Blue Ridge Hospice Welcomes Mohamad Hamad, PhD, PMP, CC, As Vice President of Information Technology - Royal Examiner (2024)

Blue Ridge Hospice is pleased to announce the appointment of Mohamad Hamad, PhD, PMP, CC, as the new Vice President of Information Technology. With an extensive background in nonprofit IT and cybersecurity and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance patient care, Hamad brings nearly 20 years of experience and innovative vision to the organization.

Hamad will oversee all aspects of Blue Ridge Hospice’s IT infrastructure in his new role. This includes implementing new technologies to optimize operations, improve patient care, and support the organization’s strategic initiatives.

“We welcome Mohamad Hamad to our senior leadership team,” said Blue Ridge Hospice President and CEO Jason Parsons. “His IT experience and dedication to leveraging technology to improve patient care and optimize operations make him an ideal fit for our organization. As we continue to grow and expand our services to meet the needs of our communities, Mohamad’s leadership will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring we provide the highest quality of care to our patients and their loved ones.”

“For Blue Ridge Hospice, Information Technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the backbone of our commitment to care,” Hamad noted. “From enhancing patient outcomes to optimizing operations, Information Technology empowers us to fulfill our mission to our patients and communities with precision, compassion, and efficiency.

“Even in the smallest healthcare organizations, protecting patient and employee data is paramount,” he added. “Information Security isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity, safeguarding not just information but the trust and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve and for our Blue Ridge team.”

Hamad most recently served as IT Director of Infrastructure, Security, and Support for the Independent Community Bankers of America, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group representing small and mid-sized community-based financial institutions. He previously held positions as Senior Manager of IT Operations and Systems Administration at Rare, a not-for-profit nature conservation organization headquartered in Arlington, Va. Hamad has also worked as a network administrator, IT systems specialist, and IT support specialist.

He graduated with an Associate of Science in Information Technology from Northern Virginia Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University. He later earned his Master of Science in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University and, in 2023, earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology and Cybersecurity from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.

Hamad is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).

About Blue Ridge Hospice

Blue Ridge Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care that has served the northern Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia since 1981. With a mission of “brightening life’s journey with quality and compassionate care for all whom we are privileged to serve,” Blue Ridge Hospice serves Winchester City and the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Blue Ridge Hospice consistently exceeds the national averages for quality as reported on Medicare’s Hospice Compare website. To learn more about Blue Ridge Hospice, visit brhospice.orgor call 540-313-9200.

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James Madison University (JMU) proudly announces the local students who graduated during the May 2024 commencement exercises, including those who achieved honors.

Honors Graduates

Kara Athey of Front Royal graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Statistics.

Ewen Hives of Lake Frederick graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Computer Science.

Kamryn Upson of Lake Frederick graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English.

Courtney Farzan of Bentonville graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in General Psychology.

Graduates

Joseph Armstrong of Linden received a BS in General Psychology.

Cheyenne Broadbent of Bentonville received a BS in Justice Studies.

Emma Taylor of Front Royal received a BS in Health Sciences.

Lena Grimsley of Front Royal received a BA in Communication Studies.

Krystal Hall of Front Royal received a Master of Education (MEd).

Nayely Rivera of Front Royal received a BS in Health Sciences.

About James Madison University

Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is a leading institution in higher education, known for fostering close relationships between students and world-class faculty. The university emphasizes educational innovation and supports advanced research. With state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, students enjoy access to NCAA Division 1 athletics and have the highest post-graduation job levels among Virginia colleges.

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The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.

INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 6, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Monday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 0 to 7, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 28.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 11 to 12, eastbound – Alternating lane closures for Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) bridge inspection, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 28.

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.

PRIMARY ROADS
No lane closures were reported.

SECONDARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 638 (Howellsville Road) – Stop and proceed traffic control near Route 685 (Patty Tract Lane) intersection for bridge work, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.

Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or www.511Virginia.org.

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Below is a Press Release issued by the Western District of Virginia Prosecutor’sOffice on May 29, the day of Jennifer McDonald’s sentencing in the Harrisonburg federal courthouse. It offers the prosecution’s perspective on the nature of the former Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Executive Director’s crimes centered on the unauthorized misdirection for personal use of EDA cash assets and acknowledges federal and state authorities work on the case.

Testimony at trial put that total misdirected to her personal use at between $5 million and $6.5 million. Here it is cited at $5.2 million, not coincidently the amount the prosecution asked for at Wednesday’s sentencing hearing and received from the court to be forfeited by McDonald as part of her sentencing. It was explained that “forfeiture” amount was separate from any restitution or court costs that might also be ordered by the court.

As readers will recall the total amount believed misdirected to fraudulent uses in the circa 2014-2018 EDA “financial scandal” was estimated at about $26 million. On paper in civil suits and out-of-court settlementsthe EDA has recovered around $20 million, tempered by an estimated $8 million in legal fees. However, most of the larger civil case jury verdicts of liability totaling around $20 million are being appealed by defendants (see the Royal Examiner “EDA in Focus” news category for details on those cases). To resolve pending civil liability claims against her, McDonald gave up an estimated $9 million in real estate held by one of her real estate LLC’s to the EDA.

