Stephen Edwards, the CEO of the Port of Virginia, will leave his post at the end of the year for a job in the private sector.

Edwards’ tenure began in January 2021.  He is credited with overseeing significant growth at the port during an uncertain period for the industry. Since 2020, the POV has seen a 25% growth in containers — more than any other U.S. port — has seen a 53% increase in operating revenues and has reduced lost workdays to safety issues by 43%, according to the port’s data.

Among his accomplishments are renegotiating the lease for the Virginia International Gateway container terminal and making the port 100% reliant on clean energy sources in 2024, eight years ahead of the original target.

John W. “Bill” Kirk III, chairman of the Virginia Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners, said Edwards positioned Virginia for “continued success.”

“We cannot overstate the contribution that Stephen has provided during his tenure,” Kirk said in a release. “Under Stephen’s guidance The Port of  Virginia has been widely recognized as the highest performing port by customers and users. He has built a  strong commercial and operating culture that will serve us well moving forward.”

Edwards expressed gratitude to the staff of the port, saying they’re “among the strongest in the nation.”

“I am confident in their continued success and I look forward to monitoring their future contributions to global trade and securing Virginia’s prosperity,” he said in a news release.

Sarah J. McCoy, the port’s Chief Administrative Officer, will serve in the interim. A spokesperson did not provide a timeline for hiring a permanent successor.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/11/17/port-of-virginia-ceo-to-leave-at-years-end/