RICHMOND, VA – Following today’s announcement that Stephen Edwards has been selected to serve as the next CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal issued the following statement:

“I look forward to working collaboratively with Stephen Edwards, in his role as CEO and Executive Director, and supporting the Virginia Port Authority to continue to lead in an increasingly competitive landscape. With more than twenty years of experience in the maritime industry and a track record of positive growth, Stephen will serve the Port and the Commonwealth well.

“I would like to recognize the Virginia Port Authority’s Board of Directors for their impressive efforts to facilitate a thorough and extensive search to identify their next CEO and Executive Director. Replacing someone like John Reinhart is no easy task – his leadership since 2014 has elevated the Port’s standing in both domestic and international trade.

“John has been a champion for Virginia trade, leveraging Virginia’s assets to grow our state economy. During the development of Blueprint Virginia 2025, John Reinhart served as an integral member of the Steering Committee tasked with shaping the long-term policy solutions to improve how we move people and goods and meet anticipated demand. On behalf of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and our more than 26,000 members, I would like to extend my gratitude to John for his service to the Commonwealth and wish him well in retirement.”

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