Here is the Office of the Federal Prosecutor’s statement in its entirety:

Jennifer McDonald Used EDA Funds As Her ‘Personal Piggy Bank’

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The former executive director of the Economic Development Authority of Front Royal and Warren County (EDA), who was convicted in November of last year of stealing more than $5 million dollars in authority funds, was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.

Jennifer Rae McDonald, 45, of Front Royal, Virginia, was convicted following a 9-week jury trial in November 2023 of seven counts of wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, sixteen counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

“For more than four years, Jennifer McDonald used EDA funds as her personal piggy bank, diverting public funds to purchase real estate and to pay her personal expenses” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “Today’s sentence reflects how serious this office takes fraud and the misuse of public funds. I am thankful to the FBI and the Virginia State Police for the tireless work they did to untangle the web of lies spun by this defendant.”

“The FBI is committed to investigating elected officials who abuse their positions for personal gain,” Special Agent in Charge Stanley Meador of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today. “I am proud of the work our team and partners did to uncover Ms. McDonald’s complex fraud scheme and to bring her to justice.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, McDonald was the Executive Director of the EDA, a public entity designed to attract and support businesses in Warren County and the Town of Front Royal. The EDA was overseen by a Board of Directors and supported by an administrative assistant, but at the center of the EDA was McDonald.

Beginning in 2014, McDonald began stealing money from the EDA and, for more than four years, McDonald used the bank accounts and credit facilities of the EDA to divert public funds to purchase real estate and to pay for her personal expenses. She falsified documents in order to mislead the EDA’s Board of Directors, external auditors, and Warren County and Front Royal government officials so she could continue her scheme.

When confronted by law enforcement and others, McDonald drafted fake loan documents, encouraged others to lie before a grand jury and fabricated an outrageous story, alleging the fraud was part of a “secret settlement” and invented more fake documents to cover-up her fraud.

In the end, McDonald pilfered the EDA’s bank accounts and is responsible for $5,201,329 in losses.

At trial, evidence was presented that at least $2.4 million of the money McDonald stole was used to fund her gambling – including net losses of more than $750,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Virginia State Police investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Welsh and Rachel Swartz and Trial Attorney Andrea Broach are prosecuting the case for the United States. Updated May 29, 2024

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The Samuels Public Library is gearing up for a bustling summer filled with activities for all ages. The summer reading programs kick off on June 1st with an exciting lineup designed to encourage reading and community engagement.

Children’s Department Events

Pat LoPreto, the Assistant Youth Librarian, is starting strong with a day full of fun activities on June 1st. Young visitors can look forward to face painters in the morning, a special appearance by Spider-Man handing out Ring Pops in the afternoon, and a petting zoo later in the day. The library is also collaborating with Lowe’s for hands-on construction kits the following week, and magician Wes Iseli will perform a magic show on June 20th, complete with goodie bags for the children.

Throughout June, the children’s section will host a variety of engaging activities. The library has arranged for story walks, where families can enjoy a new story, “Woodpecker Wants a Waffle,” displayed along a walking path. Additionally, the children will have opportunities to participate in arts and crafts sessions, including a unique event where aspiring young artists can paint over existing artwork.

Activities for Adults

Grace Green, from the adult section, is ensuring that adults have plenty to look forward to this summer. When adults sign up for the summer reading program, they receive a free coupon for a book from the local Epilogue Bookstore. To make the reading challenge more accessible, participants now earn raffle tickets for every 30 minutes of reading, rather than per book. This change aims to level the playing field for readers of all speeds and preferences, including those who enjoy audiobooks.

Adults can win exciting prizes through bi-weekly raffles, featuring themed gift baskets. These include hiking guides, plot twist games, and unique pottery pieces by local artist Arlene Link. Each basket contains a different theme, such as teas, coffees, chocolates, and spices from around the world. The program also offers a final grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.

Additional Programs

Beyond the structured summer reading programs, the library continues to offer its regular schedule of clubs and activities. The Genealogy Club meets every Wednesday, providing resources and support for those interested in tracing their family history. The “Books and Beyond” club, along with the “Bad Romance” book club, are hosting themed discussions for Pride Month in June, allowing participants to explore a variety of genres and topics.

For those who prefer a more active approach to reading, the Walking Book Club combines physical activity with literary discussions. Participants are encouraged to talk about any book they’ve read while enjoying a walk. Additionally, a special book discussion group, focusing on the book “What Happened to You,” is being organized with free copies provided by the Northwestern Community Services Board.

Ongoing Children’s Programs

The children’s department is not taking a break from their usual lineup. Story times, science scouts, and the homeschool hub continue to run throughout the summer. A new addition, “Toddler Trails,” offers an outdoor exploration activity designed for the youngest library patrons.

