Meet the Team

Damon Yarnell is the associate provost and executive director of career development. In his role as head of the career advising and employer relations teams, he leads an integrated approach to career development that celebrates the liberal arts, emphasizes value-driven decision-making, and seeks to ensure that all Spiders enjoy full access to educational and career-related opportunities.

Yarnell joined Richmond in 2024 with 15 years of experience in higher education leadership. Most recently, he served as dean of student and global advancement at Colby College as the head of DavisConnects, an initiative that allows all students, regardless of economic circumstances, to participate in transformative global, internship, research, and fellowship opportunities. Prior to Colby, he worked as associate provost at Dickinson College, where he led the integration of academic and career advising as well as strategic initiatives related to the futures of work and education. Before embarking on his academic career, Yarnell founded a sustainable development company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, specializing in site-specific designs that avoided urban sprawl. Yarnell holds a BA in comparative literature from Columbia, an MFA in design from the University of the Arts, and a PhD in Science, Technology, and Society from the University of Pennsylvania.

Beth Chancy is the senior associate director /career advisor for Career Services and has been at the University of Richmond since 2008.  She assists students in all majors with general career advice/major
exploration, decision-making, and job strategies/tools. Her area of industry focus is government, policy, law and consulting.

While a student at the College of William and Mary, she discovered a love for working in higher education through her campus involvement in Orientation.  Beth has a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary and a M. S. in Human Development, Counseling, and Family studies with a concentration in College Student Personnel.    She has worked at Virginia Commonwealth University, the College of William and Mary, the University of Denver and the University of Rhode Island.

Keith is a Senior Associate Director/Career Advisor for Career Services. He is a strategically focused professional with expertise in student professional development, talent acquisition, relationship management, program and retention management, and inclusion and belonging.

Prior to joining Richmond, Keith worked at Spelman College for 8 years, leading the Office of Cooperative Education & Special Programs. Additionally, he was a valued employee of Merrill Lynch & Co., for 28 years.

Currently, Keith works collaboratively with staff and faculty to optimize the student professional development experience. He also participates on various committees, and serves as a mentor to Spiders.

Keith holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, from Manhattanville University in Purchase, NY. He has also completed a Master’s Certification in Human Resource Management from Villanova University.

Brandy has been affiliated with Career Services since 1999, serving in a variety of full-time, part-time and temporary roles. Most recently she joined as a career advisor in February 2021 with focus areas of science, health, social impact and education career fields. In this role she provides major, career, and academic advising to students and alums, and teaches career exploration courses. Brandy has a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech, and an M.A. in Career Counseling from University of Maryland.

She has previous career services experience at Georgetown University and at the University of Maryland in Engineering Co-op & Career Services, and the Law & Health Professions Advising Office. Brandy enjoys working with all students and recent alums to help them achieve their career goals through individual advising, programming, and collaboration with the UR community. Outside of work, Brandy enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, dog, and two daughters.

Elizabeth Soady is the Associate Director of Professional Development for Arts & Sciences at the University of Richmond. In this role, Elizabeth oversees A&S NEXT and partners with the School of Arts & Sciences to provide professional development opportunities within and outside the classroom. Her areas of focus for advising include Arts and Humanities. Previously, Elizabeth served as Assistant Director of Career Services for Career Exploration. 

Before joining the career advising team, Elizabeth worked in Residence Life for five years as a live-in staff member providing individualized student support and crisis intervention at Christopher Newport University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Elizabeth is a proud first-generation college graduate from Centreville, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Christopher Newport University, and a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys reading, musical theatre, crochet, and being a cat-mom.

Hayley joined the career advising team in October 2024, specializing in marketing, communications and entrepreneurship/innovation. As the daughter of two proud Richmond alumni, she has spent most of her life in and around the Richmond campus. Hayley graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in communications, concentrating in public relations. She recently earned a master’s degree in adult education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Before joining the advising team, Hayley worked at VCU School of Medicine and held positions at various non-profits in Richmond. When she’s not at work you can catch her playing trivia, hanging out with her dog and watching too many movies.

Tiara Hicks is a seasoned educator, program leader and equity advocate with more than 20 years experience at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community impact. Her career has spanned classrooms, nonprofits and national organizations, where she led initiatives focused on youth development, inclusive leadership and talent cultivation.

Currently serving as Assistant Director of Career Services, Tiara supports alumni and students in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. She draws on her diverse background to help individuals clarify their goals, build confidence, and connect with meaningful opportunities. A creative thinker and relationship-builder, she is known for designing culturally responsive programs that drive personal and professional growth.

Tiara is especially passionate about bridging gaps in access and creating systems that work for everyone, not just those already at the table.

Shawnda serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the Career Services Operations team. In this role, she primarily supports the Queally Center location – including but not limited to office administration, budget management, and event planning & logistics.

In 2018, Shawnda graduated from the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management. She has an extensive background in project and process management, onboarding/hiring logistics, and event planning.

Alexandra serves as the administrative coordinator for Career Services advising in Tyler Haynes Commons Rm. 306. In this role, she supports day-to-day operations including office administration, event and program coordination, and budget and resource management. Alexandra also manages Career Services’ Career Opportunity Fund, a donor-funded program allowing students to access career development opportunities during their exploration and job search processes.

Alexandra has a comprehensive background in education, counseling, and human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in school counseling from William & Mary.