UMFS Speaker Series

At UMFS, Activate Curiosity; Embrace Perspectives isn’t just a core value — it’s how we live and lead. The UMFS Speaker Series brings this to life by hosting innovative, inspiring individuals who spark conversations that matter.

Learn More

UMFS Speaker Series

At UMFS, Activate Curiosity; Embrace Perspectives isn’t just a core value — it’s how we live and lead. The UMFS Speaker Series brings this to life by hosting innovative, inspiring individuals who spark conversations that matter.

We’ve created a platform for learning and connection that reflects our mission of supporting children and families. Through our Speaker Series, we’ve made space for real engagement — becoming a recognized destination for thoughtful dialogue and community connection. A place where people come to learn, share, and be part of the work driving positive change within and beyond our organization.

Past Speakers

Jen Psaki

Jen Psaki is the New York Times Bestselling author of “Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World” and the host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC. She served as the thirty-fourth White House Press Secretary under President Biden until May 2022.

She has also served as White House Communications Director under President Obama, the spokesperson for the State Department under then Secretary of State John Kerry and worked on three presidential campaigns.

Delegate David Reid

David is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 32nd district. David grew up in Rockbridge County, Virginia. In 1972, he moved to UMFS, which was then known as the Virginia Methodist Children’s Home. He left UMFS six years later, moving to Oklahoma with his foster parents. David became the first person in his family to graduate from college and went on to serve as a Naval Intelligence Officer for 23 years in the US Navy Reserve. In 2014, David founded Rockbridge Consulting. In his first year as a delegate, David sponsored HB1219, legislation which allows foster children ages 14 years and up to request that their birth parents regain custody. Delegate Reid invited Governor Northam to the UMFS Richmond campus to sign the bill into law in May 2018.

 Chris Heeter

Featured on National Geographic Today and recognized with national speaking awards, Chris also shares a team of 26 Alaskan Huskies with her mushing partner. With stories from 30+ years of wilderness leadership experience and 20+ years of speaking all across North America, the abundant parallels between these adventures and the world of work make up the core of her presentations. Chris brings Wild to the workplace to help free us from the trappings of ‘how we’ve always done it, and to support organizations, leaders, and teams in pulling to their potential.

Interested in Learning More?

Please reach out to Erica Mann, Director of Learning and Special Projects at emann@UMFS.org or 804.353.4461.