Age: 39
Job: Business consultant, Elevance Health
At work: With an extensive background in managed care and pharmacy, I lead strategic initiatives in pharmacy benefit management, improving operations and driving alignment with company goals. I collaborate across teams to deliver innovative, compliant solutions that support multiple markets. Beyond my core role, I proudly serve as local engagement chair for Elevance Health’s Pride business resource group, helping strengthen connection, inclusion and representation in the workplace.
Home and family: I live in Virginia Beach with my wife, Brandi, and my stepson, Tanner. I’m also a proud stepmom to two adult daughters, Kyrsten and Madeline. I grew up in Aragona Village and spent most of my high school years in Coventry. Though I graduated as a Salem Sundevil, I’ll always consider myself a Bayside Marlin at heart.
Volunteer activities: Community involvement is a passion of mine. I serve on the board of Hampton Roads Pride as entertainment director, a role that demands year-round dedication. From artist outreach and scheduling to vendor relations and event coordination, I help create meaningful and memorable celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond organizational work, I also give back through music. With my band, Not Those Girls, I’ve donated time and talent at countless fundraising events, supporting local nonprofits including Paint Pink Inc., the Virginia Queer Film Festival, Special Olympics Virginia and Stonewall Sports Norfolk.
Motivating factor: My wife is my greatest source of motivation. My younger years were full of chaos, and she has been the steady force inspiring me to grow, thrive and become the best version of myself. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished and built together.
Advice to young people: Don’t give up on yourself and don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. I didn’t complete my bachelor’s degree until I was 38, relying on experience and hard work to advance my career, and that taught me that growth has no expiration date. Step outside of your comfort zone; it’s often where the most meaningful progress begins.
Professional goal in five years: In my day job, I aim to deepen my expertise in the pharmacy benefits space and advance into a director role. Through Hampton Roads Pride, I hope to continue amplifying underrepresented voices (both literally and figuratively) and help expand year-round programming that strengthens our community.
The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: The traffic, without question.
Region’s biggest asset: Our military presence, especially our naval bases (my father is a retired MCPO), and our incredible local entertainers. The talent in Hampton Roads never ceases to amaze me.
Downtime: Music and movement recharge me. I play guitar with my band, stay active through multiple sports with Stonewall Norfolk, and love catching live concerts. In the fall, my family and I enjoy trips to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. Recently, I’ve taken up making friendship bracelets … a random but surprisingly fun new hobby.
What really gets under my skin: A lack of accountability and the “doom and gloom” mindset. I believe in taking ownership and leading with optimism.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-christina-schmidt/