The Sandboxers

MEET OUR TEAM

The Sandbox Leadership

Jill Lemon

CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER

  • Jill Lemon is a Sandbox Co-Founder and leader of all things People and Ops related. With over 20 years of experiences (and good stories), Jill provides her clients with tailored recruitment, people and leadership strategies that align with their business stage and aspirations. Equipped with a rich background in talent and leadership coaching, Jill started her journey as a recruiter- turned-consultant, honing her exceptional communication skills to adeptly source and engage candidates. As a devoted mother and self-proclaimed people-connector, she is passionate about cultivating meaningful connections, sharing experiences and creating memories.

  • BA, Virginia Commonwealth University

    SHRM-SCP

    Member, SHRM National Chapter

    Member, Virginia Council of CEOs

    Membership Chair, Impact 100 (2012-2015)

    Chair, Impact 100 (2016-2019)

    Lead Mentor, Startup VA, Lighthouse Labs Mentor & 757 Accelerate

    Unofficial TikTok influencer

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    I try to balance my weekend with downtime and fun time— for instance a good run followed by a morning mimosa; a nap followed by a night out in RVA or a Sunday Funday full of church and afternoon debauchery.

    First Real Job
    When I was 14 I got paid $9.00/hr to wash cloth baby diapers

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    I’m a tweener

  • Linkedin

Liz Doerr

CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER

  • Liz Doerr is a Co-Founder and Partner of Sandbox where she provides strategic CFO and capital raise support to the company’s clients. Prior to starting Sandbox she worked for a family office turned Series A venture fund where she helped manage the organization’s $55M angel portfolio and $33M fund. She left the fund to go be the CFO for one of its portfolio companies and from there began to conceptualize the idea to start a consulting firm specifically catered toward supporting venture backed and scaling companies. When she’s not running Sandbox she and her husband keep busy chasing their two young children around Richmond.

  • MBA, Mason School of Business, William and Mary

    BA Economics, William and Mary

    YWCA – Rising Outstanding Young Woman Award (2017)

    Style Weekly Top 40 Under 40 (2018)

    RVA Biz Sense Women in Power (2022)

    Women in Venture, Co-Founder and Board Chair

    Lighthouse Labs, Board Member, Treasurer

    Richmond School Board Member, Finance Committee Chair

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Toodleling around Richmond with my husband, son and corgi lady David Bowie

    First Real Job
    Founder of Burroughs children boat cleaning (called bc squared)

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Night owl

  • LinkedIn

The Sandbox Crew

Nathan
Kiss

MANAGER

  • Nathan Kiss is a Finance & Accounting Manager at Sandbox, where he specializes in refining accounting systems to ensure precise financial reporting and harnessing that data to develop strategic insights for his clients. Starting his career in public accounting, Nathan earned his CPA and simultaneously found his passion for working with early-stage growth companies to develop their financial systems. This led him to a stint on the industry side with Capital One, where he worked on various accounting and FP&A teams for their commercial banking division; however, the dynamism of startups called him back, leading him to the Sandbox. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife and husky, gracing the dance floors of Richmond, and pursuing his creative passions with DJ'ing & music production.

  • Certified Public Accountant, VBOA

    BS in Accounting, Liberty University

    Camp Hanover, Board Member

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    You can catch me kicking back at Bamboo Cafe, DJ'ing weddings, or going to shows at the Canal Club

    First Real Job

    Camp Counselor

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Early riser

  • LinkedIn

  • Audrey is a Manager on the Business Operations team at Sandbox, where she helps growing companies bring clarity to the chaos of scaling. With well over a decade of experience in small-medium business operations, she’s equal parts strategic partner and hands-on implementer. Since joining Sandbox, she’s become known for streamlining systems, leading complex projects, and serving as a steady extension of founders’ brains. Armed with a BFA from VCU, Audrey brings creativity, compassion, and a sharp operational lens to everything she touches. Outside of work, she’s an avid hiker, lifelong learner (currently exploring Italian and Geology), and happiest when spending time outdoors with family, friends, and her pets, Gnocchi and Semira.

  • BFA, Communication Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Toastmasters International, Member, 2022-Present

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Starting with long days hiking or adventuring with my Partner and dog, Gnocchi, topped off with good wine and food, leading into late nights relaxing with my cat, Semira catching up on shows / watching movies / playing video games.

    First Real Job
    In high school I worked a few part-time jobs simultaneously – Cashier at a local burger joint, and Barista / Waitress at a local European café.

