Kenneth Cooper Alexander was elected Mayor of the City of Norfolk in 2016, and was re-elected in 2020. In this role, he is a dedicated advocate for economic empowerment, education and tackling the root causes of violence to reduce crime within the community. The Norfolk native began his public service career more than two decades ago. He served in the Senate of Virginia from 2012 through 2016, and in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 through 2012. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Dr. Alexander was a member of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority, City Planning Commission and Human Services Commission. He began his community service as president of Berkley’s Beacon Light Civic League and Beacon Light Community Development Corporation. Dr. Alexander is also chancellor of a network of career community colleges, 14 Aviation Institute of Maintenance campuses and six Centura College and Tidewater Tech locations, and serves as president of Metropolitan Funeral Services. He is a member of the Greater Norfolk Corporation, the Norfolk Chapter of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and an alumnus of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.