind many of the programs you see on HCTV.

Before joining Henrico’s general government, Ryan produced for Henrico Public Schools, and was a general assignment news videographer and editor at WVIR NBC-29 in Charlottesville and at the Capitol Bureau of WCVE PBS-23 in Richmond.

Ryan is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Fine Arts, Communication Arts and Design.


Isaac Harrell
Isaac Harrell Graphic Designer/Photographer

Isaac is our team’s Graphic Designer and Photographer responsible for all of the outstanding publications and photographs produced in our department. Isaac joined Public Relations in 2015 after 20 years in the private sector, including many years as Art Director for Richmond Magazine. Isaac has won multiple awards throughout his career for feature photography, special sections, cover design, page design and layout.

Isaac has an eye for the unusual, and is a pro at making even mundane subjects come alive through his creative vision and photographic expertise. Isaac’s talent and skill allow him to capture and archive Henrico’s history, present and future for the enjoyment of generations to come.

A native of Norfolk, Isaac is a self-described “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” He’s a graduate of James Madison University, embraces music of all kinds, and is a famous Master Chef in the making.


“WillJones"
Will Jones Media Manager

Will joined Public Relations in 2012 as a senior public relations specialist. He serves as the department’s writer and liaison with the news media. Before joining the team, Will worked for 21 years as a reporter for newspapers in Virginia, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He has extensive experience with local governments and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and his writing has been recognized by the Virginia Press Association and other organizations.

A native of Richmond, Will studied journalism and American Studies at the University of Richmond, and he’s a proud supporter of Spider athletics. Will spends his leisure time with his wife and two sons and enjoys playing guitar and writing songs. Will plays music with several local bands, so don’t be surprised to find him onstage at a pub downtown on any given Saturday night.



SteveKnockemus
Steve Knockemus Assistant Director, Public Relations

Steve is an Assistant Director of Public Relations. He oversees media and community relations, assists internal agencies with special projects or consultation, and manages the department’s publications. Steve is also one of our top-notch writers, and performs a multitude of PR functions within the department including crisis communications during emergencies or natural disasters, and is frequently a host for some of our HCTV programs.

Steve joined the county in 2002 after having been a staff writer for Alabama’s “The Dothan Eagle” and “The Dothan Progress” newspapers, as well as a university relations coordinator for Troy State University. Steve is an accomplished writer and published co-author; his book  “A Place of Our Own: The Stories of Dothan and Houston County” is available on Amazon.com.

Steve is a graduate of Beloit College in Wisconsin, and attended graduate school at University of Alabama. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Steve is a die-hard Alabama football fan, and as a boy once met legendary coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant  (his brush with fame that he remembers fondly today).


Letourneau_David
David Letourneau Assistant Director

David was named Television & Media Services director in October 2018 after six years as one of our television producer/directors for HCTV.

As station manager, David leads the very talented video production crew responsible for telling Henrico’s story through livestreaming board meetings, informing residents of county news and services and documenting Henrico’s history with an HD camera lens. His division of Public Relations also oversees and maintains audio/visual equipment utilized by our public safety training academies. Dozens of other county agencies also depend on David and the HCTV team to provide internal video and A/V solutions.

A native of the Hampton Roads area, David graduated with a degree in communications from Virginia Tech before beginning his television career with WWBT Channel 12 in Richmond. After leaving Channel 12, David spent many years as a videographer for Comcast SportsNet in the Washington, D.C. area honing his craft and his professional television productions. A true lover of all things sports, David is a lifelong Redskins fan and fiercely roots for the Los Angeles Angels during baseball season.


Diane Oaks 2018
Diane Oaks Public Relations Specialist

Diane originally joined Public Relations in 1995, but transferred to the Human Resources Department in 2001. After seven years away, Diane came home to PR in 2008 as a Public Relations Specialist. Diane is our resident webmaster, creating and updating all of the graphics, photos and information you’ll find on our pages. In addition, Diane creates the message boards you see on HCTV and several publications.

Before joining the Public Relations team, Diane worked in the private sector for various advertising and creative firms. Her talents are a quirky blend of tech-head meets creative whiz, and her attention to detail borders on neurotic.

Diane is a graduate of James Madison University with a degree in Communications. She is an avid reader, follows the IndyCar circuit, and loves romping around with her two Shih Tzus.


Sanmartin Beth 2024
Beth Sanmartin Public Relations Specialist

Beth joined the Public Relations team in 2024, coming to us from the Henrico County Police Division. If you see a social media post or public announcement about roads, utilities or sewers, it’s probably coming from her! She works closely with Public Works and Public Utilities to keep the county citizens informed on projects and impacts to daily life.

Beth graduated with a degree in media arts from James Madison University and moved to Richmond shortly after graduating. She spent several years working at the Virginia Department of the Treasury, marketing the state’s Unclaimed Property program, before switching over to local government. Always interested in learning and growing, she has her masters degree in strategic communications from Texas Tech University and, much like Isaac, considers herself a “Jack of all Trades.”

