Chesapeake Economic Development
The Chesapeake Economic Development department is committed to offering businesses from all industries the necessary tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the dynamic Chesapeake economy. We support local, national, and global business ventures with multiple services that incorporate the area’s vast economic opportunities. Our dedicated staff works to provide your business with resources such as site selection, marketing services, and demographic data, in addition to investment guidance and expertise. Whether you are looking to start, expand, or relocate your company in Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Economic Development department is always prepared to help you do business.
Our Specialization
Meet the Team
We are a team of dedicated professionals, ready to do whatever it takes to make your business grow.
Steven C. Wright
With more than 25 years of experience in Economic & Community Development, Steven Wright currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake. Steven has a B.S. degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. This is his second stint in Chesapeake, having served as a Business Development Manager from 1994 to 1999. Before returning to Chesapeake, Steven was the Economic Development Director for Isle of Wight County. Additionally, he has worked in the communities of Richmond, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesterfield County, VA
Ben White
Ben White is the Assistant Director, for Chesapeake Economic Development and has nearly twenty years of experience in new and existing business development, as well as redevelopment, in the City. Prior to his current position with Economic Development, Ben held positions with various City Departments; including the City Treasurer’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, Public Utilities, and the Conference Center. Combined, he has nearly thirty years of public service with the City of Chesapeake.
Tim Howlett
Specializations: Project Management and Development Process Coordination, Community Development, Property Development, Retention and Customer Relations
Preston Wilhelm
Specializations: Attraction, International Business Trade, and Community Development
Lloyd Jackson
Specializations: Retention, Community Development
Constantia Matthews
Specializations: Customer Relations and Community Development
Sherry Barnette
Specializations: Retention, Small Business, Customer Relations, Marketing, and Community Development
Kerstin "Lexy" Plarr
Specializations: Attraction and Research & Marketing
Stephanie Glover
Specializations: Customer Relations
Judith Jackson
Specializations: Customer Relations