The Hampton Roads Region: Our Time Is Now

The Hampton Roads Region ranks #37 in population, but #5 in Federal spending and #4 in federal employment.  The region has a unique mix of opportunities and assets that can be leveraged now for economic growth, focusing on key industries relevant to national priorities and transforming with innovation.  This talk will highlight these key economic assets and opportunities and discuss how regional collaboration is making the difference in advancing the region’s prosperity.

DATE: TIME: 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Hampton Yacht Club   Cottage
Address: 4707 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23669

Agenda:
6:00PM – Cocktails & Networking
6:30PM – Call to Order and Dinner
6:50PM – Club Business
7:00pm – Speaker Presentation
7:30PM -Adjourn

About your Presenter: Nancy L. Grden is President & CEO for the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable to expand the region’s   economy and collaboration, leverage entrepreneurship and innovation, and lead GO Virginia’s Region 5.

She recently led ODU’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and was inaugural Executive Director, Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation.

An executive, entrepreneur, and collaborative change agent, Ms. Grden founded/co-founded biotech/healthcare companies Genomind, Amerigroup, Lifescape, and Value Options.  She served as CMO/CDO with BankofAmerica and Elevance predecessor companies.   Her public sector experience includes U.S. HUD and National Conference of State Legislatures.

She is inaugural and past Chair of 757 Collab, past Chair of 757 Angels, and serves on numerous entrepreneurship, economic development and education boards.  Among her awards are numerous Virginia 500 Power List, Hampton Roads Inside Business Top 25 Power List, Women in Business Awards, and first “Regional Activator” award from Black BRAND.

Ms. Grden holds an MBA (University of South Carolina), Master of Regional Planning (University of North Carolina), and B.A. Economics (Bucknell University).

(February, 2026)