NORFOLK, VA – Norfolk City Manager Dr. Chip Filer announced today that he has named Jared Chalk as the Director of the Department of Economic Development.

Chalk has served as the Interim Director of Economic Development and the Executive Director of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority since November 2018.  Prior to this role he was the Special Assistant to the City Manager and Assistant Director of Development in the Department of Development and served as the Assistant Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority.

“Jared has proven himself a thoughtful and innovative leader who has worked hard to address the needs of Norfolk’s small businesses, provide workforce opportunities for Norfolk residents, and expand business opportunities in the city.” said Chip Filer, Norfolk City Manager.

Chalk most recently expanded small business assistance programs such as Norfolk’s Capital Access Program and created various grant programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.   He also oversees Norfolk Works, which is designed to align economic and workforce development efforts, champion the recruitment of diverse Norfolk talent to support business attraction, retention and expansion, and collaborate with our workforce partners to help Norfolk citizens prepare for and connect to in-demand employment opportunities.

As Executive Director of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority, Chalk has contributed to refocusing the Authority’s efforts to build on the strengths and the needs of neighborhoods, and expanded programs to support minority and small businesses.

Major accomplishments include the successful recruitment of ADP and IKEA and the successful acquisition of Military Circle Mall, the former Doubletree hotel, and surrounding outparcels, for future redevelopment.

Chalk joined the City in 2005.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration for Bridgewater College and a Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.