Age: 39

Job: Coordinator of Secondary Performing Arts, Portsmouth Public Schools

At work: I lead programs in music, dance and theater while directing Porte Towne Magic!, our premier performing arts brand. Beyond education, I serve on the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra board and the Parks and Recreation Commission, where I work to connect arts, culture and economic development in shaping Portsmouth’s future.

Home and family: I grew up in the Hickory area of Chesapeake and live in Portsmouth with my wife and two daughters.

Volunteer activities: I am active at my church, New Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Chesapeake, where I am minister of music and volunteer wherever I’m needed. Whether leading worship, supporting ministries or lending a hand behind the scenes, my faith grounds my commitment to service and extends into how I give back to the broader Portsmouth community.

Motivating factor: Data, progress and hope. Data allows me to make informed decisions that strengthen programs and communities. Progress drives me to move projects forward and measure real impact. And hope fuels my belief that through the arts, education and public service, we can create opportunities that transform lives and uplift entire communities.

Advice to young people: Dream big and don’t be afraid to pivot if your plan isn’t working. Keep your faith, never give up and exhaust every option to achieve success.

Professional goal in five years: I see myself continuing to grow in public service and leadership, with the goal of running for local office to help make meaningful changes in local government. I also plan to broaden my business portfolio by investing in commercial property and creating new businesses alongside my wife, building both community impact and generational legacy.

The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: It would be our approach to regionalism. Too often challenges such as homelessness, workforce housing, education, mass transit and business recruitment are viewed as individual city issues rather than opportunities for metropolitan collaboration. A united perspective would allow us to tackle these challenges more effectively and position Hampton Roads as a stronger, more competitive region.

Region’s biggest asset: Its diversity — ranging from rural farmlands to Fortune 500 companies, urban centers, beaches and historic landmarks — all tied together by the water. Hampton Roads is uniquely connected by its bridges and tunnels, anchored by the Port of Virginia and the world’s largest naval base.

Downtime: I enjoy being outdoors with my daughters, working in my yard and reading car articles. I also collect model cars — some dating back to my early childhood — which are displayed in my home office.

What really gets under my skin: “Placeholders” in leadership, people who hold titles for the sake of appearances without doing the work justice. I’m also frustrated by leadership structures that are so tiered and layered that transparency and results get lost in the process. Lastly, I dislike fake outrage on selective issues rather than equitable concern for all communities and diverse groups.

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-joe-harmon-iii/