The GO Virginia Region 5 Council has appointed six new members who will help guide regional economic development efforts across Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Beginning July 1, Terry Banez, CAPT. Janet Days (USN, Ret.), Marshall Everett, Monty Mason, Thomas McCarthy and Josh Miller will each serve three-year terms on the council, joining a group of business and community leaders responsible for helping shape the region’s growth priorities.
The appointments bring together leaders from business, higher education, local government and industry, reflecting GO Virginia’s mission of fostering collaboration to strengthen Virginia’s economy.
Among the new members is Terry Banez, president and CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the chamber, Banez spent more than two decades in global business leadership and today works closely with businesses and public-sector partners to advance economic development initiatives throughout the region.
Josh Miller, president of Adventum Group, also joins the council. Miller’s background in government contracting and defense brings experience from one of Hampton Roads’ largest economic sectors, where innovation, technology and federal partnerships continue to drive regional growth.
The council also welcomes CAPT. Janet Days (USN, Ret.), director of economic development for the City of Suffolk; Marshall Everett, vice president for strategic initiatives at Regent University; Monty Mason, senior director of community affairs and partnerships at William & Mary; and Thomas McCarthy, client solutions manager at Hourigan.
GO Virginia is a statewide initiative that supports collaboration among business, education and government to encourage private-sector growth and create higher-paying jobs. Region 5 encompasses the 16 localities of Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a council made up of 25 business and community leaders who help guide investments aligned with the region’s Growth & Diversification Plan.
“We look forward to working with Ms. Banez, CAPT. Days, Mr. Everett, Mr. Mason, Mr. McCarthy, and Mr. Miller,” said Thomas Frantz, chair of the GO Virginia Region 5 Council. “They are proven leaders and visionaries in their fields and bring strong judgment to the Council. Their knowledge and experience will strengthen our decision-making and impact.”
While the appointments span a variety of industries, they share a common purpose: helping guide regional investments that strengthen the business climate, encourage collaboration and support long-term economic growth across Hampton Roads.
