We’re very excited to officially present Ghent Neighborhood League’s 2025 Election Slate. Our slate this year is uncontested, but votes are still required and your vote counts! Ballots will go out on May 15th. If you’re a member in good standing and don’t receive a ballot please email us and we’ll send you one. Voting runs from May 15th to June 1st and the new Board and Officers will be sworn in at the June monthly membership meeting.
President: Eleise Theuer
Eleise has enjoyed helping the GNL Board reinvent the League, creating lots of events and activities for Ghent residents and advocating for services and policies that best serve all residents of the neighborhood. Green Spaces, beautification and neighborly areas of peace, recreation and respite are her particular focus. She and her husband Jim renovated their Ghent house and raised their sons there.
Vice President - Jennifer Dawn
Jennifer Dawn moved to Ghent and quickly embraced the spirit and character of this historic neighborhood. Her front porch has become a gathering place, where neighbors can stop by for chats as they walk the tree-lined streets. The unique architecture, sense of community, and walkability are what make Ghent truly special to her.
Since becoming Vice President of the Ghent Neighborhood League, Jennifer has collaborated on initiatives such as the Ghent Longest Table, community clean-ups, and neighborhood beautification projects with city stakeholders. Her approach is hands-on, strategic, and deeply collaborative, reflecting her passion for preserving the neighborhood's historic charm while fostering community connection.
In addition to her role in the League, Jennifer is President of the Friends of the Fred Heutte Foundation, where she champions urban gardening and community engagement. She also served on the NFK2050 Advisory Committee for the City of Norfolk, contributing to the long-term vision for Norfolk's growth and community development.
Professionally, Jennifer is a REALTOR® in Hampton Roads, serving on the Hampton Roads REALTOR® Association Board of Directors and as the Government Affairs Committee Chair. She is also an active member of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Committee and is an alumna of the prestigious Virginia Leadership Academy. Jennifer proudly represents the National Association of REALTORS® as a Commitment to Excellence State Ambassador, reflecting her dedication to ethical and professional standards in real estate.
Prior to her real estate career, Jennifer was a National Board-Certified educator, mentor, and coach for nearly two decades, where she honed her leadership, mentorship, and strategic planning skills. This experience fortified her commitment to community engagement, advocacy, and servant leadership—qualities she brings into every role she serves.
Jennifer is committed to fostering deeper community connections, preserving Ghent’s historic charm, and enhancing neighborhood collaboration. Her vision for Ghent is one of connectedness, beauty, and continued growth, ensuring it remains a hallmark neighborhood for generations to come.
2nd Vice President - Shawn Z. Tarrant
Shawn Z. Tarrant, Candidate for 2nd Vice President GNL Shawn was born and raised in Long Island, New York. Shawn spent most of his professional career in Baltimore, Maryland. He and his wife Latisha recently moved to Ghent from Chesapeake with their youngest son and have a blended family of five adult children.
Shawn is the Graduate Advisor Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, at Old Dominion University Eta Omega Chapter and the past President of Norfolk State University, Chesapeake Alumni Chapter. Shawn was also elected to Maryland General Assembly House of Delegates and the Baltimore State Delegate serving two 4-year terms.
He is also the Past President/Vice President of Ashburton Area Association and he has served on the Boards of the Maryland Zoo, SPCA & Baltimore City Community College Foundation.
Secretary-Lynne Seagle
Lynne Seagle has lived in Ghent for over 40 years. She attended ODU and received her bachelor’s degree in special education and master’s degree in public administration. She was hired at Hope House Foundation in 1978 while living on Redgate Ave, and then later moved to Graydon Ave, where she resides today.
Under Lynne’s leadership, Hope House has become internationally known for its innovative, person-centered approach. One of her proudest accomplishments was guiding Hope House through its transition from group homes to supporting people in their own apartments in the early nineties.
