Meet the Team
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Alec Young
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
As Executive Director and Operations Manager, Alec Young serves as the visionary leader and operational heartbeat of RVA Light. He masterfully balances long-term financial strategy and sustainable organizational models with a deep commitment to providing a safe, judgment-free sanctuary for the community. Guided by a philosophy of "Radical Grace," Alec works tirelessly to support and empower both our neighbors and our staff every single day.
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Matthew Drabenstott
BOARD CHAIR
Matt brings over a decade of specialized experience in youth engagement, qualitative research, and national well-being programs. He is currently a Researcher and the Program and Research Fidelity Lead for the Students Commission of Canada, as well as a Ph.D. Candidate in the Faculty of Education at Queen's University, where his academic research centers on community and belongingness.
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Josephine Lansing
DIRECTOR AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR
RVA Light isn’t just a job for Josephine, it’s her heart and her everyday focus. As our Program Coordinator, she is the heartbeat of our daily operations, working directly on the floor to care for our neighbors and openly share the love of Jesus. Josephine pours her energy into organizing our daily programming, building meaningful community connections, and utilizing her fundraising certification to help secure the resources needed to ensure every person who walks through our doors experiences genuine hope and real impact.
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Rachel Ruiz
DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
As the founder and former Executive Director of RVA Light, Rachel couples a deep passion for our neighbors with top-tier healthcare leadership. A Registered Nurse specializing in mental health, she serves as a Nurse Manager/Director within the VCU Health System at the Children's Hospital of Richmond and was recognized as a statewide clinical leadership finalist in 2025.
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Sarah Sanders
TREASURER
Sarah brings over 15 years of elite banking, financial strategy, and commercial oversight expertise to RVA Light. She currently serves as a Senior Vice President of Treasury Management and Manager of Sales Enablement at Arvest Bank, and is actively involved in civic leadership and regional economic development initiatives.
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Casey Opitz
DIRECTOR
Casey offers a wealth of high-level knowledge in the non-profit realm, having formerly served as the Treasurer for Meal a Day and, most recently, as a financial manager at General Dynamics. Now retired, he balances his strategic insights with hands-on, boots-on-the-ground volunteer service at the center and is a dedicated endurance athlete.
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Elizabeth Lansing
DIRECTOR
A retired educator with a lifetime of service, Elizabeth has extensive experience in international humanitarian aid and strategic faith-based governance. She serves as a representative and board affiliate for the Williamsburg Christadelphian Foundation (WCF), serving in education and humanitarian assistance internationally.
