Speakers and Presentations
Our Latest Speaker
Kevin Harrison
June 2026: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Kevin Harrison, Founder of Uncommon Influence, as a featured guest speaker. Kevin shared practical strategies for finding, developing, and retaining exceptional talent in today’s competitive workforce. Through real-world examples and leadership insights, members gained actionable ideas for building stronger teams and investing in their organizations’ most valuable asset—their people.
Past Speakers & Presentations
Chris Llyod
May 2026: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development at McGuireWoods Consulting, as a featured guest speaker. Chris provided an overview of the Virginia General Assembly session, highlighting key legislation affecting businesses across the Commonwealth and offering valuable insights into the policy developments and economic issues business leaders should be watching.
Sam Richter
February 2026: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Hall of Fame speaker, award-winning author, and AI expert Sam Richter as a featured guest speaker. Sam demonstrated how businesses can leverage Generative AI and digital information to gain a competitive advantage, improve operations, strengthen client relationships, and uncover new opportunities. Members left with practical strategies for using emerging technologies more effectively in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
Jill Norcross
December 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Jill Norcross, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, as a featured guest speaker. Jill provided valuable insights into today’s housing landscape and explored collaborative approaches to expanding housing opportunities and strengthening communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Michael Kennedy
October 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Michael Kennedy of 3C’s Leadership Solutions as a featured guest speaker. Michael shared insights into what Millennials and Generation Z value in their careers, communities, and quality of life, offering practical perspectives on attracting, engaging, and retaining the next generation of talent. His presentation sparked meaningful discussion about the future of workforce development and regional competitiveness.
Noah Scalin
August 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Noah Scalin as a featured guest speaker. Noah explored the growing importance of creative thinking in today’s workplace, sharing practical strategies to help business leaders foster innovation, solve complex problems, and build more adaptable organizations. Members left with fresh perspectives on cultivating creativity as a critical leadership skill.
State Senator Christie Craig
June 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Christie New Craig as a featured guest speaker. Senator Craig provided members with an overview of the Virginia General Assembly session, highlighting key legislation and policy initiatives impacting Chesapeake, the Hampton Roads region, and the Commonwealth.
Mark Vitner
April 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Mark Vitner, Founder and Chief Economist of Piedmont Crescent Capital, as a featured guest speaker. Mark shared his perspective on the economic outlook, market trends, and the factors influencing business growth at the local, regional, and national levels, providing members with valuable insights to help navigate an evolving economy.
Steve Harrison
February 2025: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Steve Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of the Hampton Roads Alliance, as a featured guest speaker. Steve shared insights on regional economic development, strategic growth initiatives, and the collaborative efforts that strengthen the Hampton Roads economy and attract new business investment.
Julianne Szyper
December 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Julianne Szyper, Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Energy, as a featured guest speaker. Her presentation explored affordable, reliable, and clean energy in the Commonwealth, providing members with insights into Virginia’s evolving energy landscape and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Ben White and Victoria Proffitt
October 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Chesapeake City Treasurer Ben White and Commissioner of the Revenue Victoria Proffitt for a discussion on their respective roles in local government. Members gained valuable insights into the City’s financial operations, tax administration, and the important services these constitutional offices provide to residents and businesses throughout Chesapeake.
Ray Amoruso
August 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Ray Amoruso, Chief Planning and Development Officer for Hampton Roads Transit, as a featured guest speaker. Ray presented an overview of the HRT Connecting Chesapeake Study, highlighting current transportation initiatives, long-range planning efforts, and opportunities to improve mobility and connectivity throughout the city. Members gained valuable insights into how future transit investments can support Chesapeake’s continued growth and economic development.
George Hoddinott
June 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed George Hoddinott, Senior Planner with the City of Chesapeake Planning Department, and Nat McCormick of the Planning Department for an update on Chesapeake’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the future of the Greenbrier Mall site. Their presentation provided members with valuable insights into the City’s long-term vision, planning priorities, and redevelopment opportunities shaping Chesapeake’s future.
Robert (Bob) M. McNab, Ph.D.
April 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Professor Robert M. McNab, Chair of the Department of Economics and Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis at Old Dominion University, as a featured guest speaker. Dr. McNab shared expert insights on regional and national economic trends, helping members better understand the economic forces shaping business, workforce development, and future growth in Hampton Roads.
David Ropp
February 2024: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Chairman David Ropp for a presentation on the Greenbrier Area Plan and the future of one of Chesapeake’s most significant commercial corridors. The discussion explored redevelopment opportunities, long-term planning considerations, and the Alliance’s role in providing thoughtful recommendations to help shape the future of the Greenbrier area, including the Greenbrier Mall site.
Thaler McCormick
December 2023: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Thaler McCormick, CEO of ForKids, for a presentation on workforce housing needs in Chesapeake. Thaler, who chaired the Alliance’s Workforce Housing Task Group, shared insights into the community’s housing challenges and opportunities, highlighting the importance of collaborative solutions that support a strong workforce and a thriving local economy.
Chris Gullickson
October 2023: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Chris Gullickson of the Port of Virginia as a featured guest speaker. Members learned about the Port’s continued growth, its impact on the regional economy, and the vital role it plays in supporting trade, business development, and economic prosperity throughout Hampton Roads.
Robert A. (Bob) Crum, Jr.
August 2023: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed Robert A. (Bob) Crum, Jr., Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) and the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), as a featured guest speaker. His presentation explored regional planning, transportation priorities, and the partnerships driving long-term economic growth and mobility throughout Hampton Roads.
Tad Deriso
July 2023: The Chesapeake Alliance welcomed the President and CEO of MidAtlantic Broadband Communities Corporation as a special guest speaker. Members gained valuable insights into broadband infrastructure, connectivity, and the role advanced telecommunications play in supporting economic development and business growth throughout the region.