Warren D. Harris, Director of Economic Development for the City of Virginia Beach is directly involved in improving and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Hampton Roads. Warren was appointed to the Director's position by the City Manager in July 2007 after serving as Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake, VA. Warren’s responsibilities include expanding and diversifying the tax base, increasing per capita income and creating and retaining employment opportunities for the city.
Warren previously served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake since October 2001, after serving as Assistant Director since 1991. In his current position, Warren is involved in all aspects of the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for the City of Virginia Beach. Warren is directly involved in the growth for the City of Virginia Beach.
As Director for the City of Chesapeake, his work in economic development led to travel on foreign trade missions with the Governor, and on behalf of the City with the Mayor, to countries and cities in the Far East, Europe, South America and most recently, Israel.
Additionally, at the request of the City Manager for the City of Chesapeake, from November 1995 through December 1996, Warren held a temporary work assignment in the City Manager's office while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities in the Economic Development Department. His work in the City Manager's Office was recognized by the American Society of Public Administrators and was awarded the 1997 G. Robert House, Jr. Award for excellence in public service. In September 1997 through May 1998, Warren was once again requested to return to the City Manager's Office as Acting Assistant City Manager.
Warren received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Hampton University in 1978. He received his master's degree in Public Administration from Old Dominion University in 1981.
Warren is very active in the community and serves on a number of boards and community service organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Norfolk Academy; Old Dominion University Center for Real Estate and Economic Development; Old Dominion University Real Estate Foundation; South Hampton Roads YMCA Metropolitan Board, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; The Norfolk Guardsmen, Inc.; Virginia Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees; and the Virginia Economic Developers Association.
Contact Linda regarding administrative information for the Virginia Beach Development Authority and the Oceana Land Use Conformity committee.
Michelle B. Chapleau
Business Development Manager (APZ1)
(757) 385-6448 | mchaplea@vbgov.com
Contact Michelle for business location opportunities in the Oceana Naval Air Station area and for information about the high performance manufacturing and retail business sectors.
Betty Clark
Economic Development Admin. Specialist I
(757) 385-6452 | bclark@vbgov.com
Contact Betty to schedule an appointment with Warren Harris, or with questions regarding Economic Development billings, special events/ribbon cuttings, or office management items.
David Couch
Economic Development Strategy Coordinator
(757) 385-6468 | dcouch@vbgov.com
Contact David for strategic business development, department budget and administration, or for information about the biomedical/health care business sector.
Scott Hall
Business Development Coordinator (New Business)
(757) 385-6498 | schall@vbgov.com
Contact Scott for national and international business attraction assistance, marketing/advertising/public relations information, or for information about the company & enterprise management/professional services business sector.
Steven J. Harrison
Business Development and Research Manager
(757) 385-6466 | sjharris@vbgov.com
Contact Steve for research-related information, demographics, business statistics, social media questions, or for information about newly emerging industries and innovation opportunities.
Robert J. Hudome
Senior Project Development Manager
(757) 385-6458 | rhudome@vbgov.com
Contact Rob for mixed-used developments, hotel, entertainment and resort related projects.
Contact Lloyd for existing business outreach and retention assistance or for information about the information services and management (IT) and maritime business sectors, or for information about the Department's Economic Gardening initiatives.
Contact Karen for assistance with early learning (pre-natal to five years old) initiatives in Virginia Beach.
Sean A. Murphy, CPA
Virginia Beach Development Authority Accountant
(757) 385-6463 | samurphy@vbgov.com
Handles the financial aspects for the Virginia Beach Development Authority.
Olivia N. O’Bry
Economic Development Assistant II
(757) 385-6478 | oobry@vbgov.com
Contact Olivia for information regarding use of the conference rooms, and for general information regarding the Department of Economic Development.
Jeffrey L. Smith
Business Development Manager (SWaM)
(757) 385-6453 | jsmith@vbgov.com
Contact Jeff for information on Small, Women, and Minority-owned (SWaM) business development and related assistance.
Contact Jerry for workforce development assistance and referral to regional training institutions.
Contact Svetla for research assistance and information on the Department's marketing efforts and materials.
Mark R. Wawner, P.E.
Project Development Coordinator
(757) 385-6460 | mwawner@vbgov.com
Contact Mark for questions or financial information regarding the Virginia Beach Development Authority, public-private developments, or general project related items.
Contact Ray for business relocation or expansion assistance, specifically with regard to the defense, composites, sensors, and alternative energy clusters, as well as for information on business incubators.
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