Our Team
Meet our Leadership Team
Dr. Michael Weatherly
Chief Executive Officer
Meet Michael Weatherly, an accomplished business leader who graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2001 with a triple major in Psychology, Education, and Religious Studies. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, he went on to earn an MBA in 2005 and a Doctorate in Business Management in 2012 from the University of Phoenix.
Michael’s expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, technology consulting, innovation, sports, agriculture, wine, real estate, and nonprofit work. Beyond his business endeavors, he is actively involved in philanthropy, with a particular focus on supporting veterans and those in need. His ownership of professional sports teams and involvement in agriculture and wine, including the establishment of Ecco Adesso Vineyards, reflect his deep engagement with both the business and lifestyle aspects of these industries.
In the summer of 2023, Michael Weatherly proudly became the CEO of The Williamsburg Winery, marking a new chapter in his diverse portfolio and continuing his longstanding connection with Patrick Duffeler. In addition to overseeing the winery’s overall operations and growth, Michael also oversees all viticulture and winemaking operations, bringing his broader agricultural and wine experience directly to the vineyard and cellar.
As a family-oriented traveler with a youthful spirit, Michael also serves as the Head Coach for Virginia Beach Little League. His multifaceted background reflects a passion for business, agriculture, wine, community, and lifelong learning.
Haley O'Connor
Chief of Staff
Haley brings a collaborative leadership approach, with a strong foundation in teamwork and a focus on keeping business priorities moving forward. As Chief of Staff at The Williamsburg Winery, she works closely with leadership and department teams to support daily operations, strengthen communication, and advance initiatives across the property.
A former collegiate lacrosse player, Haley earned her degree in Sports Management from Old Dominion University. Her experience as a student-athlete shaped her approach to leadership, strengthening her ability to communicate, adapt, and work under pressure while contributing to a shared goal.
Haley’s professional background includes global technology scouting for C5BDI and Sports Innovation X, partnership management for Halo Holdings, and executive support across several organizations. These experiences built a foundation in coordination, relationship management, and business operations, leading to her promotion to Chief of Staff in September 2025.
At The Williamsburg Winery, Haley’s responsibilities span day-to-day operations, human resources, finance, administrative coordination, staffing, and business initiatives. She connects departments, supports employees, and translates priorities into coordinated action, contributing to both the guest experience and the work that happens behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Haley enjoys working out and spending time at the beach. She brings the same energy and dedication that shaped her athletic career to her work, helping the winery’s teams stay connected and move forward together.
Angela K. Smith
Director of Sales & Partnerships
Angela K. Smith is a dynamic and relationship-driven leader with a passion for building meaningful partnerships and driving strategic growth. As Director of Sales & Partnerships, she brings a people-first approach to business development, blending strong industry insight with an authentic ability to connect, collaborate, and deliver results.
Originally from the coast of North Carolina, Angela’s natural warmth and hospitality are rooted in her upbringing. Before transitioning into the world of sales and partnerships, she spent several years as a flight attendant with American Airlines, an experience that sharpened her communication skills, adaptability, and commitment to exceptional service.
Deeply engaged in her local community, Angela is actively involved with several boards and initiatives throughout Williamsburg, where she contributes her time and leadership to support local growth and connection. She is known not only for her professional drive but also for her genuine enthusiasm for bringing people together.
Outside of work, Angela’s heart belongs to her five-year-old Labrador retriever, Sir Winston, Wales of Williamsburg, who is rarely far from her side and often the star of the show.
With a unique blend of professionalism, personality, and purpose, Angela continues to cultivate partnerships that create lasting impact, both in business and in the community.
Patrick G. Duffeler
Founder & Chairman
Patrick Duffeler was born in Belgium of a Germanic family and educated in the United States. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Finance from the University of Rochester, New York, he embarked on his professional career at Eastman Kodak.
He later joined the international division of Philip Morris in Switzerland as Director of Marketing and Promotions. Patrick was instrumental in the development of the Marlboro World Championship Racing Team project which ushered the Marlboro brand into international motorsports, proving the value of promotional activity as a brand building mechanism. During these years, Patrick and his wife Peggy became the parents of two sons, Patrick II and Terence.
Patrick’s travels took him not only to Europe, but also Latin America, the Far East, the Middle East, and Africa. He independently became involved in the wine industry in Burgundy, France and forged relationships with many producers. Likewise, his interest in the hospitality industry burgeoned, and he had the chance to participate in a study for the development of a country hotel in Beaune, Burgundy. Both interests were the building blocks for a life-changing decision Patrick was about to make.
Patrick went on to serve as the International President of Fragrances Selective and balanced his time between two continents. In 1983, Patrick and Peggy, after an exhaustive search, purchased 300 acres of land in Williamsburg and founded The Williamsburg Winery in 1985. In 2007, his dream of a European-style Country Hotel came to fruition as the doors to Wedmore Place opened for the first time after 10 years of planning. Sadly, Peggy Duffeler, a driving force behind the business, had passed away in 2004, not surviving to witness the launch of the hotel. Nevertheless, her spirit lives on throughout Wessex Hundred.
In 2007, Patrick was married to Françoise, a native of France.
