At this year’s 757 TechNite celebration, Jerry Miller was honored with the 2025 John “Dubby” Wynne Regional Innovation Champion Award, recognizing a leader whose work is creating long-term economic impact and shaping the future of Hampton Roads. Sponsored by Williams Mullen, the award carries the legacy of John O. “Dubby” Wynne — a visionary who believed deeply in regional collaboration, innovation, and the power of private-sector leadership to uplift communities.

Wynne, best known for championing The Weather Channel as president and CEO of Landmark Communications, went on to co-found GO Virginia and Reinvent Hampton Roads, laying the groundwork for today’s regional innovation strategy. His legacy continues through leaders who advance major industries, build partnerships, and strengthen Hampton Roads’ position in the national economy.

A Competitive Field of Finalists

This year’s finalists represented three very different but equally impactful paths to regional leadership:

Kevin Griffin

For more than 15 years, Kevin Griffin has been a driving force behind the 757’s technology community. He founded key developer meetups, launched RevolutionConf and Hampton Roads DevFest, and built 757tech.org, a central hub for regional technologists. Through volunteer-led events, partnerships with tech employers, and a commitment to teaching others, Griffin has helped thousands gain skills, connect with jobs, and build meaningful professional networks.

Jerry Miller

Jerry Miller, Executive Chairman and founder of Fairlead, was selected from this exceptional slate of leaders for his decades-long impact on maritime innovation, national security, and advanced manufacturing. His work has transformed Fairlead from a regional maritime services company into a multi-division enterprise advancing:

  • Modular shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing

  • AI-enabled smart shipyard technologies

  • Dual-use defense and autonomy innovation through Fairlead Ventures

  • Large-scale logistics and offshore wind readiness through Fairwinds Landing, a $500 million development reshaping the region’s maritime future

Doug Smith

As CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, Doug Smith has helped attract more than $1.9 billion in capital investment to the region between 2022 and 2024. Under his leadership, the Alliance secured major projects such as LS GreenLink’s $681M submarine cable facility and Kongsberg’s $100M missile plant. His work aligns the region’s strengths in defense, energy, aerospace, and port logistics with global market needs, while advancing the Regional Investment Playbook and supporting the region’s site development and international recruitment efforts.

Why Jerry Miller Stood Out

Miller’s impact extends far beyond company growth. His initiatives strengthen naval readiness, accelerate offshore wind deployment, expand high-value workforce opportunities, and position Hampton Roads as a global maritime technology hub. His leadership reflects the collaborative, future-forward spirit that defined Dubby Wynne’s work — a blend of bold vision, regional commitment, and long-term investment in the economic health of the 757.

A Night That Showcased Regional Momentum

757 TechNite once again highlighted the creativity, ambition, and leadership driving Hampton Roads forward. The Dubby Wynne Regional Innovation Champion Award, in particular, underscores the importance of individuals who work across industries, organizations, and localities to build a more resilient regional economy.

By honoring finalists like Kevin Griffin, Doug Smith, and winner Jerry Miller, the award showcases the breadth of leadership pushing Hampton Roads into its next era of innovation — from grassroots tech community building to large-scale business attraction to transformative maritime and defense technology.

The future of the 757 is being shaped by leaders who think beyond lines on a map and focus on what the region can achieve together. This year’s finalists embody that spirit, and Jerry Miller’s recognition serves as a reminder of the powerful momentum underway across Hampton Roads.

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