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The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) has appointed Sarah J. McCoy as the new Chief Executive Officer. This was announced during a special meeting of the VPA board, where Chairman Bill Kirk declared the unanimous approval of McCoy’s appointment. McCoy, who has served as interim CEO since January 2026, is the fifth executive of the VPA since the port’s merger in 1972.
Kirk commented on the decision, emphasizing that the VPA has found the best candidate for the position in McCoy. „We spoke with many capable and experienced leaders from the maritime industry worldwide. Sarah is an experienced and attentive CEO who has the vision and skills to lead the Port of Virginia into the next decade,“ said Kirk.
McCoy has been with the VPA for 12 years. Previously, she served as General Counsel from 2017 to 2022 and subsequently took on the role of Chief Administrative Officer. In these positions, she was responsible for legal strategy, human resources, risk management, procurement, contracts, and corporate governance.
„It is an honor for me to serve as CEO of one of Virginia’s leading economic engines,“ McCoy stated. She highlighted the existing infrastructure and capabilities of the port to shape the future of U.S. trade. McCoy announced plans to leverage these advantages to attract businesses to Virginia and continue serving customers and communities in the state.
In 2025, McCoy led the team that helped the port renegotiate the lease for the Virginia International Gateway. This resulted in an agreed-upon sale price for the terminal that will take effect upon the lease’s expiration in 2065. Additionally, she was a key part of the team that advanced the $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program, a construction project aimed at increasing capacity for cargo and rail traffic at the Norfolk International Terminals. This includes deepening and expanding the Norfolk harbor and shipping channels, as well as transforming the Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a heavy-lift facility.
Nick Donohue, Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation, emphasized the importance of the VPA for trade, investment, and job creation in the U.S. state. „A leader like Sarah, who possesses extensive institutional knowledge, is essential. This decision also brings continuity, allowing the port to continue its path without interruption in leadership,“ said Donohue.
The Virginia Port Authority is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It owns and operates four general cargo facilities through its private subsidiary, Virginia International Terminals, LLC (VIT): Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal, and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The VPA leases the Virginia International Gateway and the Richmond Marine Terminal. An economic study by the College of William and Mary shows that the Port of Virginia contributes more than 565,000 jobs and $63 billion to Virginia’s gross domestic product annually.
