Mayor Jimmy Gray may hold office in Hampton, but his influence and perspective stretch far beyond the city’s borders. Born and raised in Portsmouth, with a long public service career in Chesapeake and now proudly serving as mayor in Hampton, Gray is a true regional leader. His connection to the Hampton Roads community isn’t tied to just one locality—it’s woven across the entire map.

“I consider myself a regional person because I’ve touched so many different areas of Hampton Roads,” Gray says. “I grew up in Portsmouth, spent 26 years with Chesapeake Fire Department, moved to Hampton in 2004 as fire chief, and even lived in Suffolk—my son played Little League there.”

It’s that lived experience, both personal and professional, that shapes Gray’s commitment to regionalism, something he sees as essential to economic success in Coastal Virginia. As a board member of the Hampton Roads Alliance, he champions a collaborative approach to economic development—one that transcends city lines.

“The Alliance plays a vital role in promoting our entire region, not just one city,” Gray explains. “When a business opens in Virginia Beach, that could be a job for someone living in Hampton. When Norfolk attracts a company, it lifts the region. We have to think that way.”

Hampton itself is unique in its geographic and strategic position. With the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion underway, Gray believes the city will become an even more accessible and attractive place to do business.

“We’re central to the region,” he says. “If you’re looking for a place to start or grow a business, Hampton has what you need—history, beaches, Langley, NASA, the VA Medical Center, Fort Monroe.”

Because, he said, “we’re more built out,” Hampton focuses on business expansion and supporting other big projects in the region with locality partners, like LS GreenLink in neighboring Chesapeake.

“We all play a role in growing our region,” he says.

While some residents wish for every amenity within their city limits, Gray encourages a broader outlook.

Restaurants, he explains, won’t build the same restaurant in every city.

And that’s ok.

“The opportunities outside our city give people a reason to explore and enjoy the entire region. That’s a good thing.”

When he’s not leading council meetings or advancing economic development, Gray enjoys golfing, listening to jazz at local venues and spending time with his grandchildren at soccer and volleyball games.

His personal joy mirrors his professional outlook: explore the region, support your neighbors and celebrate what makes each city in Hampton Roads special.

“We all contribute to the strength of the region,” Gray says. “The collaboration among city leaders is what creates a great place to live, work and raise kids. I look forward to continuing to grow not just Hampton’s economy, but our regional economy.”

It’s a vision grounded in lived experience—and one that exemplifies the mission of the Hampton Roads Alliance.