Argo Visa Co-Founder & BDV Solutions COO Chris Richardson Named Riley Institute Fellow
Immigration attorney and former diplomat joins 42 South Carolina Lowcountry leaders on Institute's Diversity Leaders Initiative
GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- BDV Solutions, a tech-enabled, turnkey provider of labor shortage solutions to U.S. employers and employment-based immigration services to foreign nationals, and Argo Visa, the world's first company connecting visa applicants with former U.S. visa officers who prepare them for a successful visa interview, today announced that Chris Richardson, an officer of both companies, was named a Fellow of The Riley Institute at Furman University. He joins 42 fellow Lowcountry professionals nominated by alumni of the Institute's Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) in the 16th class of the DLI.
Selected through a rigorous application and interview process, Riley Fellows are members of a powerful cross-sector network of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders. Graduates of the program are granted Fellow status upon completion of the class, which will engage in intensive discussions and scenario analyses that allow them to openly examine sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion with fellow leaders, explore "blind spots," and gain tools to develop strategies within their own organizations.
"In a time of significant social strife, leaders must come together to identify ways to unite communities to improve outcomes for all," said Dr. Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. "The DLI experience will help them as they lead South Carolina toward a better tomorrow."
"Chris's selection to the DLI and his forthcoming inclusion in the 2,500 Riley Institute Fellows here in South Carolina is just further testament to his unique accomplishments and wide-ranging expertise across various professional fields," noted Britt Vergnolle, BDV Solutions' CEO. "Now, The Riley Institute and, indeed, the whole state will come to know what his colleagues, friends, and family already know, which is that Chris is a one-of-a-kind, transformative leader who is helping our state achieve greater and greater things."
Founded in 2011, BDV Solutions helps source employment for foreign nationals via the federal government's EB-3 green card program, placing them with a wide range of leading companies across the country in a variety of industries. "Our acquisition of Argo Visa is an exciting next step in our continued and accelerating company growth and will allow us to offer potential immigrants to the United States a fuller suite of services," noted BDV Solutions CEO and founder Britt Vergnolle.
Co-founded in 2018 by Richardson, Argo's staff of former consular officers have conducted over 1 million visa interviews during their careers with the U.S. Department of State. These officers were responsible for adjudicating nonimmigrant visas for tourism, studies, and employment, as well as immigrant visas for permanent residence in the United States. Combined, they have worked in 34 different countries and speak 14 different languages.
About BDV Solutions
Headquartered in Greenville, SC, BDV is the largest independent company in the U.S. that specializes in closing the country's chronic and growing, unskilled labor gap utilizing the EB-3 visa program. They are uniquely positioned to assist U.S. companies and foreign nationals navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. More information can be found at http://www.bdvsolutions.com
About Argo Visa
Argo Visa's team of former U.S. consular officers speak 14 languages, have worked in over 34 countries, and have played a part in more than 1 million immigration visa application decisions. Argo is the world's first company to create a cutting-edge technology platform that connects visa applicants with former visa officers who have personal experience with how decisions are made on who is eligible for a U.S. visa.
These officers were responsible for adjudicating nonimmigrant visas for tourism, studies, and employment, as well as immigrant visas for permanent residence in the United States. By using Argo, clients gain the best and most accurate information on how to prepare for a successful visa interview and benefitting from the insider perspective of Argo's team of highly skilled and experienced immigration experts.
Media Contact
Shev Rush, Argo Visa, 1 2135034828, [email protected]
SOURCE Argo Visa
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