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 organization established in 1993 that provides private sector leadership to promote economic growth, quality of life, and community development in the Hampton Roads region. Virginia Beach Vision maintains a sponsorship structure involving financial support from member firms and collaborates with regional partners to advance long-term strategic goals. The private company is based in Virginia Beach, VA. Its membership consists of owner and CEO-level decision makers who engage in regional issues such as city planning, economic diversification, sea level rise mitigation, resort area development, and public safety. The organization operates through task forces focused on business development, city visioning, housing, member development, and resort development and safety. These task forces develop position statements and initiatives shared with civic leaders and government bodies to influence policy and foster regional prosperity.

Operates as a membership organization for civic development and community

The Downtown Norfolk Council is a private, not-for-profit urban place management organization that advocates for downtown Norfolk, promoting it as a cultural, commercial, and residential hub within the Hampton Roads region. The non-profit company is based in Norfolk, VA. Its initiatives include the Downtown Improvement District and Ambassador Program, which focus on cleanliness, safety, landscaping, and community engagement. The council manages placemaking efforts such as installing and maintaining public furniture, planters, trash receptacles, and wayfinding signage, and coordinates public art programs in the NEON District, supporting artists and property owners through grants for murals, sculptures, and creative projects. The NEON Nights series pairs artists with businesses for year-round art events. The council provides resources for business development, including a business directory, real estate listings, strategic planning support, and information on parking and transportation. It highlights downtown Norfolk’s role as a business and financial center and promotes cultural and entertainment activities such as festivals, tours, markets, and signature events. The council also offers membership, volunteer programs, and partnerships to support downtown revitalization and quality of life improvements.