The Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council (HRGCC) has elected a new slate of board officers to lead the organization’s work supporting national and international commerce through the Hampton Roads region. The new officers are Lauren Foley, President; Brian Blickensderfer, Vice President; Dr. Kenneth B. Kahn, Treasurer; and Jeff Wilson, Secretary.
HRGCC promotes national and international commerce in Virginia by sustaining global relations, fostering economic opportunities, and creating forums for networking and professional development. Through education, information-sharing, and networking, the Council brings together industries and professionals connected to national and international commerce in Hampton Roads.
“Hampton Roads occupies a vital place in global commerce,” said Lauren Foley, newly elected President of HRGCC. “The Council gives port, logistics, transportation, academic, business, and professional leaders a practical forum to exchange ideas, build relationships, and promote commerce through Virginia. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with Brian, Ken, Jeff, and the full board as we continue that work.”
Foley works with The Port of Virginia’s sales team, supporting Mid-Atlantic-based beneficial cargo owners and U.S.-flag business. Blickensderfer, Plant Manager at Arreff Terminals Inc., brings experience from the terminal and logistics sector. Dr. Kahn, Professor of Marketing in Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, brings nationally recognized academic and research experience in product innovation, product management, marketing management, and demand forecasting. Wilson, Counsel with Pender & Coward, brings more than 20 years of legal experience in employment law, litigation, local government, and business-related matters.
The new officer team reflects the breadth of the region’s commerce ecosystem, including port operations, terminal management, higher education, professional services, and law. That range of experience will support HRGCC’s programming and its continued service as a trusted forum for the region’s commerce community.
Founded in the early 1950s, HRGCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting international commerce through the Hampton Roads region. The Council fulfills that mission through education, information-sharing, networking, and signature programming, including the State of the Port, the Supply Chain Summit Series, and the Commerce Builder Award.
The Commerce Builder Award, presented since 1956, recognizes individuals and companies whose contributions have significantly influenced the growth of commerce and trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For more information about the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council, visit our website.
The Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes national and international commerce through the Hampton Roads region. HRGCC provides educational programs, information-sharing, and networking opportunities for professionals and organizations connected to commerce, transportation, logistics, and related industries.
