Virginia Maritime Association Annual Business Meeting:
Progress, Priorities, and the Year to Come

On December 9, 2025, the Virginia Maritime Association brought members together for the 2025 Annual Business Meeting to review the year’s progress, recognize industry leadership, and set clear priorities for the work ahead. The discussions underscored how VMA continues to deliver on its commitment to keeping members Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented while advancing its mission to promote, protect, and facilitate commerce through Virginia’s ports. The meeting reflected both the momentum of the past year and the opportunities ahead as the Association positions itself for continued impact.

President’s Message

VMA President Lang Williams opened the meeting by underscoring the Association’s focus on growth, including the goal of reaching 500 member companies. He emphasized that expanding the membership base strengthens VMA’s ability to represent the maritime supply chain and broaden its voice across the Commonwealth. Williams also took time to recognize the VMA team for their dedication and hard work, noting that their daily efforts are central to advancing the Association’s mission and delivering value to members.

Port Champion Award

This year’s Port Champion Award honored CAPT Peggy Britton for her commitment to collaboration and her positive impact on port operations. The award was first announced at the Annual Maritime Banquet in October, but CAPT Britton was unable to attend due to the federal shutdown. VMA was pleased to recognize her in person at the Annual Business Meeting, where her leadership and collaborative approach were acknowledged as an important part of the region’s progress and Virginia’s continued competitiveness.

Honorary Lifetime Memberships

Williams also presented Honorary Lifetime Memberships to Mark Coberly, Principal at Woods Rogers and Vance Hull, Director of Business Development at Colonna's Shipyard, recognizing their long-standing service, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the Association’s mission. In accepting the honor, both shared their appreciation for the VMA and spoke to the value of staying engaged, encouraging members to get involved through committees and active participation to truly get the most out of their membership.

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director David White reflected on VMA's work of the past year, anchored by progress made under the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. Key areas of advancement included:

• 2025 Highlights:  Strengthened member engagement, increased statewide coordination, and expanded influence on issues shaping port competitiveness.
• Federal Policy Environment: Continued advocacy in Washington on dredging, infrastructure investment, maritime workforce needs, and policies affecting supply chain efficiency.
• New Unlimited Membership Structure: A redesigned model that removes caps on company participants, giving organizations greater flexibility to involve more employees across regions and disciplines.
• Statewide Chapter Coverage: VMA’s five regional chapters, Central, Northern Virginia, Southern, Southwest, and Valley Logistics, now form a connected statewide network that expands the Association’s reach and creates more opportunities for meaningful local engagement. The Northern Virginia Chapter, launched this year, has been especially well-received and is already strengthening connections within the region.
• Workforce Development: The launch of a dedicated Workforce Development Director position and new programming designed to better connect industry, educators, and training partners.
• Clifton Styles Jr. Beacon Award: A new recognition, named after Clifton Styles Jr., honoring individuals who strengthen their organizations and communities through quiet, steady leadership.  This award is to be presented three times each year. Nominations may be submitted by members and member companies. VMA is now accepting nominations due by February 25, 2026.
• VMA25: VMA's most successful conference to date, with a 17% increase in attendance, with 57% more shippers/BCOs attending. The conference also saw a 10% increase in the number of speakers as well as a 10% increase in sponsorships.

White also outlined 2026 focus areas to "Navigate to Better," which will guide VMA’s work in the coming year:

• Navigating to Better with AI:  Navigate to Better with AI reinforces the VMA member value proposition of trust by strengthening trusted relationships through connection, delivering trusted sources through timely and credible information, and serving as a trusted industry advocate through effective representation. Internally, VMA is also applying AI with discipline and oversight to address emerging AI risks while supporting continuous improvement across operations, ensuring the organization remains responsible, resilient, and forward-looking. As AI improves "the remaining human contribution SHIFTS TOWARDSjudgement, creativity and relationship management."
• Workforce Development Sustainability:  Workforce Development member-valued programs include the Maritime Career Guide, K–12 industry awareness initiatives, higher education program building, and member hiring event programs. As these efforts continue to grow in scope and impact, they increasingly require additional member support to ensure sustainability, relevance, and long-term success.
• Unrestricted Navigation
• Maritime Industrial Base
• Freight Friendly Policies is Economic Development Policy
• Governor & General Assembly engagement
• Continued rollout of Unlimited Membership

These priorities align with the upcoming Strategic Plan and reflect VMA’s commitment to preparing the maritime supply chain for new demands and technologies.

Election of Officers and Directors

Lang Williams recognized the Nominating committee’s work and presented the slate of Officers and Directors. Members unanimously approved the nominations, and President Williams congratulated the incoming leaders, expressing confidence in their ability to guide the Association through a period of meaningful growth and industry change. New members of the Board of Directors include Randall Crutchfield, Colonna’s Shipyard (2026–2027 term); Thomas Cross, Virginia Port Authority (2025–2026 term); Mary Beth Erb, Wildcat Propellers (2025–2026 term); and, by appointment, Richard Ottinger, Woods Rogers, Of Counsel, and Carl Dorsey, Colonna’s Shipyard, Young Maritime Professionals Co-chair. View the full slate here.

Recognizing the Team Behind the Work

The meeting included acknowledgments of the VMA staff and the Hampton Roads Shipping Association staff, whose dedication supports the daily operations and long-term success of the maritime community.

VMA’s Contributions and the Path Forward

In closing, members reflected on the value VMA delivers every day: keeping the industry Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. Continued financial support and a united effort to grow membership ensure that VMA can remain a strong advocate for the Commonwealth’s port industries.

With major infrastructure projects nearing completion, a rapidly evolving policy landscape, and a maritime workforce that is central to Virginia’s economy, VMA’s role has never been more important. The Annual Business Meeting affirmed a clear message: the Commonwealth’s maritime future is strong, and the Association is well positioned to lead it.

Following the meeting, guests spent time connecting, enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating the holiday season together.

Thank you to our sponsors for their support in making the evening both meaningful and memorable. Leadership Sponsors included Bay Power Solutions, Colliers, CV International, Givens, and McAllister. Industry Sponsors were Capes Shipping Agencies, CMP, Coastal Design & Construction, Crofton, Host, Excel Trucking Group, LS Greenlink, Seagate Terminals, VHB, and the Virginia Pilot Association. Benefit Sponsors included Mid Atlantic Leasing Corporation and Ventker Henderson Stancliff PLLC.