Presented by Froehling & Robertson. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington.
We are proud to present the return of the ACES Networking Luncheon series. ACES is dedicated to connecting professionals between Richmond and DC, from the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) industries – a sector that is very active in the adoption of Information, Communication and Technology. These luncheons serve as an opportunity for like-minded individuals to collaborate and network while hearing from industry experts, engaging in insightful conversations and enjoying a local dining experience.
ACES is not an exclusive group and is open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited for all ACES events. Fall 2022 luncheons will take place at the Fredericksburg Nationals Virginia Credit Union Stadium. There are several sponsorship opportunities available for ACES events. If you are interested in learning more, please email Rose Maddox at [email protected]
If you would like to be added to the invitation list for ACES luncheons, please complete our ACES Interest Form.
Fall 2022 Sponsors
Title Sponsor: Germanna Community College
Germanna is one of the twenty-three community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. It is a two year public institution of higher education established in 1970. As a comprehensive community college, Germanna provides quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford.
September/November Platinum Sponsor: Community Bank of the Chesapeake
Community Bank of the Chesapeake is a full-service community bank. We offer a broad range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses. From perks accounts, mortgages and credit cards to business lending and banking, CBTC is your trusted banking partner. Community is our name, and we live it each day by exceeding expectations. It’s the best part about being a truly local bank.
October Platinum Spons
or: Spotsylvania County Department of Economic Development
Spotsylvania County is Virginia’s strategic location for economic development. With Interstate 95 carrying thousands of people through the county everyday, Spotsylvania has quickly become a hub of economic activity. Being less than 50 miles from both Washington D.C and Richmond, VA provides Spotsylvania businesses access to a large and diverse workforce. The location combined with lower average operating costs than Northern Virginia makes it easy to understand why so many business are finding their spot in Spotsylvania.
Fall 2022 ACES Luncheons
Wednesday, September 7,11:30 – 1 pm
Guest Speaker: Keith Mellinger, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Mary Washington (UMW)
Dr. Keith E. Mellinger earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in mathematics from the University of Delaware, after receiving a B.S. in mathematics from Millersville University.
The recipient of many internal grants and a Jepson Fellowship from UMW, Dr. Mellinger is a Project NExT fellow through the Mathematical Association of America. In 2006, he was awarded a young investigator grant from the National Security Agency for his research in finite geometry and coding theory. In 2008, Mellinger was recognized with the UMW Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award, and in 2010, he and a Virginia Tech colleague received a national writing award from the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, the Millersville University Alumni Association honored Dr. Mellinger with their Young Alumni Achievement Award. An accomplished scholar and researcher, Dr. Mellinger has published many articles on both mathematical research and pedagogy, and has delivered presentations at conferences and meetings all over the world.
Prior to his position as Dean, Dr. Mellinger served as the mathematics department chair, interim director of Academic and Career Services, and director of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan where he helped reform the First-Year Experience. He was appointed Dean in the summer of 2018. Dr. Mellinger will be discussing the construction of a new Theatre and the renovation of the existing fine arts complex on the UMW campus.
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 8/1 – 8/7): $30
- General Admission (Available 8/8 – 8/26): $35
- Registration Deadline: August 26, 2022
Register Now! (Registration opens July 20)
Wednesday, October 5, 11:30 – 1 pm
Guest Speaker: Ryan DeWeese, CEO, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
Ryan DeWeese is the Chief Executive Officer at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
Ryan began his healthcare career as an Administrative Resident at Reston Hospital Center in June 2011. After his time at Reston Hospital Center, he served as Associate Administrator for CJW Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer and Ethics and Compliance officer for Frankfort Regional Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and most recently Chief Operating Officer at Ocala Health in Ocala, Florida.
Ryan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Penn State University and continued his education to earn a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Ryan is married to his wife, Kara and they have two daughters, and are excited to return to the Fredericksburg Region.
Ryan will be providing an overview of Spotsylvania facilities and practices and discussing the construction of a new, freestanding emergency room.
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 9/1 – 9/18): $30
- General Admission (Available 9/19 – 9/25): $35
- Registration Deadline: September 25, 2022
Register Now! (Registration opens September 1)
Wednesday, November 2, 11:30 – 1 pm
Guest Speaker: John Hewa, President and CEO at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
John D. Hewa is REC’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Hewa has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the electric utility industry with an emphasis in technology and management of public and cooperative power utilities. His experience also spans technical and executive roles managing electric, water, wastewater, and wireless and fiber optic telecommunications systems.
Hewa holds a deep appreciation for the cooperative business model. He has served as the CEO of electric cooperatives in Texas and Florida and as vice president of research, engineering, and technical services at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in Arlington, Virginia.
Hewa holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Tennessee. He also earned his Doctor of Engineering at George Washington University focusing on engineering management, researching and modeling energy storage for electric cooperatives in the PJM structured wholesale electricity market. Hewa is a registered professional engineer.
John Hewa will be discussing the implications on the power grid for electric vehicles and distributed technologies and how this will shape the energy utilities.
Event Pricing
- Early Bird Rate (Available 10/1 – 10/14): $30
- General Admission (Available 10/15 – 10/23): $35
- Registration Deadline: October 23, 2022
Register Now! (Registration opens October 1)
About Fredericksburg Regional Alliance (FRA) 
Through recruitment, collaboration and advocacy, the FRA creates an environment to foster regional job growth. They assist existing businesses and industries with workforce development issues and help aggressively market the Fredericksburg region to corporate decision makers who are planning to expand or relocate their companies.
About Froehling & Robertson (F&R)
“We are impassioned engineers, scientists and problem solvers partnering with clients to advance the equality and stability of every project we touch to protect people and property.” 
Established in 1881, Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (F&R) is the oldest independent consulting engineer/testing firm in the United States. F&R focuses on their clients by offering construction engineering and environmental consulting solutions that are innovative, yet practical.
F&R maintains a fleet of drilling equipment as well as accredited testing laboratories that are utilized across their twelve offices. These offices, which are strategically located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, possess the local resources needed to deliver the quick, efficient and cost-effective service their clients rightfully demand.
Questions? Contact FRA Business Development Manager Rose Maddox at [email protected]