Doug Smith became President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance in September 2019, leading a team of professionals in business development, intelligence, and marketing. He oversees operations for the region’s economic development organization, representing 15municipalities and over 100 private sector investors, collaborating with state and local governments and the private sector on investment projects, expansions, and relocations.

A Portsmouth native, Doug has spent most of his life in Hampton Roads, holding key public sector roles such as City Manager of Norfolk, Deputy City Manager in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, and serving on Portsmouth City Council. His regional experience includes work with the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and Planning District Commission.

In the private sector, Doug was President & CEO of Kaufman & Canoles Consulting, advising developers, municipalities, and corporations. He also spent 12 years in banking at First Union Bank (now Wells Fargo), managing 31 Hampton Roads branches in his last role.

Doug earned a B.A. in History from the University of Virginia. A former Vice Chair of the Alliance Board, he has chaired the Urban Land Institute of Hampton Roads, Future Hampton Roads and the Portsmouth Port & Industrial Commission. He lives in Norfolk with his wife, Linda, and their two children.