Meet Our Team
Our Members
Donna Maria Colby
President
Donna Maria Colby has a doctorate in Communication and a master of science degree in Organizational Communication. Dr. Colby currently teaches in the Department of Communication at Regent University and was awarded 2016 Adjunct Professor of the Year at Tidewater Community College. She is trained in LEAN Six Sigma, Crucial Conversations, Situational Leadership I & II, DiSC, and MBTI.
Dr. Colby has more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience in organizational communication, fundraising, advocacy, marketing, education, and volunteer recruitment & retention. She has led teams of staff and volunteers, including for the nation’s largest voluntary health organization, the American Cancer Society. Her national fundraising experience includes the American Heart Association’s Red Dress for Women Campaign and the Relay for Life. She is a twice-commissioned Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for her noteworthy volunteer accomplishments.
She and her husband Keith share their home with three furry family members. Brothers Banksy and Tiger, male brown tabbies, and Birdie, a female dilute tortoiseshell. Each cat was adopted from the Suffolk Humane Society.
Jackie Cherry
Board Member
Originally from Hampton, Jackie has made her home in Suffolk for the past forty years although much of that time was spent commuting out of state. Jackie joined the staff of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in 2006 prior to its opening as the Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Events. She was soon promoted to General Manager where she served until 2011 when she became Executive Director/CEO. She has served on many projects promoting the advancement of educational opportunities for our youth and the quality of life for our citizens here in Hampton Roads. Jackie also served as President for the Suffolk Rotary Club and past board member.
Prior to joining the SCCA, she held senior positions within the Telecom industry for 25 years. Responsibilities included retention, regional operations, sales, service, and site selection. Highlights include manager of New Business Ventures for AT&T Corp. Headquarters, N.J. identifying and developing programs to provide additional sources of revenue, market identification, and implementations. Mrs. Cherry’s last ten years in the industry served as Regional VP of Sales for the N.E.major/key accounts. Jackie has retired after 12 years with the Center and is enjoying being home in Chuckatuck with her husband, friends, and all her four-legged family members.
Amy Clark
Board Member
Since 2020, I’ve been actively involved with the Suffolk Humane Society. I have contributed to most areas of the organization, including fundraising, animal care, and administrative support.
I’m excited to bring my passion for both animals and compliance to the board, ensuring we continue to provide compassionate care while upholding the highest standards of operation.
David Miles
Board Member
Sheriff David Miles has over 18 years of law enforcement experience, which he has earned through various departments and roles in the criminal justice system. Sheriff Miles is an honor graduate of Norfolk State University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mass Communication in 2001. After beginning his career in 2006 with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office in the correctional and courts divisions, he transitioned to the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office in 2015. Here, Sheriff Miles has faithfully served the city and its citizens. Sheriff Miles was appointed to the Chief Deputy position in 2019, and later voted in as Sheriff in November 2024.
Sheriff Miles is the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, and he has attended the F.B.I. Front Line Supervisor’s course and the John Maxwell Five Levels of Leadership Course. He has also earned the General Instructor, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and Hostage Negotiation certifications. Sheriff Miles is a member of the following organizations: Suffolk Rotary Club, Suffolk Humane Society, Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center Advisory Council, Suffolk Crime Line, Suffolk Foundation, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was also the past president of the Suffolk Education Foundation. Sheriff Miles is dedicated to the betterment of the community.
Susan Walton
Board Member
Susan H. Walton received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her Law Degree from George Mason University, where she played NCAA Division I basketball and was team captain. Susan retired after 24 years of service at the City of Suffolk Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Prior to 2000, she was a former Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Campbell County for seven years. Susan was a Deputy of the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Team, and was assigned to the gang task force. Susan prosecuted animal cruelty cases and was an instructor for the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys.
Susan has run numerous marathons, including the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. She coaches youth basketball, officiates high school and college soccer, but especially likes to spend time with her family.
