Kendrick F. Ashton, ’04, Elected Vice Rector of William & Mary Board of Visitors
W&M Board of Visitors elects rector, vice rector and secretary
The William & Mary Board of Visitors has elected new leadership. Ardine Williams will serve as rector, Kendrick F. Ashton ’98 as vice rector and John Brownlee J.D. ’94, P ’22 as secretary, effective July 1, 2026.
The 17-member board, which serves as the governing body of the university, held the election during its April meeting on campus Friday.
A former vice president for workforce development at Amazon, Williams is known for her expertise in economic and talent development. She is currently vice rector of the board.
The rector serves as chair of the Board of Visitors and its executive committee. Williams will succeed Charles E. Poston J.D. ’74, P ’02, ’06 in that role. Appointed to the board in 2019 and reappointed in 2023, Poston has had a long, distinguished career in law, including serving as chief judge of the Norfolk Circuit Court.
“I’m grateful to have been entrusted with the leadership of this board,” said Williams. “Alongside Kendrick and John, I am eager to build upon the legacy of the rectors who came before me and advance our leadership for William & Mary. We are thankful to Charles for his leadership and are committed to continue the momentum he started.”
Ashton, currently secretary of the board, is the co-founder and co-chief executive officer of The St. James, a leading developer and operator of performance, wellness and lifestyle destinations, brands, experiences and technologies. Brownlee is a litigation attorney and co-chair of Holland & Knight’s National White Collar Defense and Investigations Team.
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