Like all great things in life and business, Robert Duvall’s path to Virginia was shaped by both opportunity and timing.
After dedicating two decades to Southern Company Gas in Georgia, he received an unexpected offer from a friend who was leading Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) and needed a strong operations leader.
At the time, Duvall and his wife had just finished remodeling their kitchen in Atlanta and had no plans of moving, but the chance to take on a new challenge in Virginia was too compelling to pass up.
The move turned out to be more than just a career shift—it became the beginning of a deep connection to the Hampton Roads community and one of the best decisions of his life.
“Hampton Roads is special,” Duvall says. “The people, the military influence, the hard-working community—it’s a place where someone like me, who went to Clemson and spent years in Georgia, can come and feel welcome.”
Today, as the Chairman of the Hampton Roads Alliance Board of Directors, he’s determined to make others feel welcome and dedicated to fostering growth, innovation and economic prosperity in the region.
A Vision for Hampton Roads
Businesses should be active citizens in the communities they serve. That’s a fundamental belief at VNG and a principle that has guided Duvall’s long-term engagement with the Alliance, dating back to the mid-2000s.
“Our company believes in quality, responsible growth and development. So does the Alliance. The Alliance brings together top talent and resources to focus on economic expansion, making Hampton Roads more attractive to businesses looking to establish or grow their footprint.”
Duvall has a deep understanding of the region’s unique economic opportunities thanks to regional connectivity.
And the Alliance is the center point for that.
Duvall sees the Alliance as an efficient, service-driven organization. By helping consolidate efforts across localities, the Alliance can maximize time, talent and resources to promote Hampton Roads on a national and global scale.
“We’re starting to understand that different localities can invest in projects outside their immediate area,” he explains. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
This philosophy is reflected in the Alliance’s new playbook—a strategic plan based on input from regional leaders and supported by data-driven analysis. The plan emphasizes not just business attraction but also retention, ensuring that existing companies have the support they need to thrive.
“There are a lot of companies that choose not just to stay here, but to expand here,” Duvall notes. “The playbook gives us a clear path forward.”
He believes that understanding the broader economic landscape is key to sustainable growth.
“I’ve seen regions that aren’t growing—they’re shrinking. Growth, when done responsibly, is crucial. It creates well-paying jobs and strengthens the local economy.”
Looking ahead, Duvall is focused on ensuring Hampton Roads remains competitive in attracting large-scale industry.
A Time for Hampton Roads
Reflecting on Hampton Roads’ future, he says, “our region will thrive.”
Why? Because the Alliance and its partners are embracing the region’s strengths—shipbuilding, cybersecurity, advanced technology and energy—and sees a bright future in re-militarization, reshoring and infrastructure development.
As Chairman of the Hampton Roads Alliance Board of Directors, Duvall is more than just a business leader—he’s a regional advocate, a strategist and a champion for responsible growth. His unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, investment and vision is helping shape a thriving future for Hampton Roads.
“If I seem optimistic, it’s because I am,” he says. “This is our time.”
