Kudos! June 2025
June 5, 2025
By
W&M Alumni Magazine
Congratulations to William & Mary alumni who are making moves in the world! This is where we celebrate awards, job changes, promotions, recognition and other career and civic engagement news we collected between March 13 and June 2, 2025. For more updates from your classmates, check out the Class Notes at magazine.wm.edu/class-notes and in the print edition of the W&M Alumni Magazine!
If you would like to submit an item for Kudos, email the W&M Alumni Magazine staff at alumni.magazine@wm.edu. We will also share your news with your class’s reporter.
Awards and Recognition
Virginia Holsinger ’58 was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to food science. She developed innovative methods to make dairy products healthier and more accessible worldwide. Her work on enzymes and digestion laid the scientific foundation for Lactaid.
Michael Pollock ’73 received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, for his 50-plus years of advocacy of the highest of genealogical standards.
Troy Wiipongwii M.P.P. ’18 and Benming “Benny” Zhang ’16, J.D. ’20 were named to Virginia Business’s prestigious “Forty Under 40” list. Troy serves as director of innovation and entrepreneurship in conservation at William & Mary’s Institute for Integrative Conservation. Benny, an attorney at Kaufman & Canoles, specializes in corporate, securities, zoning and estate planning law. As a student, he made history as the first Asian American elected to the Williamsburg City Council.
Nell Zink ’85 received a Guggenheim Fellowship in recognition of her literary achievements. Nell is a novelist based in Germany, and her debut novel, “The Wallcreeper,” was named one of The New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2014. Her novel “Mislaid” was longlisted for the National Book Award.
Job Changes and Promotions
Alex Cooper ’13 has been named editor-in-chief of The Advocate, the world’s leading source for LGBTQ+ news and information. Since joining the publication in 2021, Alex has led its digital newsroom and editorial strategy, authored its email newsletter and helped spearhead initiatives that earned two GLAAD Media Awards for Best Overall Coverage.
Rick Giovannelli J.D. ’96 has been appointed co-chair of the management committee at global law firm K&L Gates LLP. A member since 1996, he currently leads the firm’s global corporate practice, advising on M&A, private equity and financing across sectors like healthcare, retail and tech. He has served on the management committee since 2014 and led global initiatives since 2021.
Stewart Glendinning ’86, P ’19 has been announced as Dollar Tree’s next chief financial officer, effective March 30. Before Dollar Tree, Stewart held numerous leadership roles, including CEO of Express and global CFO roles at Tyson Foods and Molson Coors Brewing Co.
Brian W. Haynes ’05 has joined Casner & Edwards as counsel in the firm’s litigation group. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, insurance coverage litigation, product liability, premises liability, liquor liability and other complex civil matters.
Nate Kinard J.D. ’15 has been appointed general counsel to U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee. In this role, Nate will advise the senator on judicial nominations, constitutional issues and matters related to artificial intelligence.
Chris S. Lick ’94 has been announced as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, effective June 1.
Gregory “Greg” P. Ranzini ’14 has joined Blank Rome LLP as an associate in the business litigation group in the firm’s Wilmington, Delaware, office. He comes to the firm from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Greg focuses his practice on complex corporate and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts in Delaware and beyond.
Gavin Young M.B.A. ’01 has been named regional president and head of corporate banking for Utah at PNC Bank. In this role, Gavin will lead business development, oversee client relationships and guide philanthropic and community engagement efforts across the region.