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Night owl, hoot hoot! :)

  • LinkedIn

Audrey
Borgman

MANAGER

Emilie
Laliberte

MANAGER

  • Emilie is the Manager of Recruiting and People Operations at Sandbox where she consults on hiring best practices, provides disruptive recruiting solutions, and helps Founders find top talent and build their dream teams. Prior to Sandbox, she worked in management positions at prominent retailers, including L.L. Bean and Target. It was in these roles she discovered the impact of individuals within organizations, inspiring her to work with startups and venture backed companies where people are the greatest asset. When Emilie is not playing in the Sandbox, you can still find her being Sandbox's resident Swiftie, doing anything active (sports, hiking, paddle boarding), singing along at a country concert, trying new restaurants with friends in Richmond, or teaching online undergraduate business courses at Southern New Hampshire University.

  • MBA-HR, Southern New Hampshire University

    BSBA, Bryant University

    Bryant University Honors Elite Program

    Richmond SHRM Rising Star Nominee (2023)

    Richmond SHRM, Member

    Lighthouse Labs, Mentor

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Spending time outdoors (hiking and/or paddleboarding); going to country music concerts; trying new restaurants with friends

    First Real Job
    Coaching and refereeing youth basketball

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Early riser

  • LinkedIn

Taylor
Muniz

MANAGER

  • Audrey is a Manager on the Business Operations team at Sandbox, where she helps growing companies bring clarity to the chaos of scaling. With well over a decade of experience in small-medium business operations, she’s equal parts strategic partner and hands-on implementer. Since joining Sandbox, she’s become known for streamlining systems, leading complex projects, and serving as a steady extension of founders’ brains. Armed with a BFA from VCU, Audrey brings creativity, compassion, and a sharp operational lens to everything she touches. Outside of work, she’s an avid hiker, lifelong learner (currently exploring Italian and Geology), and happiest when spending time outdoors with family, friends, and her pets, Gnocchi and Semira.

  • BFA, Communication Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Toastmasters International, Member, 2022-Present

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Starting with long days hiking or adventuring with my Partner and dog, Gnocchi, topped off with good wine and food, leading into late nights relaxing with my cat, Semira catching up on shows / watching movies / playing video games.

    First Real Job
    In high school I worked a few part-time jobs simultaneously – Cashier at a local burger joint, and Barista / Waitress at a local European café.

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Night owl, hoot hoot! :)

  • LinkedIn

Kimberly Hawkins

VICE PRESIDENT

Brody
Owens

MANAGER

  • Brody Owens is a Finance Manager within the Sandbox, where he plays a vital role on the CFO team. His proficiency in accrual accounting, financial planning & analysis, and investment facilitation equips him to navigate the complex financial landscape within the startup space. Brody holds a BBA from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. His journey commenced in the private wealth management industry, where he excelled as a financial advisor and obtained his Series 7 & 66 certifications. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brody enjoys spending quality time with his lovely fiancé, loves all sports, or hanging with his friends.

  • BBA in Finance from Texas Christian University

    Series 7 Certified

    Series 66 Certified

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Kicking back with my friends

    First Real Job
    Taming and washing calves

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Night owl

  • LinkedIn

Alina
Bayer

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • Alina is a Senior Associate on the Business Operations team at Sandbox where she works closely with clients on all of the little things that keep an organization run smoothly. As a new member of the Sandbox team, she brings a curious mind to each client and process, learning what has been done and finding the best to help move us all forward.

    Prior to joining Sandbox, Alina wore many hats working with businesses and nonprofits of all sizes who were experiencing fast periods of growth or drastic changes. If it had to be done, it probably landed on her plate. Alina’s background includes working with muppets, museums, historic buildings, safety, and the circus. Outside of the Sandbox, Alina can be found exploring the ins and outs of her new home town, traveling the world to see family and friends, and dreaming of snow.

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical & Design Theater and History - Millikin University

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    Exploring Richmond and the local food scene

    First Real Job

    Soccer Referee

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Night owl, late night time is magical

  • LinkedIn

Alida
Newton

MANAGER

  • Jack is a recruiting Associate at Sandbox who utilizes his creativity and strategic mind to help clients find their perfect match, and candidates find their perfect home!

    Before joining Sandbox Jack built a diversified resume in communication and recruiting. Jack attended Coastal Carolina University where he would go on to receive his Bachelors in Communication. Upon graduation, Jack has been in crucial recruiting roles for industries such as Real Estate, Hospitality, and Non Profit work. Building a great foundation for all things recruiting, customer service, communication, Human Resources, etc. Jack makes a great addition to the Sandbox!

