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Keogh Roasted at Retirement Gala6.23.2010
Characterized as more of a sauté than a roast, Hugh Keogh’s retirement gala at the Virginia Historical Society on June 16 elicited hearty laughter along with heartfelt tributes. Nearly 400 well-wishers celebrated Hugh’s stellar 40-year career in economic development, the last 18 of which he dedicated to the Virginia Chamber.
In keeping with the evening’s sports theme several former chairmen kicked off the frivolity, fanning the flames of a long college rivalry. Mike Anzilotti, Randy Lail, Bob Archer and Dan Carson previewed a video billed as a “Hokie Tribute” and proudly presented Hugh, the staunch UVA alumnus, with a football signed by Frank Beamer and themselves.
The roasters did not disappoint as they rhetorically tackled Hugh, using a variety of props such as the Verizon “Can you hear me now” spokesman and a remote-controlled red sports car. The Honorable Bill Howell, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, appeared via a video message, expressing his regret at not being able to attend because reruns of “Law and Order” were on that night. “The Voice of Business” did not disappoint when it was his turn to retort. Hugh delivered a verbal blitz of his own, as well as some very poignant observations about the Commonwealth he has championed for so long.
The roaster line-up included: Will Davis, Director of Chesterfield County Economic Development; Jean Clary Bagley, the first woman Chair of the Virginia Chamber (1994-95); Jack Hornbeck, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; Robert Woltz, President of Verizon Virginia and 1999 Virginia Chamber Chairman; and the Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, former Governor of Virginia. Leeanne Ladin, former Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Chamber, served as Emcee.
The program featured a retrospective video of Hugh’s career produced by the Chamber and an eloquent tribute from the Keogh kids delivered by Kevin Keogh. Please visit the Chamber’s facebook page to see photos and video clips of the evening’s highlights.
Finally, a special thank you to Altria and all our event sponsors for their generous contributions!
The Chamber staff would like to conclude with a famous Keoghism: “I’d rather be lucky than good any day.” We’re the lucky ones, Hugh, for having the privilege of working with you! We wish you all the best in your retirement, knowing that you will always be “at the top of your game” no matter what you do!
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