Harry Lester

Local level government authority

Greater Norfolk Corp. is a membership-based nonprofit organization composed of local business leaders dedicated to revitalizing Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads region. Greater Norfolk leads task forces focused on placemaking, workforce development, and housing to enhance Norfolk’s livability and economic competitiveness. Its placemaking efforts develop downtown and Fort Norfolk as destinations by leveraging cultural assets and infrastructure. The private company is based in Norfolk, VA. The organization focuses on fostering a vibrant urban core that attracts and retains talent, supports innovation, and promotes economic growth. It acts as a strategic network amplifying the business community’s voice, advocating for pro-business policies, and collaborating with regional partners on economic development initiatives. Workforce initiatives build employer-aligned talent pipelines through programs such as executive mentorship, internships, and summer partnerships with local universities and organizations. The housing task force promotes a balanced mix of affordable and market-rate housing by aligning development incentives and policies. The organization also supports STEM education and entrepreneurship through the invention convention, engaging K-12 students in innovation projects, and maintains active community engagement and regional collaboration.

Manages and invests charitable funds for individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofit organizations

Lynnhaven River Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting local waterways, with a primary focus on the Lynnhaven River watershed. The private company is based in Virginia Beach, VA. The organization works on improving water quality, expanding harvestable shellfish areas, and restoring oyster reefs to support marine ecosystems. Key projects include oyster reef construction using innovative substrates and the Save Oyster Shell (S.O.S.) program, which recycles oyster shells from the community and local restaurants to build sanctuary reefs. Lynnhaven River Now engages the community through various "pearl" programs for homes, neighborhoods, yards, schools, businesses, and faith communities to promote sustainable practices that reduce pollution and enhance watershed health. The organization also offers youth education initiatives, manages the Beach Notable Tree Program, and provides volunteer opportunities such as waterway cleanups, community science projects, and habitat restoration activities.

Virginia Beach Vision is a non-partisan, issue-oriented business advocacy organization founded in 1993 by business and civic leaders to advance economic vitality and quality of life in the greater Hampton Roads region. Virginia Beach Vision collaborates with regional organizations to promote strategic growth, sustainability, and quality of life enhancements, and is supported by sponsorships from member firms. The private company is based in Virginia Beach, VA. Its membership consists of owner and CEO-level decision makers from business, civic, and education sectors. The organization is governed by a board of directors and an executive committee, and operates through task forces focused on housing, business development, city visioning, member development, resilience/environment, and resort development. These task forces research initiatives, develop position statements, and engage with officials to address issues such as affordable housing, economic diversification, flood resiliency, city planning, and resort area management.

Operates as a membership organization for civic development and community

The Downtown Norfolk Council is a company based in Norfolk, VA.