Age: 39

Job title: Director of sales and community engagement, Hampton Roads Convention Center

At work: I lead the sales and community engagement efforts at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, developing strategic partnerships and driving new business to position the center as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows and special events. I also work closely with small businesses, helping them build partnerships with HRCC and connecting them with resources to pursue SWaM certification.

Home and family: I’m a proud Hampton native, and it means a great deal to me to live, work and raise my family in the same community that shaped me. I live in Hampton with my 12-year-old son, RJ, who is in the seventh grade. Watching him grow up here — attending the same kinds of schools and experiencing the same community traditions I did — has been incredibly meaningful. It’s special to give him the same strong sense of home and belonging that I’ve always had in Hampton.

Volunteer activities: I’ve been a member of the Hampton Education Foundation since 2021 and serve as scholarship chair, where I help provide scholarships for Hampton high school seniors and teacher grants that support classroom innovation and enrichment. I also serve on the Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center board and the Hampton VA250 Committee, which commemorates the Revolutionary War and our nation’s independence. Additionally, I’m a member of the Virginia sports grant advisory committee, where I work alongside others to support bringing sporting events to Virginia and ensuring funding is available to make them possible.

Motivating factor: The desire to be the best version of myself for my son RJ, for my community and for the next generation. Growing up in a community that poured so much into me instilled a sense of responsibility to give back and help others succeed. My mom has been a huge inspiration, watching her dedicate decades as a civil servant, serving the City of Hampton for over 40 years, then on council, and now as city treasurer, has not only shown me the impact of giving back but also set a roadmap for how to live life with pride and dignity.

Advice to young people: Take chances, stay curious and don’t be afraid of the lessons that come from failure. Some of my greatest growth came from moments that didn’t go perfectly, but they gave me the tools I needed to move forward stronger. Invest in relationships: Be genuine, show up for people and treat everyone with respect. The connections you build along the way will shape your opportunities and your journey more than you realize.

Professional goal in five years: I see myself continuing to grow as a leader in the hospitality and events industry while expanding Hampton Roads’ visibility as a premier destination. I aspire to take on a broader leadership role, such as assistant general manager or general manager of a convention center, where I can influence operations at a higher level and continue mentoring the next generation of leaders —especially young professionals and small business owners. I want my work to leave behind not just successful events, but also a stronger, more connected community and opportunities for others to thrive.

The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: I’d like to see more resources and job opportunities for young families, helping to attract and retain a workforce that will cultivate our community and keep it vibrant.

Region’s biggest asset: Its people — the hardworking, passionate and welcoming individuals who make this community feel like home.

Downtime: I spend a lot of my free time supporting my son in his sports, from basketball to track and field. I also enjoy dinners with friends, traveling the world and exploring new experiences. At the same time, I cherish quieter nights at home, whether getting lost in a good book or relaxing with Netflix.

What really gets under my skin: Imagine having the longest day at work and deciding to stop at a drive-thru for dinner. You place your order, get home, and then realize it’s all wrong. Life is just funny like that sometimes, and now I have to decide if I eat it anyway.

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-samantha-snead/