With such a diverse range of activities, the Samuels Public Library is truly a hub of community engagement and learning this summer. From the exciting launch day events to ongoing clubs and new reading incentives, there’s something for everyone at the library.

Be sure to visit the library on June 1st to join the summer reading programs and enjoy the many events planned for the day. Registration is open throughout June and July, so don’t miss out on the fun.

Stay updated on all the events and activities by checking the library’s website or visiting in person. Whether you’re a child eager to meet Spider-Man or an adult looking to win a unique prize basket, the Samuels Public Library has something for you this summer.

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

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After hearing slightly over two hours of prosecution and defense arguments in support of their conflicting sentencing recommendations – 22 years by the prosecution, 6 years by the defense – Western District of Virginia federal Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon went down the middle, sentencing former Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer McDonald to 14 years in prison for her role in the circa-2014 to 2018 EDA “financial scandal”. However, following a defense request that McDonald be allowed not to report to prison prior to June 18, and a request by lead prosecutor Sean Welsh that the court be reasonable in not extending imposition of the defendant’s imprisonment for too long a period, Judge Dillon granted the request that McDonald remain free on her existing bond conditions and self-report to prison authorities “not earlier than June 24th”. It was not clear whether a recent unanticipated hospital visit by McDonald this past weekend impacted that request. It was also confirmed by attorneys post hearing recess that per federal guidelines defendants are generally required to serve 85% of non-mandatory sentences, though how that standard is applied can vary from facility to facility. If our calculation is correct, full implementation could cut 2.1 years off the 47-year-old McDonald’s 14-year sentence.

An estimated $26 million was moved to unapproved or believed falsely presented uses during McDonald’s leadership of the Town-County EDA. Trial testimony indicated that as much as $6.5 million of that went directly to McDonald’s personal use. On November 1, 2023 a federal court jury of six men and six women found McDonald guilty on all 34 criminal counts she was charged with, including bank fraud (10 counts), wire fraud (7 counts), money laundering (16), and aggravated identity theft (1 count). Judge Dillon later overturned four of those convictions citing inadequate evidence by statute.

The first phase of what was initially said to be a three-part sentencing hearing was held on April 9, with part 2 initially forecast to be held within a week, leading to a sentencing date then being set after the court had time to review submitted arguments. But with a month-and-a-half delay to Phase 2, it appeared the court had sufficient time to review applicable case law in anticipation of those Phase 2 arguments leading to her sentencing decision coming at the conclusion of those Wednesday, May 29th arguments.

As previously reported, after inheriting the case from two state prosecutors offices, Warren County (recusal due to staff work familiarity with some defendants) and Rockingham County (complexity, time involvement), on August 25, 2021, a 10th Western District of Virginia Federal Grand Jury handed down 34 federal criminal indictments against McDonald on the charges cited above. McDonald was initially arrested and charged criminally at the state level in mid-2019.

Also during Wednesday’s hearing, McDonald was hit with a series of financial penalties. Those included $5.2 million ($5,201,329 to be precise) forfeiture of assets which the prosecution sought, what appeared to be $3,000 in court costs, as well as a “Restitution” amount cited at $2.7 million.

While a statement of financial impacts on the EDA was cited as submitted, and quite an amount of time was spent on arguments about the financial and governmental impacts of McDonald’s crimes related to the illicit movement of EDA assets, only one person rose to the court’s call for impact statements from “victims” of her crimes. That person, perhaps ironically, was ITFederal principal Truc “Curt” Tran. Tran and his company have been cited as the largest single beneficiary of illicitly moved “financial scandal” EDA assets at $12 million alleged to have been moved to it under “false pretenses” for re-development of 30 acres of the former Avtex property. Those false pretenses appeared to be publicized access to about $40 million in federal government contracts, evidence later indicated Tran’s company only had a right to bid on, and none of which was apparently won. Readers may recall one of this reporter’s first stories at the newly formed Royal Examiner in mid-2016 was that the 30-acre parcel publicly discussed for purchase by ITFederal at $2.1 million, was gifted to Tran and his company for one dollar behind closed meeting doors. It might also be recalled that former U.S. Sixth District of Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte championed Tran and ITFederal as outstanding economic development partners for this community.

“Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer, what have you done,” Tran began from the courtroom podium, looking directly at McDonald to his left at the defense table with her federal court-appointed attorneys Andrea Harris and Abigail Thibeault. One of McDonald’s convictions was of “Aggravated Identity Theft” for allegedly using Tran’s name as an interested party in one of the later-discovered-to-be fraudulent real estate transactions. Tran did cite that transaction of the time – “I still don’t know where the Buck Mountain property is,” he told the court, pointedly looking at McDonald.

However, twice Judge Dillon had to caution Tran to return to impacts of that real estate transaction in which his name was used without his knowledge when he appeared to pivot to blame McDonald for his lost government contracts to enable the Avtex site development. After the second caution, Tran ended his impact statement. Tran was found liable for over $12 million to the EDA in one civil liability case heard in Warren County Circuit Court. His finding of liability is on appeal, along with several other high-dollar EDA civil case defendants.

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