Arlene Lee serves as CEO and Principal of R. E. Lee Companies, Inc. (REL), parent company of five businesses located in Charlottesville, Virginia and working predominately in the commercial building construction industry. As Chief Executive Officer and owner, she actively oversees the operations and strategic direction of all R. E. Lee Companies, which employ 170 people in our community. REL’s companies can handle the full life cycle of a building from development, to construction – both as a GC/CM and subcontractor, to facilities management and maintenance. She is committed to leading REL forward, based in the REL tradition – simply stated in three words: Pioneering. Honorable. Professional. Some of the initiatives she has led include implementing new technologies throughout the organization, the entry of R. E. Lee & Son, Inc. and Piedmont Concrete Contractors, Inc. into the Virginia BEST Program, the creation of the Christopher E. Lee Young Leaders Program, the creation of the R. E. Lee Companies Apprenticeship Program, and “80 Acts of Kindness”.

A commitment to community and education has guided Arlene’s life and her volunteer efforts. She served in numerous leadership and fundraising roles benefiting education and academic programs over many years. More recently, Arlene served along with her late husband Chris Lee, as Co-Chair of the Red and White Affair, the signature fundraising gala of the American Red Cross in 2014 and 2015. Arlene is currently on the board of the GSVSC Property Committee, , and is a State leader for the Young Survival Coalition. In addition to the McCabe Leadership Award from the Virginia Council of CEOs, Arlene was recognized by the Women of Achievement with their highest award, the “Immeasurable Impact Award” in 2019.