Meet the Team
Michael L. Hamlar, MBA
Mike Hamlar, President & CEO
In 2009, Michael also started Hamlar Enterprises, which is a business brokerage firm. The firm has engaged in multi-million dollar deals across this region, handling mergers, business acquisitions, business evaluations etc. In 2012, Michael and his wife, Katina, established Hamlar Properties, which is a property real estate firm that manages and oversees real estate transactions. Michael also is an adjunct professor at American National University in Salem, VA. Recognized by The Blue Ridge Journal as one of the “Top 20 leaders under 40”, Michael has a true love for business and enjoys being on the cutting edge of change. Michael also is the creator and host of the business television segment the “New Virginia Economy with Mike Hamlar” that will air at 6:27 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. Mondays on WSLS10 during the NBC Nightly News. Also Michael serves on the GO Virginia Region 2 Council for Growth and Opportunity in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Michael also is a former Virginia Senate Candidate. Michael was appointed to Governor Ralph Northam’s Transition Team and continues to build relationships in the General Assembly.
Mike has also been appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Secure Commonwealth Panel which consists of public safety and homeland security.
Michael received his Bachelor’s Degree from Wake Forest University where he was a Seattle Bowl champion for the Demon Deacons. To enrich his knowledge of the funeral business, he also obtained an Associate Degree from Mortuary School at John Tyler Community College. His desire to educate himself further led him to obtain his MBA from Liberty University. He is now also pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration of Finance from Walden University. Mike also has an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letter from Bethlehem Bible College and is a Trustee at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Michael and his wife Katina hold many business interest in the Commonwealth.
He has three children, Simone (11), Michal (7) and Micah (5).
Kelvin (KC) Bratton
Kelvin (K. C.) Bratton, VP and COO
24 years’ experience appraising real estate in both the private and public sector. He has appraised a variety of complex commercial structures using income analysis and cost analysis to deconstruct subject property components to the determination of a value conclusion. His background in appraising complex commercial structures crosses disciplines to include regional malls, warehouses, sophisticated heavy/light industrial facilities, multifamily, hotels, quarries, cellular tower sites, office, and historic structures. As a Virginia Certified General Appraiser, Kelvin is recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as having the ability/knowledge to appraise properties of varied complexity without limitation on size, sector, and or value. Kelvin’s assignments have been via employment with the government sector (Roanoke), and the private sector (Wampler-Eanes Appraisal Group, and The Bratton Corporation). In 2008 Kelvin used his expertise in valuation modeling to pursue real estate development opportunities with Carson Gryphon LLC, which provided a nexus to developing both The Shoppes at Hunting Hills LLC, and Prosperity Development LLC. Kelvin has been appointed by Governor Mark Warner, Governor Tim Kaine, and Governor Terry McAuliff to the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority Board which governs Explore Park; a government entity which pursues public/private partnerships in the creation of a multimillion dollar outdoor recreational facility on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kelvin holds a dual degree from Virginia Military Institute in Economics and Business.
Katina Casey Hamlar, MBA
Katina Casey Hamlar, CFO
Currently, accountable for establishing a roadmap for a new capacity management initiative inclusive of leading a local core desk. Also accountable for the Business Intelligence & Analytics team, which leverages data and metrics to identify operational trends, capacity opportunities and efficiencies.
Held leadership/management positions for 18 years. Vast experience with handling HR issues (timekeeping, recruiting/hiring, salary administration, performance evaluations), managing projects, creating strategies for targeted business results and writing business cases. Also, certified as a Diversity Facilitator and a Help Desk Instructor.
Ten years of experience managing a help desk environment as a frontline and divisional leader.
Led a department composed of two division leaders, seven frontline leaders and approximately 200 non-exempts. The department was composed of employees who handle processing/data entry functions. The area was also accountable for managing compliance projects and auditing processing quality.
Played a major role with a "transformation" initiative to re-energize employees and help them understand how to leverage inclusive behaviors, which creates a supportive, collaborative enviroment where they can do their best work. Also led iniative to implement multiple Alternative Work Options. These options increased production in my area up to 50%. Also, significantly increased morale and accuracy, while minimizing unapproved absences.