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City of Norfolk Announces Director of Economic Development

NORFOLK, VA –City Manager for the City of Norfolk Pat Roberts announced the selection of Sean Washington as the new Director of Economic Development for the City of Norfolk. As Director, Sean will lead the economic development efforts of the City, balancing large-scale, transformational projects with small-scale relationship building, communications, and support to the current and future business community.


“Norfolk is a thriving community today thanks in large part to economic development efforts that have already occurred. We’ve worked hard to secure new businesses, additional jobs and the benefits such investment bring to our residents and visitors,” said Norfolk City Manager Pat Roberts. “Looking forward, Sean’s business acumen, expertise and familiarity with all of the advantages Norfolk offers to both incumbent and prospective business partners uniquely position him to help us author the next chapters in Norfolk’s economic success story. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Sean and his team.”
Washington has served as Interim Director since August 2022, and Assistant Director from November of 2020 to August of 2022. He started in the department in June of 2017 as a Business Development Manager and was named the Secretary-Treasurer of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Norfolk (EDA) in October of the same year.

“I am thrilled to have Sean serve as our Economic Development Director to help drive Norfolk’s growth,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. As an integral member of our city’s leadership, he will actively contribute to shaping Norfolk’s economic destiny, catalyzing job creation, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.”

As the Secretary-Treasurer, Sean managed the financial position of the EDA to include overall assets of $29,782,182 and approximately $4.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. As a Business Development Manager, Sean created and administered 5 various small business programs resulting in over $4.5 million in grant dollars deployed to Norfolk businesses.

Before joining the City of Norfolk’s Department of Economic Development, Sean helped small businesses grow as an Assistant Vice President with BB&T Bank. During his seven-year tenure at BB&T, he managed a $34.5 million deposit portfolio and a $15 million lending portfolio.