Cosmo Diabetes Foundation

I am a lifelong resident in the City of Norfolk born at Norfolk General 1946
Graduated from Norview High School in 1964 my first job was as an
Apprentice at Gatling Business Forms I was the first Printing Apprentice to
sign up in a new program started by the State. One of the stipulations was to
attend night school for 5 years 2 nights a week. In today’s world an associates
degree. Focused on Journalism and Mathematics.

In 1978 I became President of my Civic league and became involved in my
community and City. In 1980 I was the recipient of the Outstanding Young
Man Award from Norfolk Jaycees. In 1981 I was appointed to Norfolk City
Planning Commission by Mayor Vincent J. Thomas. In 1984 I went in business
for myself Purchasing Atlantic Printing. In 1988 I was appointed by Gov.
Baliles to the State Board of Commerce of which I chaired for 2 years 1992-93
In 1992 I was elected to Norfolk City Council was most proud to be the first
Norview High graduate elected in history of the City.

In 1995 I was appointed to the Tidewater Regional Transit in 1999 was one of
2 members from TRT and 2 from Pentran to pursue the possibility of a merger
serving as the primary point person we succeeded in that we were the first
Agreeable merger in the history of our Nation. I was honored by the
Virginia Transit Authority with it’s Award for Outstanding contribution
by and an Individual for which 5 years later received the same award for
bringing Light Rail to Norfolk. Other awards Virginia Chapter of the
American Planning Association for my instrumental role in the Development
of East Beach which received the first Traditional Neighborhood Design, the
national award-winning community. I also served 6 years on the State Board of
Corrections for 7 years appointed by Gov. Mark Warner. In 2008 The
Tidewater Builders Association presented with its prestigious Stanley Award
as well. In 2007 I was elected Chair of National Transit Board Members
across North America. I served in that capacity as the first ever chair from
Virginia and only one to serve 3 years. It also gave me a seat on UITP (United
International Transportation Public) for 2 years. It was an extraordinary
opportunity. I became a member of Norfolk Cosmo club some 20 years ago.
Decided to become active in 2011 became President in 2013 and Cap Fed
Governor in 2015-16 our club has exploded since 2013 we went from a
membership of 18 to 53 prior to the pandemic currently serving as Governor of
Cap Fed for a 2ndtime.

In 2012 I was so honored to be Norfolk’s Downtowner of the Year it was the
first time it was named in honor of Peter G. Decker Jr. who did so much to

help the City he loved. I truly treasure that title.

In 2018 I was appointed Deputy Director of the Virginia Lottery and served for
4 years. Am currently doing some consulting work. In the course of my journey
I have served on some 32 different local boards. Love my City.