Douglas Smith took over as the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance’s new CEO in September. Photo by Mark Rhodes
After nearly three years as Norfolk’s city manager, Douglas L. Smith is shifting his focus to the entire region as the newly installed president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.
A former deputy city manager for Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, Smith took the reins of HREDA from interim president and CEO Steve Herbert in September. However, he’s not a newcomer to Hampton Roads’ leading economic development marketing organization, having served as vice chairman of its board of directors.
The Portsmouth native’s experience and knowledge of the region make him ideally suited to lead the Alliance, says Brian K. Skinner, chief banking officer for TowneBank and chairman of HREDA’s board. “Doug is uniquely positioned to serve us in this role. He knows our Hampton Roads region better than anyone and is the perfect candidate for where we want to take the Alliance long term.”
