The Sandboxers

MEET OUR TEAM

Sandbox Leadership Team

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

Liz Whiteside

PARTNER

  • Liz Whiteside is a Partner of Sandbox where she collaborates with her early-stage venture-backed clients to successfully design, implement and maintain solid financial processes and controls to fuel expansion, meet investor requirements and protect company assets. Prior to Sandbox, Liz held several key positions in the Finance Department at Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group in New York, NY including Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis and Corporate Controller. Beyond her role at Sandbox, Liz can be found joyfully juggling life with three young daughters and always planning her next meal!

  • MBA, IE Business School

    BS, Tulane University

    CPA, licensed in the State of New York

    CASA, Richmond SCAN

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend
    Coffee/farmer's market/outdoor time with my family always followed by cocktails and a yummy dinner

    First Real Job
    Lifeguard

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Early riser

  • LinkedIn

The Sandboxers

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 Borgman is the referee, caretaker, custodian, and administrator of the Sandbox. She works closely with the SBX Partners, team, and clients everyday to help “keep the sand in the Sandbox”. Her professional background demonstrates 15 years of related experience in operations, administration, and management of growing businesses in various industries. In 2013, she graduated from VCU with honors and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Arts. Audrey is a perpetual learner and seeker of knowledge and stories (the flavor of the month is an intro to Geology course, and reading Robert Jordan!) She is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors, passionate about nature and animals, and enjoys spending free time with her family, friends, and pets Gnocchi & 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

OFFICE 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

Cara Glasheen

MANAGER

  • Prior to joining the Sandbox, Cara worked as a fisheries statistician, served in the US Peace Corps, and supported small businesses though COVID while she got her MBA at William & Mary. Her non-traditional path to financial consulting via undergraduate degrees in Biology and Mathematics, quantitative scientific research, and grassroots community organization lends well to the complex and ever-evolving world of startups! Outside of work, Cara is always looking for learning opportunities and seeking new experiences - whether it is through travel, podcasts, volunteering, or taking a class on my next favorite hobby.

  • BA - Biology & Mathematics, St. Mary's College of MD

    MS - Fisheries Science, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences

    MBA - William & Mary

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend Floating on the river or heading to the beach

    First Real job
    Lifeguard & swim instructor

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Midday Pigeon

  • LinkedIn

Olivia Markowski

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • As Sandbox’s first-ever Sr. Operations Associate, Olivia helps startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Richmond area and beyond achieve their internal goals to drive external success. Before joining Sandbox, she served as the Lead Partnerships Manager at Bookclubs, coordinating sales partnerships with over 55 new authors and publishers. Her unique experience working for a Virginia-based start up gives her the ability to spot deficiencies within early-stage operations and solve problems quickly and efficiently.When she’s not working, Olivia enjoys exploring the streets of foreign cities, finding zen in her weekly yoga practice or getting lost in a good fiction novel.

  • BS in Marketing with a Product and Brand Concentration

    DEIA certified facilitator

    Graphic Design Specialization from CalArts

  • Favorite Way to Spend the Weekend
    A weekend at the beach, trips to the farmers market, dinners with friends and family.

    First Real Job
    Babysat Jill’s kids (lol if that counts as a real job) and teaching dance classes. I also waitressed at Pescados– RIP!

    Early Riser or Night Owl
    Early riser

  • Linkedin

Brody Owens

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • Brody Owens is a Sr. Finance Associate 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

Sukrija Dudic

ASSOCIATE

  • Sukrija Dudic is an Associate at Sandbox where he provides bookkeeping, reconciliation, month-end package development, as well as A/P-A/R management to his clients. Prior to Sandbox, Sukrija played soccer at the NCAA D1 level for George Mason University where he majored in Leadership & Organizational Development. Transitioning into his career, he used the skills he acquired through playing soccer at a high level, along with the knowledge GMU provided him to acquire a position as a controller in the health care industry at Commonwealth Radiology. On the weekends, you can find Sukrija hiking, coaching, playing soccer, kayaking, or anything that involves some sort of physical activity.

  • Leadership & Organizational Development, George Mason University

    Financial Accounting Fundamentals Certification

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    I enjoy doing something active that puts the mind at ease, like hiking with my dog or going kayaking.

    First Real Job

    My first real job was being an Account Manager for one of my previous companies.

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Definitely early riser, something different about the morning breeze hitting you with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

  • LinkedIn

Jay Coffin

SR. ASSOCIATE

  • coming soon

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    First Real Job

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Night Owl

  • LinkedIn

Alida Newton

TECHNICAL RECRUITER

  • Alida Newton is a Technical Recruiting Associat with Sandbox 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

Jesse Houser

ASSOCIATE

  • Jesse Houser is a Junior Associate at Sandbox where he uses his analytical mind and passion for people to help clients find, recruit, and retain the right team to build their company. Prior to joining the Sandbox team, he graduated from Susquehanna University where he studied management and psychology and used his education to assist the university’s Career Development Center. While there, he coached his fellow students on a range of topics such as developing transferable skills, finding career opportunities, and marketing to employers. When he’s not being curious inside the Sandbox, he enjoys being creative by writing, hosting, and playing tabletop games with friends or experimenting in the kitchen.

  • Bachelor of Science in Management, Sigmund Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University

  • Favorite Way to Spend a Weekend

    Finding new places to enjoy whether it's exploring outdoors or going to local shops and activities in town. Then, I like to end the day by cooking a good meal and playing video games.

    First Real Job

    When I was 14, I worked at a small BBQ restaurant and did a little bit of pretty much everything in the store. It only lasted for three months though because the place closed down... But I got to take home a lot of ribs that day!

    Early Riser or Night Owl

    Night Owl

  • LinkedIn

Zoe Costley

ASSOCIATE

  • As a Junior 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