NORFOLK, VA - Clinical psychologist Joan McRae, Ph.D., and local developer Vincent Napolitano are the newest members of the Board of Visitors, governing body of Eastern Virginia Medical School.

McRae, who grew up in Hampton Roads, has had a longstanding interest in EVMS. She holds a master's degree in women's studies from George Washington University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University. From 1980 to 1984, she worked at a community mental health center formerly operated by EVMS. As an EVMS faculty member, she participated in teaching courses on the physician-patient relationship and life cycle issues pertaining to medical practice.

McRae said the establishment of EVMS raised the standard of health care in the region and attracted highly qualified specialists. In addition, she said the medical conferences and meetings at the school raise the quality of discussion and education for medical professionals across the region.

McRae entered private practice in 1984, with an emphasis on treating pre-adolescents. She closed her practice in 2000, and currently raises gourmet raspberries at her family farm, Churchland Berry Farm.

Vincent A. Napolitano is president of Napolitano Enterprises, a residential development company that he founded.

Napolitano grew up in Virginia Beach and graduated from First Colonial High School. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in business administration.

He serves in leadership roles in many national and local building associations. He is on the executive committee and board of directors of the National Association of Home Builders. He serves on the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Virginia, and is a trustee of the organization's scholarship foundation. He is on the board of directors of the Tidewater Builders Association, and chairman of the group's political action committee.

Napolitano is also active in many community organizations, serving as a member of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Birdneck Point Civic League, and Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Napolitano said he has always been interested in the growth of the region's medical community, and his specific interest in the medical school grew after he became a member of the EVMS Foundation Development Committee in 1999.