Helene Russell is the Chief People Officer of Eggleston and the First Black Female to hold a Chief Executive Position. As a Norfolk native, her daily responsibilities include advising on HR issues for other C-level Executives, driving the development of all programs related to “people” issues, and crafting the organization’s values to maximize employee potential.
As Chief People Officer, Helene brings a wealth of diverse HR Leadership experience to Eggleston. Helene has spent 30 years as part of the Eggleston team, where she acquired a strong foundation in both Human Resources and Leadership. Helene has extensive knowledge in supporting many employees, focusing on Person-Centered Achievement and Advancement. Having served as the top HR Executive, Helene is known for her ability to think strategically, act pragmatically, and obtain outstanding results by adopting a project-driven structure and fostering a collaborative and empowering culture that reaches across silos. As a graduate of Maury High School, Helene has demonstrated her abilities through her commitment to continuous hard work, education, training, Non-Profit Management, and Leadership, beginning her career as a dietary supervisor working with seniors. Helene attended the University of Maryland for her Employment Specialist Certification and Old Dominion University for her HR Certification. Helene has received various Employee Appreciation Awards, including Employee of the Year!
Helene is married to her high school sweetheart, Michael and they have one daughter-Shenita. Helene spends her free time uplifting her family, friends, and anyone in need.
Tasha is the Chief Operating Officer at Eggleston. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Tasha stepped out on faith to obtain Higher Education and relocated to Hampton Roads to attend Norfolk State University. She started her career at Eggleston as a Direct Support Professional in Day Services. Her responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day functions of all business operations and ensuring all employees’ and individuals’ safety and security.
Tasha is an organizational leader who deploys strategic alignment and drives innovation. Tasha is a well-versed professional who inspires and motivates others to facilitate a culture of belonging and excellence. Tasha is highly active in her community throughout Hampton Roads. She loves to focus on activities that mentor teens and young adults, participate in community service efforts, and raise awareness of various causes. She lives by the West African term “Sankofa,” which teaches us that we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us to achieve our full potential as we move forward. As a first-generation college graduate, she learned at a young age that life’s experiences and interactions set the tone for future leadership perceptions, and she finds joy in mentoring those up next.
Tasha is an accomplished individual with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education, focused explicitly on School Counseling from Norfolk State University. In addition to this, she is an esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, INC., the Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter. Tasha currently works as a Cheer Coach in the Virginia Beach Public Schools. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed; she was awarded the Inside Business Top 40 under 40 Hampton Roads in 2018.
Joseph “Joe” Collins is the Chief Financial Officer of Eggleston. A native of England, Joe immigrated to the state of Maine before joining the United States Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia in the late 90’s. Joe’s daily responsibilities include oversight of all financial functions, including accounting, audit, corporate finance, treasury management, and investor relations. His career spans more than 15 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, and nonprofit strategy. Joe recognizes the importance of collaboration and creating synergies towards advancing a nonprofit mission. He believes in the value of goal setting and continually identifying opportunities for improvement.
Prior to joining Eggleston, Joe owned his own firm, Your NFP Controller, LLC through which he provided consultant financial management services to non-profits, including Eggleston. He also previously served as Vice President for United Way of South Hampton Roads. Through the United Way network and in recognition of his financial management experience, he received an invitation to join the United Way Worldwide Financial Issues Committee (comprised of only 12-24 members selected from a network of about 1,200 United Ways nationwide). Earlier in his career, Joe held senior-level positions in both corporate finance and assurance services with organizations including Norfolk Collegiate School and FORVIS, formally known as Goodman and Company. Joe has also taught accounting, finance, and economics at the University level.
Joe holds several qualifications and degrees, including a Certified Public Accountant license with the state of Virginia, a Master of Science in Accounting from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University. Joe is also a veteran of the United States Navy.
For community involvement, he serves as Treasurer of Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). He has and continues to volunteer as a youth soccer coach for the Chesapeake Soccer Club. He is also a member of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling, exploring, and trying new things. He’s a car enthusiast and an avid supporter of the England national soccer team.