Improving your credit and financial future doesn’t have to be confusing. With over 17 years of experience in Richmond, VA, Credit Restoration Institute helps individuals and families strengthen their credit profiles and prepare for housing opportunities. Our team works directly with you to provide guidance, education, and support every step of the way.
Interested in being part of our Board of Directors? Click the button below to apply.

Board Member
I’ve Been There.
In 1993 I went through a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. I thought that no one had credit worse than mine until my dealership promoted me from car salesman to Finance Manager.
I worked in the automotive industry for fourteen long years holding positions a salesman, Finance Manager, and for many years, a Finance Director. Over time, I repaired my own credit and learned the inner workings of the credit system. This knowledge was very valuable in helping the customers of my dealer-group.

Robert W Linkonis Sr.
Executive Director
FICO Certified Credit Expert
Credit Restoration Master Level

Early in my career, I often worked with individuals who were struggling to qualify for financing. In many cases, I found myself sitting down with clients, reviewing their credit reports together, and identifying areas that needed attention. We would walk through their reports step-by-step, helping them understand how credit reporting works and what factors were impacting their ability to obtain financing.
I began guiding clients on how to address inaccurate or outdated information and how to communicate effectively with credit reporting agencies. Through this hands-on experience, I developed a deep understanding of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and how consumers can advocate for accurate credit reporting.
What started as a way to support clients through the financing process evolved into a broader commitment to helping individuals improve their financial profiles and access better opportunities. I often stayed in touch with clients over time, providing ongoing guidance and education until they were in a stronger position to qualify for financing and achieve their goals.
Today, that same approach continues through Credit Restoration Institute, where we provide credit education, financial counseling, and housing readiness services to help individuals and families move toward long-term financial stability and homeownership.

Over time, clients began referring their friends and family members who had questions about their credit and financial situations. Many of these individuals were not seeking financing at the time, but were looking for guidance on understanding their credit reports and improving their overall financial position.
As demand for this type of support grew, it became clear there was a broader need for structured credit education and financial counseling services within the community.
That realization led to the formation of Credit Restoration Institute, which has continued to grow through referrals and a commitment to helping individuals and families better understand and improve their financial profiles.
With years of experience and direct involvement in the counseling process, I work closely with each client to review their credit profile, identify factors impacting their financial opportunities, and develop a personalized plan aligned with their goals. This hands-on approach ensures that each client receives tailored guidance designed to support long-term financial stability and successful housing outcomes.
Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty for Omega Graduate School
Dr. Hughes serves as the Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty for Omega Graduate school, is a Professor of doctoral social research, communication and leadership courses, and dissertation preparatory courses including statistics, dissertation foundations, and research design and methodology, and is the co-chair of the doctoral Graduate Research Council. She has served as CEO, President, VP, and Executive Director of non-profit and for-project organizations and as Program Manager for projects ranging from small to large & complex in non-profit, for-profit, military, and government organizations. She has held senior and executive management positions throughout her career. She has worked in social services and behavioral health and in Information Management, Technology & Policy fields during her tenure. She is a transformational leader who thinks strategically, motivates people to achieve business objectives, builds trusted relationships, collaborates across diverse and multi-functional & multi-cultural teams, and focuses on outcomes, customers, and growth. As a thought leader with strong communication and presentation skills, she contributes to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and partnership, with a willingness to proactively coach, mentor, facilitate, share knowledge, model, and advocate initiatives for positive change.
Hughes holds a triple degree at the Bachelor level in Philosophy, Psychology & Criminal Justice from the SUNY Oswego, a Masters in Philosophy and a Masters ABT in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctorate from Oxford/Omega Graduate School in Social Science Research and the Integration of Religion and Society Studies.
CLICK HERE to Dr. Hughes "Credit Worthiness White Paper"

Cathie Hughes, Ph.D.
Director / Board Chair
Human Resources Director, Washington County Schools
I am a dedicated person who loves helping others. I have worked in Human Resources for over 15 years and l love being that person who accepts the challenges the employee may be facing, and offering information to help solve the problem. I am a life-long learner and currently working for a K-12 public school district which is a different environment from working in higher education administration. I am a graduate of NC State University, University of Phoenix and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Dr. Andrea Wright
Board Member
President/CEO - Legacy Consulting Group, LLC
A native of Omaha Nebraska, spending 40 plus years in Corporate Management Marketing, Product Development working for and with Fortune 50 and 100 sized companies. He was primarily focus involved products development from concept to delivery to the Consumer. Joe has held various levels of management from front line management to the executive suite.
Once he left the corporate world he started his own consulting business, which specialized in advising executive management, forming divisions, product development, strategic planning and marketing plans for mid and large size corporations. The Consulting business continues to work with both Domestic and International corporations.
Additionally, joining SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) the Volunteer arm of the SBA in 2011 uses his experience and pass knowledge to entrepreneurs while remaining connected and involved in the business world. Holding various positions in the organization includes Chapter Chair, District Director and Region Vice President. Working with Entrepreneurs from the beginning of their idea to those who are in business, this valuable insight into assisting individuals in realizing their dreams. Joe has enjoyed being an instructor for SBA sponsored Boots to Business program for military personnel. He has a strong belief in the mission because he believes service members have the discipline and training to succeed as business owners.
Joe’s career assignments have taken him and his family across the country. Once he left the corporate world he settled down in Richmond, Virginia where he has lived for the past 30 years.

Joseph Brisby
Treasurer
Housing Services Manager (Office of Community Housing) Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
Janna Wiener is currently the Housing Services Manager in the Office of Community Housing at the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services where she oversees programs and staff that assist individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities lead successful and fulfilling lives integrated independently to their community of choice. Wiener holds a BS in International Hotel & Tourism Management and a MBA. She has worked in the affordable housing industry with special populations for over 15 years in the non-profit sectors as well as local and state government. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She also speaks Spanish fluently.

Janna Wiener
Board Member
Resident of Richmond, VA since 1972, Graduated from College of William and Mary in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Worked in the mortgage industry as a lon processor and originator from 1993-2016. Joined Virginia Housing in 2016 as the Business Development & Training Manager in their Single-Family Homeownership Division and still retain that title. Daily tasks include: overseeing team of business Development Officers in different areas of Virginia, developing/maintain relationships with the 85+ lending partners who promote our programs to consumers, product development, marketing, team morale (aka joke telling).

Dan Kern
Board Member

Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Attorney –
Credit Restoration Institute “on staff” Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) Attorney.
Enroll in the program.
There are no long term contracts, only a monthly fee as long as we are working for you. We only bill after services are fully performed.
Va. sues online lender, alleges ‘illegal predatory loans’
Updated: May 04, 2018 10:18 PM EDT
Robert Linkonis often works with people who have fallen victim to predatory loans. He is president at Credit Restoration Institute in Chesterfield County.
“A predatory loan in many cases causes a downward spiral. Someone can’t repay it. They have to get another loan in some cases to repay it,” he said.
Linkonis said they can be stuck in a cycle of debt with high interest rates that cause the debt to only grow.

We are always here for our clients and will walk you through the process as we work hard for you. A new beginning is just a step away. Provide your information to receive your free credit report evaluation and FREE Home Readiness information!
Credit Restoration Institute will create a personalized action plan and follow through to the completion of the plan. We want to see you reach your financial goals!
Credit Restoration Institute
31 North Providence Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235
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