-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Latron Brown and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I deeply respect the value and potential in every person I meet. I’m an ambivert. While I intentionally take time to disconnect, I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with others. As an analytical thinker, I can easily hold the big picture in mind, while simultaneously understanding root causes and potential outcomes. I like helping others build confidence and make progress toward their goals.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Chatham, Va., and went to Gretna High School. My upbringing was grounded and disciplined, but fun-filled. My parents encouraged independent thinking and curiosity. We were very involved in our church, volunteering, academics and extracurriculars. Every summer in high school, I would spend several weeks on campus at Averett University doing college preparatory work and preparing for the upcoming school year.
My siblings, our sitter’s children and I spent a lot of time venturing. Looking back, I wonder how we never got lost! We would build our little forts and play around on the family’s tobacco barns and stables. We had chores to do. One thing I hated was yard work; it took so long! But with my dad’s eye for landscaping, it was always worth it many hours later.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I entered college full of curiosity and ambition. During my undergraduate years at Virginia Tech, I was deeply involved in service and research-oriented programs. I served as Treasurer for my fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, chaired campus blood drives, participated in Student Government Association and engaged in academic and research-focused initiatives that complemented my studies.
I earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology, which trained me to think analytically, understand human behavior and approach problems with strong frameworks. Alongside my core studies, I pursued intermediate-level coursework in Spanish and French due to my broader interests in linguistics, culture and global events.
After college, I began my career as an Operations and Market data analyst in the healthcare sector. I was encouraged by my boss to complete my Master of Business Administration (MBA), which would add business strategy and operational discipline to my knowledge base. I chose Averett University, which had professors teaching at the Roanoke Higher Education Center. This allowed me to continue working full-time. I was already familiar with the university and had several family members who studied there as well.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the Managing Principal of Nortalis Advisory, an advisory firm focused on business transformation. In this practice, I help small and medium-sized organizations align strategy, operations, data and technology so plans don’t just look good on paper – they move forward and produce measurable results. I also run Nortalent.com. The project of Nortalis Advisory is an online career development platform designed to help career starters and restarters level up through microlearning, building clarity and connecting to employers.
I’m actively engaged in civic and professional leadership, currently serving as Vice Chair of Council of Community Services, Board Member for Apple Ridge Farm, Rotary Club of Salem and the Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club. I also serve on the steering committee for Leadership Roanoke Valley Alumni Association – a program of Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
How important is family to you?
Family is foundational to me. It’s where my core values were formed, where my identity is anchored and where my ultimate accountability belongs. As a tight-knit unit, we strive to always be there for one another. We try new things together and encourage one another’s endeavors.
I cannot recall any time I was told I couldn’t accomplish a goal. If I ever had any doubts or setbacks, I was met with assurances and confidence boosters. We never dwell in failure; we pick ourselves up and embrace the pivots that come. We make space for one another. I look forward to our trip to North Myrtle Beach every year.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
Growing up, my music taste was eclectic and wide-ranging. This playlist would include Virginia-based artists like J‑Peeps, Twize Ent and Ladi Shane. I’d also have some Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Celia Cruz, Don Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Edith Piaf, Chezile, Novo Amor, Vampire Weekend, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, The Weeknd, Kevin Gates and Lil Uzi Vert. When winding down, we might chill out to classicals like Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
My favorite memories all come from community events. I especially love the Henry Street Festival, attending Local Colors, the Strawberry Festival, citywide Patrick’s Day festivities and street-lined art galleries.
I look forward to the annual Bourbon + Bacon at the Taubman Museum. I must give a shoutout to Olde Salem Days, too, as I have served on the marketing committee for the past two years.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy reading. I regularly rotate nonfiction from thinkers like Robert Greene to Jim Collins. Right now, I’m reading the latest work by my favorite novelist, Dan Brown, called “The Secret of Secrets.” I have every one of his thriller novels -DaVinci Code, Lost Symbol and Origin. I’d say that is my favorite genre, especially when it involves a little ancient history and suspense.
Outside of reading, I enjoy exploring the local restaurant scene, working out of local coffee shops and, occasionally, having bourbon night gatherings with the Bourbonite Society. I keep up with rugby and Raven’s football highlights, play tennis at River’s Edge Sports Complex, hit golf balls at Lakeside Driving Range, swim and work out at Gold’s Gym.
Outside of family, which people have had the biggest impact on your life?
When I look back, I realize how blessed I’ve been to have people from many different backgrounds guide, teach and push me forward at exactly the right moments. At every phase of life, someone new appeared – and I’ve always understood that as God’s guidance at work through them all.
It started with my research mentor, then continued through former bosses and leaders who each contributed something essential to my growth. In college, Ms. Shiela would always call me over to her table in the Squires Student Center and instill wisdom moments about life.
Very early in my career, a CEO of a multistate organization brought a high-energy enthusiasm for innovation and perseverance. A certain optimism that lit a fire in me. Looking back, much of the work ethic I carry today was shaped during that management internship experience.
Gwen Johnson, one of United Ways 100 Heros, continues to provide deep, operational insights and encouragement. There are two quotes she gave me years ago that I keep framed:
“Never give up on something you really want. It’s difficult to wait, but it’s more difficult to regret”
“What’s it going to be for you – results or excuses? You can’t have both”
Taken together, the impact of these individuals reinforced a simple truth for me: the only real direction is forward. And if you stumble, it’s better to fall forward than backward into regret.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Take intuitive moments to slow down, but don’t lose your ambition. Keep a notebook and jot down every idea that makes your heart leap; most of them will be done in time. Lean into your anxiety; it’s a gift. You’ll learn how to turn it into action. Practice patience sooner. Vision takes time, small actions daily will get you there. Trust that clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. Learn how and what times you work best; arrange your day with this insight. Remember, your depth isn’t a weakness; it’s your strength. Regret nothing. Everything you face in its season, is as it should be. Embrace the pivot.