In 1986, Lynne was honored as the Virginia Administrator of the Year by the Virginia Community Living Association (CLAMR), and also received an Innovation Award from the same organization. In 1990, she received the Leadership Award from the American Association on Intellectual Disabilities, and in 1998, she received the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation's International Future Leader Award. In 2011, she was appointed to the Arc of Virginia’s board of directors. She has also served on the President's Commission on Intellectual Disabilities and is on the advisory board of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation.
Lynne is passionate about social justice and equality for all people, particularly those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She also enjoys reading, travel, Mexican cuisine, and the beach. Having recently retired Lynne is very interested in her community and contributing to the success and continued improvement of her neighborhood. Lynne is concurrently a consultant for not for profits and corporations, specifically concerning leadership and strategic planning.
Treasurer: Peggy Meder
As a proud Ghent resident since 2013, I am excited to offer my services as Treasurer for the Ghent Neighborhood League. My professional background includes 18 years as a successful local business owner, where I developed extensive financial management and organizational skills that directly apply to this position.
Prior to my business career, I served as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army, a role that honed my analytical thinking and attention to detail—qualities essential for effective financial oversight and reporting.
My educational foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Colorado, which equipped me with both technical knowledge and a compassionate approach to working with diverse populations.
Now retired, I have the time, energy, and commitment needed to devote to our League’s financial health and transparency. As a grandparent to four wonderful children—two here in Virginia Beach and two in Colorado—I have a vested interest in maintaining and improving our community for future generations.
What I value most about Ghent is its vibrant diversity, open-minded residents, and friendly atmosphere. I also have a passion for travel, both domestically and internationally, which has broadened my perspective and appreciation for diverse communities.
As Treasurer, I will work diligently to ensure our neighborhood resources are managed responsibly while supporting initiatives that preserve and enhance these special qualities that make Ghent home.
Board Member: Joshua Purnell
Joshua wears a lot of hats! A community organizer he co-founded and directs Tidewater Blues, a popular educational dance program in Hampton Roads. He is the founding director of Blueberry Lab, a gardening and education collective committed to placing fruit gardens in Norfolk and teaching children and adults cultivation skills. Fluent in Spanish, he teaches English as a second language and is a coffee and tea expert, community volunteer and leader for many nonprofits.
Joshua is a gardener, musician, and educator born and raised in Norfolk. He cares deeply about community, culture, and connection—and believes that small, consistent efforts can help neighborhoods thrive.
Through growing food, sharing music, and creating spaces where people feel welcome, Joshua works to make Ghent a more vibrant, inclusive, and joyful place to call home.
With a degree in International and Global Studies, he specializes in bringing people together and celebrating the joys of community and volunteerism.
Board Member: Debbie Walsh
Debbie Walsh moved to Norfolk 2 years ago, previously residing in San Diego and Indiana. She has been an RN for 30 years, 17 years as a family nurse practitioner. She is currently. a nurse practitioner with Sentara Community Care, working at various mobile sites in the city of Norfolk and the Union Mission shelter. She and her husband are members of the Norfolk community garden, and joined the GNL earlier this year. She is a member of the book club. Issues regarding social justice are her passion. They love living in Ghent and look forward to seeing continued community and business development.
Board Member: Rebekah Knable
Rebekah has a deep-rooted love for the Ghent neighborhood, having first lived here in the early 2000s while working at Old Dominion University. After spending time in Leesburg, Virginia, and New York City, she returned to Ghent, drawn back by its charm. She especially appreciates the neighborhood’s historic architecture, proximity to the water, and walkability.
Rebekah is a seasoned marketing professional with experience leading strategic initiatives, managing creative campaigns, and fostering community engagement. She is excited about the opportunity to bring her experience to support and grow the Ghent Neighborhood League’s (GNL) membership and recruitment initiatives.
She is passionate about public green spaces and neighborhood hospitality, Rebekah enjoys being part of initiatives that bring people together and make shared spaces more welcoming. Her hobbies include paddleboarding, caring for her growing collection of plants, learning watercolor painting, and participating in book clubs.
Continuing Board Members
Nat McCormick and Maurice Cannon