Meet the Board
of Mathews Citizens for the Common Good
Local elections this November will have a major impact on the future of Mathews County. As long-standing community residents, business owners, and leaders of civic and non-profit organizations, we have come together to back candidates who love this county and are dedicated to ensuring health, happiness, and opportunities for all of us lucky enough to call this place home. With your help we can make sure that Mathews future leadership is strong and its future bright.
Joe Diggs
Chairman
“We enjoy this county’s beauty and we enjoy every day we are given here.”
Joe Diggs and his wife, Beverly, have called Mathews home since they began their lives together in 1972. Their two daughters were born and raised here.
Running an insurance business in Mathews for 40 years afforded them the opportunity to build many close ties to the community. But Joe did not stop there; he also joined several civic groups to help Mathews become an even better place to live. He has been a member for over 50 years of the Oriental Masonic Lodge #20. He is an honorary member and past president of the Mathews Rotary Club. He has served as a past president of the Tidewater Shrine Club. Joe and his wife are active members of Salem United Methodist Church. And, Joe has served on the Mathews Community Foundation Board. Now, Joe, along with other like-minded individuals, formed and organized the Mathews Citizens for the Common Good.
Leigh Ramos
Secretary
“Good government and people who play by the rules affect us all and should be the cornerstone of our community.”
Leigh Ramos is a Virginia native whose family has had ties to Mathews County since 1949 when they started as summer cottage renters. She married her husband, Haskins, and they have operated their family automotive mechanical and collision repair business, Haskins Bayside Super Service Center, in Port Haywood since 2009.
Leigh is passionate about truth, goodwill, reputation, and fairness because they are the foundation of people’s relationship with each other and the actions they take every day. Leigh was raised by a politically active mother, is a lifelong conservative, and understands what it means to be involved. She is the immediate past Vice Chair of the Mathews County Republican Committee. In 2022, Mathews Rotary Club bestowed on Leigh a Paul Harris Fellowship Award, which is presented to people who have made outstanding contributions to their community. Leigh became part of the Mathews Citizens for the Common Good as a way to help our divided community come back together.
Raymond Willis
Member
“We can work together to bridge divides to help Mathews County achieve the goals and objectives of all county residents.”
Raymond Willis is a lifelong member of the Mathews community. He and his wife, Arma, have two children and two grandchildren. He has seen the progress of Mathews County firsthand. From his early days attending Thomas Hunter during segregation, Raymond has seen his two children graduate from Mathews High School. Raymond recognizes that there is more work to be done.
Change takes involvement and commitment, and Raymond has dedicated himself to making the Mathews community a better place to live. In addition to a 36-year career with Dominion Energy, Raymond is an active member of Emmaus Baptist Church, past president of Mathews NAACP, a 33-degree Mason who belongs to five different lodges. He is also a member of the Mathews Rotary Club, Silver Leaf Lodge of Mathews, and Hands Across Mathews. Raymond joined the board of the Mathews Citizens for the Common Good because he believes in the power of servant leadership and working together for one accord.