The Virginia Maritime Association held its Annual Business Meeting on December 10, 2024, at the Neon House in Norfolk, to review strategic goals and legislative priorities, and to highlight the past year's activities and achievements in port, business, and workforce development. Members gained valuable insights into the many ways VMA keeps them Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. Key organizational updates included the launch of the Northern Chapter completing VMA’s statewide chapter coverage, a new structure to increase member employee participation, and the election of VMA’s board of officers and directors.

In the spirit of giving, VMA partnered with the United Way to collect essential items such as hats, gloves, and personal care products, making a meaningful impact in the community. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations to the meeting and holiday celebration, embodying the season’s spirit of generosity.

Election of Officers and Directors During the meeting, the Association conducted its annual election of Officers and Directors. VMA extends a warm welcome to the newly elected leadership team: President: Lang Williams, Colliers Vice Presidents: Capt. Kenneth Flowers, Moran Norfolk; and Capt. Whiting Chisman, Virginia Pilot Association; Camille Cherry, Crofton Treasurer: Dana Truxell, World Fuel Services Assistant Treasurer: Clyde Clark, Blue Ridge Bank Chairwoman: Judy Barrett, Towne Bank New 2025–2026 Directors: Kathy Alexander, Newport News Shipbuilding Clark Ambrose, Kuehne + Nagel Nick Chamberlin, Norfolk Southern Troy Erb, Wildcat Propellers Ray Jalkio, Service Transfer Jim Michalski, ZIM Integrated Shipping New 2024–2025 Directors: Michael Cuomo, Ocean Network Express (North America) Rick Holden, Riverside Logistics Rachel Shames, CV International Patrick Shim, LS Cable & System Congratulations to all appointees! The complete listing of the Board of Directors may be found at VAmaritime.com.

L-R: Lang Williams, Judy Barrett, Michael Cuomo, Ray Jalkio, Jim Michalski, Kathy Alexander, Rick Holten, Rachel Shames, Clark Ambrose, Troy Erb, and Patrick Shim

Introducing President Lang Williams

Lang Williams, a VMA member since 2007 and board member since 2015, was elected President, bringing decades of expertise and leadership. As Executive Vice President, Principal, and Board Member at Colliers International Virginia, Lang has dedicated his 30-year career to providing creative value-added solutions to businesses on their real estate needs. Lang has helped business clients reduce real estate occupancy costs by over $100 million and has served numerous developers and owners in the leasing and sale of over 13.1 million square feet of warehouse & logistics properties. During his career, Lang has completed 803 assignments valued at $1.84 billion globally on behalf of his valued clients.

Beyond his professional success, Lang has shown a steadfast commitment to serving the community and to workforce development. Lang serves as a member on the Board of Trustees at Norfolk Collegiate School, having just completed a three-year term as Chairman of the Board. In addition, Lang is co-founder of the Hampton Roads LogistXGames, which has raised over $143,000 for scholarships, fostering the next generation of maritime professionals. His extensive knowledge of logistics, real estate, and his passion for supporting Virginia’s maritime industry position him to lead VMA with distinction as it continues to champion the state’s maritime and supply chain sectors.

Lang shared, “I am honored to be elected president of Virginia Maritime Association. For over twenty years, I have seen the positive impact VMA makes on behalf of its members in promoting and protecting the critical Virginia maritime assets, and I look forward to supporting VMA’s mission, members, and staff in service as president.”