3 days ago
Norfolk mayor will not seek another term, appointed to community college position
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said he will not seek reelection in 2028, and will leave office after three terms.
The news first came in an announcement that Alexander had been appointed as vice chancellor for strategic partnerships for the Virginia Community College System. VCCS Chancellor David Doré announced the appointment on Tuesday.
'His visionary leadership and deep commitment to innovation and opportunity will help drive strategic initiatives that change lives and elevate Virginia's workforce,' Doré said in the announcement.
In an interview, Alexander said he would serve out the remainder of his third term through 2028. Last year, he defeated Tommy Leeman and Giovanni Dolmo. Alexander was first elected to the position in 2016, becoming Norfolk's first Black mayor. A longtime politician, Alexander previously served in the House of Delegates from 2002 until 2012 and the state Senate from 2012 to 2016.
When asked why he was not running again, Alexander noted his long history of public service, including his time in the Virginia House and Senate and almost 10 as mayor without missing a City Council meeting.
In the new role, VCCS said Alexander will advance the school system through public and private resource development, legislative engagement and system-wide communications.
'I am looking forward to joining the Virginia Community College System and working to further Chancellor Doré's vision because I strongly believe that access to education empowers communities,' Alexander said in the announcement.
'Higher education is a pathway for economic growth and social mobility, and I am enthusiastic about using my experience to enhance partnerships that will benefit our students and industries across the commonwealth.'
Previously, Alexander was employed as chancellor of 20 private community colleges, including Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College and Tidewater Tech.
Alexander is also president of Metropolitan Funeral Service.
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345,