    Beyond the Sandbox, Jack enjoys all things nature and quality time. Whether it be alone time or with family and friends, every minute is spent with intention.

  • B.A. in Communication - Coastal Carolina University

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    Starting off the day with a slooooow morning, a nice cup of tea, and some calming music. Watering my plants. Going to the gym. Trader Joe’s run of course! A nice walk in nature.

    First Real Job

    Bada ba-ba-ba I'm Lovin it!

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Night Owl.. or Early Riser.. Actually maybe both.. Depends on the day

  • LinkedIn: Jack Montgomery

  • Alida is the Recruiting Manager, where she creates access points between venture stage founders and top tech talent throughout the hiring process. Prior to Sandbox, she was a Business Operations Manager in the retail sector where she was responsible for all internal hiring, training, and scheduling. She transitioned into the home health field as a HR Coordinator where she leveraged Saas platforms to streamline their hiring process while creating scalable processes to stay connected with candidates and caregivers alike. Outside of the Sandbox, you can find Alida herding her two corgis around Richmond, attempting to perfect her homemade pasta, or planning her next trip to see a Broadway show.

  • Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies – Virginia Commonwealth University

    Sandler Bronze Certification

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    Exploring new and revisiting personal favorite RVA restaurants, going for walks with my two corgis, and spending time with friends and family.

    First Real Job

    Orientation leader for VCU

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Early riser

  • LinkedIn

Jay
Wilmouth

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • Within the Sandbox Jay Wilmouth is a Associate assisting the Finance and Accounting team with his logical mindset. Before finding Sandbox, he graduated from Christopher Newport University where he received his BSBA and MFinA, two finance based programs. Throughout college he served in a few different financial roles with small businesses, a financial investment firm, and a logistics company. Outside of work he enjoys swimming, climbing, hiking, and playing any kind of games.

  • BSBA - Finance Concentration, Luter School of Business at Christopher Newport University

    MFinA, Luter School of Business at Christopher Newport University

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend:

    Doing something outdoors - whether that is hanging out in the James river, going for a hike or climbing, or playing a round of disc golf. 

    First Real Job:

    Lifeguard for my community pool. 

    Early Riser or Night Owl:

    Night Owl that wants to be an Early Riser

  • Linkedin: Jay Wilmouth

Nate
Royster

ASSOCIATE

  • Nate is a motivated and analytical Associate on the Accounting and Finance Team. Before joining Sandbox, Nate was a student at Christopher Newport University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance.

    Outside of the classroom, Nate was active in multiple clubs and intramural sports, and served as President of his fraternity. He is also studying to take the Level 1 CFA Exam. In his free time, Nate can be found working out, going out with friends, or playing video games.

  • Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Christopher Newport University

  • Favorite Way to Spend the Weekend

    Doing something fun with my friends

    First Real Job

    Chick-fil-a cashier

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Night Owl

  • LinkedIn: Nate Royster

Zoe
Costley

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • As a Senior Associate in the Sandbox, Zoe is an analytical thinker who is motivated by helping her team and clients when navigating finances. Prior to joining Sandbox, Zoe attended Christopher Newport University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Outside of the classroom, she was an investment team member for the Captain’s Educational Enrichment Fund, where she helped manage CNU’s $600k Endowment portfolio. In her free time, Zoe loves spending time outside catching up with friends/family, and exercising.

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance, Luter School of Business, Christopher Newport University

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    Exploring new places/restaurants with friends!

    First Real Job

    Freeman Center Supervisor at CNU

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Early Riser

  • LinkedIn

Jack
Montgomery

ASSOCIATE

  • Kim is a seasoned Chief of Staff with 13 years of experience in strategy, operations, and team development across mission-driven organizations and high-growth startups. Having served as Chief of Staff at a top international anti-trafficking NGO and later at a VC-backed, Olympian-founded company, Kim specializes in optimizing teams, streamlining operations, and driving strategic initiatives. With a background in International Relations (Berry College) and a JD/MBA (Samford University), Kim brings a unique blend of business strategy, operational acumen and global expertise to leadership teams. Outside of work, Kim enjoys reading at a coffee shop or winery and keeping up with Bravo reality TV. 

  • Juris Doctorate, Samford University 

    MBA, Samford University

    Fellowship Recipient, International Justice Mission 

    Ask a Chief of Staff Mentor

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Brunch with my husband, antique-hunting, learning to play pickleball, and a nice dinner in Atlanta.

    First Real Job
    Nanny

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Night Owl

  • LinkedIn