Virginia Business Honors Yvonne Allmond & Judy Barrett with Women in Leadership Award
Congratulations to two of our longtime family members who were recognized by Virginia Business with their Women in Leadership award! Virginia Business chose 38 women from a pool of more than 250 nominees. Winners “have demonstrated extraordinary professional achievements, including breaking glass ceilings, mentoring others, engaging in civic work, and bringing their leadership skills to nonprofit and company boards.” Yvonne and Judy, your Towne family is so proud of you both!
Yvonne Allmond
For 30-plus years, Yvonne Allmond has taught free financial literacy classes — so long, in fact, that she typed some of her original class notes on a typewriter. While much has changed in that time, the basics haven’t, nor the need to help people navigate issues such as taking out loans, financing a business or obtaining a mortgage.
These courses often leave a lasting impression on attendees. “People recognize me in the grocery store,” she says. “One woman came up to me and said, ‘I have my house because of you!’”
In her educational outreach role, Allmond has prioritized minority professionals, women-owned businesses, and religious nonprofits because people in these communities often don’t feel confident going into a bank for help. In her wide range of civic involvement, Allmond is likewise focused on broadening access — for example, she serves on the board of the Virginia Opera, which is on a mission to bring a new generation to the opera.
“Giving back,” she says, “is very important if you’ve been privileged enough to be exposed to things that others have not.”
Judy Barrett
Early in her career, Judy Barrett combined her love of water with her passion for serving clients. She’s spent most of her banking career in Norfolk, where she developed a niche working with harbor pilots, maritime attorneys, logistics coordinators, and the like.
Barrett took the time to learn the different sectors in the maritime industry to better understand something as simple as how a can of beans ends up on the grocery store shelf. “It’s a beautiful dance,” she says. “I just found it so fascinating years and years ago.”
Barrett’s specialization in maritime logistics has led to other opportunities. She’s currently president of the Virginia Maritime Association, only the second woman ever to serve in this role. In 25 years with the association, Barrett has advocated for women and minorities to be considered for leadership positions and strives to be an “open book” for the next generation. In 2019, the Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, honored her by establishing a fund in her name to benefit a sailing program for underprivileged children.
Though she has yet to take up sailing herself, Barrett loves spending time boating, kayaking, or getting her toes in the sand. Her love of water is only rivaled by her love for work. Barrett has become the point of contact for her members — most of whom she’s worked with for decades, including the past 20 years at TowneBank. “I love knowing all about them and taking care of them, and they know that.”
Judy received additional recognition for her leadership in the maritime industry as a Women in Business honoree in Inside Business’ annual list in December 2024.
Insights & Perspectives
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