Outside of work, you can likely find her spending time with her husband and two young children. She enjoys crocheting and making things for herself or friends and family, as well as international travel (she’s been to five countries outside of the U.S. so far!). You can almost always catch her with an iced coffee in her hand, regardless of the weather!


Laura Siewert
Laura Siewert Technology Support Specialist

Laura joined Public Relations in 2018 as a Technology Support Specialist. With a background in technology and entertainment, Laura brings with her a diverse skill set and a lot of enthusiasm.

Before joining Henrico, Laura provided information technology support to a Richmond-based brokerage firm. In prior years, she combined technology and design to support Department of Defense IT at the Pentagon. She also contributed several years to on-set and post production, visual effects and motion-capture animation in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

A native of Richmond, Laura is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams!) where she competed for the cross-country and track and field teams. She enjoys staying active with her two children and in her leisure time is likely to be found on the basketball court or cutting a rug to Latin rhythms.


Mike Stoeckle
Mike Stoeckle Television Operations Technician/HCTV Station Engineer

Mike came on board our team in 2017 as our Television Operations Technician and Engineer for HCTV. From programming the server to maintaining our broadcast equipment, Mike keeps us up and running 24-7.

Before joining Public Relations, Mike was the Senior Broadcast Engineer for Fairfax Public Access. He’s also worked as a trained instructor, technical advisor and post production guru in the industry.

Mike, who hails from Blacksburg, Virginia, graduated from Washington & Lee University. He is a Certified Broadcast Television Engineer, a Certified Newtek Tricaster Operator, a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the Audio Engineering Society.

When Mike is not busy entertaining or chasing his two young daughters, he likes to play piano, create bad computer animation, and watch Hokie football and basketball. He enjoys fishing, cooking, juggling the soccer ball in his backyard, and spending time with family and friends.


Raina Vann
Raina Vann Community Engagement Coordinator

Raina joined the Public Relations team in 2019 as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Her goal is to collaboratively ensure county programs and services are accessible to non-native and limited-English proficient (LEP) residents. Serving in a role that connects opportunities for expanding inclusive communication, engagement, promotion, support and branding to represent, serve and attract the diverse population of the county is purposeful and exciting for Raina.

A graduate of Saint Louis University, Raina continuously relies on a breadth of global experience working with Olympians, youth, financial advisors, job seekers, parents, educators, media and stakeholders to drive the mission of creating space for everyone. She aspires to use her space to keep her door, ears, heart and mind open.

Ever the fascinated learner, Raina finds joy in getting to know people; in everything auditory; in getting lost in libraries with her two children; and in wandering – in life.


Weber Richard 2023
Richie Weber Television Producer/Director

Richie joined Public Relations in 2023 as a television producer/director after moving to the area with his wife, Mia, and their herd of pets. Having lived in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and South Carolina, it’s been a winding road to Virginia from his native New Jersey. Prior to joining Public Relations, he was the Audio/Video producer for The Sumter Item, a 200+ year old, family-owned newspaper in South Carolina. During his time at The Item, he received awards from the South Carolina Press Association for both feature videos and commercials.

Richie is a graduate of Millersville University in Lancaster, PA with a degree in Communications. He is also an alumnus of the Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps, with which he toured the country for two summers.

Outside of work there’s a good chance you can find him at the dog park, a disc golf course or at home behind a drum set.


Weidele_Geoff
Geoff Weidele Senior Public Relations Specialist

Geoff joined Public Relations in 2005 as a TV Produce/Director. Prior to that he worked for Henrico County Public Schools and several private video companies traveling from Northern Virginia to Harrisonburg, Virginia and eventually settling in Henrico.

His passion for the outdoors and desire to make a difference has placed him on the Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) as its Outreach Committee Chair. Branding, marketing, coordinating public events and managing internal and external communication of H.E.A.R.T. is just the beginning. He enthusiastically champions the cause and says, “I’m so excited to make a positive impact on Henrico County’s efforts to preserve local natural resources!”

Passing the 30 years of service mark has not slowed him down. As for his desire for continuous learning, Geoff states, “There’s always room for growth and I can’t wait for what awaits me tomorrow.”

When he’s not working, Geoff enjoys beach adventures with his wife and two mischievous dogs…wagging tails and sandy paws are always welcome.


Angie Williams
Angela Williams Business Supervisor

Angie joined the Public Relations team in 2015 as one of our Office Assistants. She performs a wide array of essential administrative duties including proofreading our many articles and publications, writing correspondence, assisting with the department’s financial transactions and providing information and assistance to county agencies and residents.

Angie has worked for Henrico County since 2003, briefly in the Department of Public Utilities, followed by 12 years in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

A native of Richmond, Angie graduated from John Marshall High School and continued her education at J. Sargeant Reynolds and ECPI Technical Institute.

Angie has a set of vocal cords on her, and has been singing her whole life. She performed in the chorus throughout high school and has sang at multiple weddings and funerals as an adult. She’s threatening to start her own band, and may just have the musicians she needs right here in Public Relations.

Contact Us

Public Relations

Western Government Center
2nd Floor

4301 E. Parham Rd
Henrico, VA 23228

Phone
(804) 501-4257

Fax
(804) 501-5500

Mailing Address
P. O. Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273-0775

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