For decades, Hampton Roads has talked about its economic potential. The defense industry, the Port of Virginia, NASA Langley and a workforce capable of supporting some of the country’s most advanced industries.
The challenge has been turning those individual strengths into a coordinated regional strategy.
Since its formation in 2023, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable has helped secure more than $93 million in investments supporting economic development across the region.
Now, the organization is entering a new chapter of leadership.
William R. “Bill” Van Buren III, Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles, has been named Chair of its Board of Directors. Shannon O. Pierce, President and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas, will serve as Vice Chair.
They succeed Dennis Matheis of Sentara Health and Cliff Fleet, formerly of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, who have led the organization since its formation.
From regional strategy to real investments
The Roundtable serves as the support organization for GO Virginia Region 5, helping coordinate investments that strengthen Hampton Roads’ workforce, industries and economic competitiveness.
The impact is showing up across the region.
In April 2026, GO Virginia Region 5 awarded $5.1 million across five projects supporting industrial development, defense, aviation and workforce growth.
That included more than $3 million for the Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center, an initiative in Newport News developing training, testing and research capabilities for advanced aviation and uncrewed systems.
The Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, another regional priority, is designed to prepare more than 5,000 workers annually for careers supporting shipbuilding and maritime operations.
Meanwhile, the Hampton Roads Playbook is aligning economic development around four industries where the region holds competitive advantages: defense, energy, aerospace and logistics.
These efforts represent a larger shift. Hampton Roads is moving beyond identifying its economic strengths and toward organizing investments, workforce development and infrastructure around them.
What’s next for the region?
“Hampton Roads has a window right now that we cannot afford to miss,” Van Buren said. “Growing the regional economy and leveraging the assets that anchor this region are not abstract goals.”
The Roundtable’s next challenge is maintaining that momentum while ensuring Hampton Roads speaks with a unified voice when regional economic priorities are discussed in Richmond and Washington.
The organization’s roots trace back to John “Dubby” Wynne, who co-founded GO Virginia and Reinvent Hampton Roads, championing collaboration as a way to strengthen the region’s economy.
His legacy will be recognized October 29 at 757 TechNite, presented by JPMorganChase, at The Dome in Virginia Beach.
The John “Dubby” Wynne Regional Innovation Champion Award recognizes those advancing regional innovation and economic growth. Among this year’s finalists is Roundtable President and CEO Nancy Grden, alongside Jay Bernas and John Lawson.
It’s a connection that underscores how far the region’s collaborative approach has come.
The Roundtable began with the idea that Hampton Roads would accomplish more by working together. Today, that philosophy is helping direct millions toward the industries, infrastructure and people shaping the region’s economic future.
The next chapter is about building on those investments and turning them into lasting growth.
