The Virginia Chamber transformation under the leadership of Barry DuVal, which saw the chamber grow from hundreds of member businesses to tens of thousands, has entered a new chapter with the appointment of Cathie Vick as President and CEO. Vick, a veteran community servant with over 20 years of experience in the Hampton Roads area, is expected to continue the trajectory of growth established by DuVal. Her tenure at the Port of Virginia, Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Virginia Natural Gas, and the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, signals a leadership style that not only drives progress but also weaves together the diverse regions of Virginia. This transition signifies more than a simple change in leadership, but a continuation of the belief in the Chamber’s ability to build and transform Virginia’s future.

Introduction

by James Doe

Barry DuVal’s Transformation

For decades, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce has been a pillar of policy and economic advocacy — a force both steady and essential. And in recent years, under the leadership of Barry DuVal, that force has transformed. What was once a chamber with hundreds of member businesses now connects with tens of thousands. Its influence, reach, and budget have expanded five- to six-fold. Under Barry’s guidance, the Virginia Chamber became one of the most influential policy-shaping bodies in the Commonwealth — not by accident, but by tireless, deliberate stewardship.

Cathie Vick’s Appointment

Now comes a new chapter. Not a break — but a continuation. Cathie Vick — a William & Mary alum with over 20 years of service to the Hampton Roads community — has been appointed President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. It’s the kind of announcement that, on the surface, might blend into the noise of leadership transitions. But for those paying attention, it signals something deeper: a quiet reordering of who we believe in — and who believes in us. Vick’s tenure at the Port of Virginia and her steady presence across Hampton Roads — from her work in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to her Directorships at Virginia Natural Gas and the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy — speak to a kind of leadership that doesn’t just move the needle; it rethreads the very fabric.

Symbolism and Transformation

Cathie’s arrival doesn’t come with spectacle. She’s arriving with receipts: bridges built, silos softened, regions remembered. Her rise is symbolic in the best way. It suggests that Hampton Roads is not just another footnote in the Commonwealth’s story, but a catalyst. And it hints that the Virginia Chamber may continue its trajectory of growth — now with a new kind of resonance — one that builds on Barry’s legacy by weaving even more tightly the threads that connect Virginia’s diverse regions. This is more than one person’s ascent. It’s a cue for every chamber, council, and coalition in Hampton Roads. We are allowed to believe in each other. We are allowed to act like we’re on the same team. Because we’ve seen what belief can build — and we’re not done building. If we take that cue, the transformation won’t need to be loud. But it will be heard. And it will last.

Conclusion

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**Editor’s Note**
This article was updated following a conversation with Chris Davidson, founder of Orca Strategies, whose mentorship and institutional insight helped refine the tone and context of this piece. Chris’ reflections on Barry DuVal’s monumental contributions reminded us that leadership transitions are not just moments of change — they’re moments of continuity. What we celebrate in this piece is not a reset, but a relay — one steward passing the torch to another, with care, with credibility, and with Virginia’s future in mind.

Question & Answer

Q: Who is Cathie Vick and what is her background?

A: Cathie Vick is the newly appointed President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. She has over 20 years of experience in the Hampton Roads area, with previous roles at the Port of Virginia, Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Virginia Natural Gas, and the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy.

Q: What was the transformation under Barry DuVal’s leadership at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce?

A: Under Barry DuVal’s leadership, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce grew from having hundreds of member businesses to tens of thousands. The influence, reach, and budget of the Chamber expanded significantly, making it one of the most influential policy-shaping bodies in the Commonwealth.

Q: What does Cathie Vick’s appointment signify for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce?

A: Cathie Vick’s appointment signifies a continuation of the trajectory of growth established by Barry DuVal. It represents a belief in the Chamber’s ability to build and transform Virginia’s future, weaving together the diverse regions of the state.