McCoy named CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority

The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) Board of Commissioners today selected Sarah J. McCoy as the next chief executive officer of The Port of Virginia®. She has been serving as interim CEO and executive director since January 2026.

The announcement was made by Board Chairman Bill Kirk at a special meeting of the VPA board. The board gave unanimous approval to the resolution appointing McCoy as the VPA’s next leader.

“We spoke to many very capable and experienced leaders inside and outside the maritime industry across the globe” Kirk said. “We are very fortunate to have the best candidate for the job right here at the VPA. Sarah is an experienced and perceptive business leader and has the vision and skillset to lead The Port of Virginia into the next decade as we continue our work to make the Commonwealth of Virginia the best place to locate your business.”

McCoy, 40, joined the VPA 12 years ago. Before assuming the role of interim CEO, she was the VPA’s general counsel from 2017 to 2022 and subsequently served as chief administrative officer. In those roles she oversaw legal strategy, human resources, risk management, procurement, contracts and enterprise governance.

“I am honored to serve as the CEO of one of the Commonwealth’s leading economic engines,” McCoy said. “We have the infrastructure, people and performance to continue defining the future of American trade, and that's exactly what we're going to do. I look forward to putting these advantages to work to attract business to Virginia and continue delivering for our customers and communities across Virginia."