This year’s CoVaBIZ 175 Most Influential People in Coastal Virginia editorial feature highlights not only deserving corporate executives and organizational leaders but also individuals whose consistent contributions to our region have made a lasting impact.
Honorees were selected by our editorial board over a months-long process. We looked at those individuals at the helm of companies and organizations whose contributions to our region have been transformational: community banks that understand their civic responsibilities; arts and athletics organizations that inspire and add to the vibrancy of life in Coastal Virginia and beyond; science, academic and research institutions that are expanding our knowledge of the universe and ourselves; companies working to build affordable housing and enhance the built environment; nonprofits that address issues and provide avenues for people to work together toward a common good; companies helping to expand our port capabilities and improve our infrastructure; and the businesses and educational institutions working together to help build the workforce of the future.
On behalf of everyone at CoVaBIZ, we’re proud to present our 2026 CoVaBIZ Most Influential People in Coastal Virginia.
Written and Compiled by Barrett Baker, Betsy DiJulio, Beth Hester, Tanya Kaish Keller and Ernie Smith
