About Us

Dr. Williamson-Branch is a local resident of Danville, VA, and is currently serving her third term as the City of Danville VA, City Treasurer.  

Dr. Sheila Williamson-Branch is a life-long learner and believes in education. She graduated in 1984 from Hampton Institute (University) with a BS in Finance, and from Averett University in 1991 attaining a MBA. In 2009 she received her Master’s in Accounting from Strayer University. Recently, Mrs. Williamson-Branch she was conferred a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Walden University in 2023. 

Dr. Williamson-Branch has over 25+ years in the banking industry between two financial institutions located in Virginia (First State Bank, Danville, VA),  and  North Carolina (Square 1 Bank, Durham, NC.  Ms. Williamson-Branch also has over 30+ years of teaching experience beginning in 1985 with National Business College, and has been an Adjunct Business Professor for the Graduate Professional Studies Program at Averett University since 2014.

Dr. Williamson-Branch is very active in the Danville community where she is a member of several local and national organizations while serving in various leadership roles. She is currently President of the Danville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Past President of the Danville Chapter National Epicureans, Inc. as well as currently serving as National President for the National Epicureans, Inc.  She is a member of the Danville (VA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. She was also a member of The American Business Women’s Association, Dan Valley Chapter for 25+ years. She also serves on the City of Danville Utility Commission.

Dr. Williamson-Branch is an active member, and immediate past -president of the Danville Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an active member of The Danville (VA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and immediate past president of The Danville Chapter National Epicureans, Inc. She is also currently serving as National President for the National Epicureans, Incorporated whose national project is Sickle Cell. She recently served two terms on the Governor’s Advisory Board for Service and Volunteerism from 2018-2024 as a board member and Vice-Chair (2021-2024), and now serves as a board member of the Virginia Service Foundation Board located in Richmond, VA. 

Locally, Dr. Williamson-Branch serves on the board of the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region servings as board treasurer, and the Community Improvement Council as board treasurer. She enjoys attending church and other community events. She is a Notary Public. She resides in Danville, VA.
 

Shelby Irving was raised in Danville VA and is the youngest of seven children.She graduated from Tunstall High School in 1979. She is a 1984 graduate of Ferrum College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

In 1987 Shelby became the first female firefighter in the Danville Fire Department. She was promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal in 2004, Chief Fire Marshal in 2007, and in 2023 Shelby was reassigned to the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction. She has numerous certifications in fire and emergency medical training.

In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Danville Community College with an associate degree in Fire Science. She was also inducted into their Honor Society.  In 2010 she was honored by DCC as one of their Outstanding Alumni. Shelby serves on many boards in the city.

Shelby is in her 38th year at the Danville Fire Department as the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction. 

Tyrell L. Payne, a native of Danville, Virginia, is a dedicated community leader and education advocate. He graduated from George Washington High School in 2003, where he distinguished himself as the Student Council Association (SCA) President. As a father of two daughters in the Danville Public Schools system, Mr. Payne is deeply motivated to contribute to the growth and development of local education.

Mr. Payne recently completed his first four years on the Danville School Board and is now entering his second term. During his tenure, he served as Vice-Chair for two years, playing a pivotal role in shaping educational policies. He has been an active member of the Community Improvement Council (CIC) for six years, further demonstrating his commitment to community development. Additionally, he serves as a current board member of the Transportation Advisory Board and is a licensed notary for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition to his public service, Tyrell Payne is also deeply involved in his faith community. He serves on the ministerial staffat the Church of God in Ringgold, Virginia, under the leadership of his father.

Professionally, Mr. Payne is a licensed insurance agent and works at D.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home. He is also employed by Sovah Health as the Medical Student Coordinator. Furthermore, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Virginia School Board Association Southern Region, showcasing his dedication to advancing education and community engagement in Virginia.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela