Gilbert T. Bland

Gilbert T. Bland is Chairman of Tymark Enterprises, Inc. and has purchased or constructed over 65 restaurants in Virginia and elsewhere. Mr. Bland is a charter member of the Burger King Diversity Action Council and has served on the Board of Directors for the Burger King National Franchise Association and the Southeast Pizza Hut franchise association. A respected member of the franchise community, Mr. Bland was elected to two consecutive terms as President of the Minority Franchise Association for Burger King Corp. Additionally, Mr. Bland was appointed to four 2-year terms for the Burger King Marketing Advisory Council.

Mr. Bland is a recipient of the prestigious James McLamore, Burger King Founder's award for outstanding leadership. In acknowledgement of Mr. Bland's exemplary service, Burger King has endowed a $50,000 scholarship in his name at James Madison University, his alma mater.

Mr. Bland has received numerous awards for his local community service including, in 2008, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award in recognition of his lifetime achievements . Mr. Bland has served on the Board of Directors at Sentara Hospital and the South Hampton Roads YMCA and The Greater Norfolk Corporation, among other organizations. Over the years, he has also served on the Board of Visitors at Old Dominion University, as well as the Board of Trustees for the James Madison University Foundation and the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. Mr. Bland presently serves as Chairman of the NCP Community Development Federal Credit Union. Mr. Bland received a B.A. in accounting and economics from James Madison University and an MBA from Atlanta University. He resides in Virginia Beach.