Thursday, November 14, 2024

York County Economic Development Authority Announces Service Milestones, New Leaders

(York County Public Affairs)

YORK COUNTY — The York County Board of Supervisors is set to recognize longevity and new leadership on the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at its Tuesday, Aug 20 meeting.

Two EDA members — Vern Lockwood and Junior Coxton — will be honored for 20 years of public service, the county said. Lockwood will also be attending in his new role as Vice Chair, replacing Jeff Clemons, who is now Chair of the EDA.

Mark Carter, who has served on the Authority for the past six years, has rotated back into regular membership after a year at the helm, it added.

“We’re grateful for Mark’s excellent leadership,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director of the County’s Department of Economic and Tourism Development. “He worked diligently and passionately for the community’s best interests, and we’re lucky to have had someone with his 40-plus years of experience with the county to guide us through the past 12 months.”

According to York County Public Affairs, Jeff Clemons, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Banking Group at PNC Bank, has been a commercial banker on the Virginia Peninsula for over 34 years. He has served on the EDA since 2021.

“I want to continue to build on what the previous Chairs and Boards have accomplished,” said Clemons. “One of the best decisions my wife and I ever made was to move to York County over 20 years ago for the excellent school system and the quality of life! The robust business community here makes York County an even more special place to call home. I’m proud to work with an EDA team and Board composed of county residents who have a vested interest in ensuring that York County is the place to live in Hampton Roads.”

According to York County Public Affairs, his long background in finance and community service has already proven helpful to the Authority, and his deep understanding of the local business landscape and commitment to the county’s economic success have made him a valuable asset as Vice Chair over the past year, and will further bolster his work as Chairman.

“Jeff’s close ties and relationships with small-business owners in the area have been indispensable,” said Olsen-Hayes. “We’re eager to see how else his experience, enthusiasm and local banking perspective can champion the EDA’s vision for our County. He is well positioned to help us build an even more diverse economic base by attracting new businesses and supporting the success of our existing businesses and tourism industry.”

Vern Lockwood has 46 years of commercial and real estate banking experience, having retired in 2016 as Executive Vice President of TowneBank. He first joined the EDA Board in 2003, the same year he became Regional President for C&F Bank.

“Vern’s knowledge in the banking and real estate fields and his passion for his community are invaluable to the EDA Board,” said Olsen. “His service to his community can be seen through the various ways he’s given back to his community, by previously serving on the York County Planning Commission, United Way Peninsula Board, Peninsula Builders Board and YMCA Board.”

“I am pleased to have been a part of the development of Riverwalk Landing and to have worked with three excellent County Administrators, as well as great development and EDA staffs,” said Lockwood. “Most important for me is being a part of the Board’s transition to an action-centered EDA, utilizing its resources to improve both community economics and quality of life for the citizens.”

Learn more about the York County Economic Development Authority at YesYorkCounty.com

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