Cliff Copley joined the Hampton Roads Alliance in 2022 as Business Development Director. In this role, Cliff helps recruit new businesses and assist existing companies with expansion needs, contributing to the Alliance’s goal of attracting jobs and capital investment to the region. Some of his responsibilities include responding to inquiries by prospects, site selection consultants, real estate brokers and the VEDP business development managers in addition to coordinating site tours for prospects while acting as host and facilitator during the visit.

Cliff, a native of Hampton Roads, has lived and worked in Hampton Roads for most of his life. Prior to joining the Alliance, Cliff worked as a Business Manager for Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership assigned to the Eastern Virginia region. In the role, Cliff lead expansion projects bringing over $250 million of capital investment and 1,000 jobs to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Cliff is known and well-respected in Hampton Roads and has developed invaluable relationships and partnerships within the business and economic development community of the area. His previous public sector experiences include serving as Business Development Specialist at Tidewater Community College Center for Workforce Solutions as well as Senior Zoning Officer at James City County’s Planning Division. In the private sector, Cliff served as Assistant Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Personal Banker at Bank of America, and Career Advisor at the ECPI University in Virginia Beach.

Cliff is a graduate of James Madison University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Public Administration, with a minor in political science. He is a member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and currently resides in Virginia Beach with two children.