Virginia Maritime Association: 105th Annual Maritime Banquet

At the 105th Annual Maritime Banquet, the VMA celebrated the maritime industry, presented its Distinguished Service, Port Champion, and Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon awards; premiered the Oceans of Opportunity and 55-Foot Wider, Deeper, Safer videos; and announced a partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to support shutdown relief efforts.

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) welcomed more than 800 maritime professionals, industry partners, and honored guests to the 105th Annual Maritime Banquet on October 16, 2025. Since 1920, the event has remained one of the Commonwealth’s most anticipated traditions, recognizing individuals whose leadership and service have strengthened Virginia’s ports and maritime industries.

David White, Executive Director of the Virginia Maritime Association, announced a partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to support its shutdown relief efforts. Emphasizing that “Virginia’s Maritime Community Stands Together,” he called on the maritime industry to join the campaign and help those affected by the ongoing shutdown. To strengthen the effort, the Virginia Maritime Association will match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, doubling the impact for individuals and families in need.

Guests celebrated the progress of the Wider, Deeper, Safer® 55-Foot Channel Project, the result of decades of collaboration among the VMA, The Port of Virginia®, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project will mark a milestone achievement, giving Virginia the deepest channels on the East Coast and enhancing its role as a global trade leader.

The banquet featured the premiere of Virginia’s Maritime Workforce: An Ocean of Opportunity, a video celebrating the people who power the Commonwealth’s maritime economy.

VMA honored exceptional maritime leaders with the Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon, Port Champion, and Distinguished Service Awards.

Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Award

The newly established Clifton Styles, Jr. Beacon Award was presented posthumously to Clifton Styles, Jr., honoring those who guide others through integrity, teamwork, and spirit. His family attended the event and accepted the award on his behalf, sharing in a heartfelt tribute to his lasting impact and example. Each day, colleagues and team members across Virginia’s maritime community dedicate themselves to their work, often without seeking attention or acclaim. The award recognizes those individuals who serve daily as beacons of excellence, casting a positive light on Virginia’s maritime industries. In recognition of Mr. Styles’ legacy of mentorship and service, the award now bears his name and will be presented three times annually, with nominations open to VMA members and member companies.

Port Champion Award

The Port Champion Award, given to individuals who, without direct business interests, have embraced the maritime community with a spirit of cooperation and whose actions have substantively improved Virginia’s ports and marine transportation system, was presented to CAPT Peggy Britton, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia, and W. Sheppard “Shep” Miller III, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. CAPT Britton was recognized for her leadership in advancing the safety and security of Virginia’s ports through collaboration between government and industry. CAPT Britton was unable to join the celebration, and the VMA accepted the award on her behalf. Secretary Miller was honored for his efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and port access, strengthening Virginia’s supply chains and supporting statewide economic growth. The Virginia Maritime Association extends its sincere congratulations to both recipients for their exceptional leadership and service to Virginia’s port community.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award, bestowed upon industry leaders who demonstrate extended involvement and readiness to assist the maritime industry in promoting, protecting, and encouraging Virginia’s ports, was presented to George H. Brown. Following service in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Mr. Brown began his maritime career in 1975 with the International Longshoremen’s Association, later rising to President and CEO of CP&O, LLC before his retirement in 2022. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact through his work with the Virginia Maritime Association, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, and Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners, among others. His influence has helped improve port safety, operations, and labor relations, positioning the Port of Virginia as a leading East Coast gateway. The Virginia Maritime Association extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Brown and thanks him for his decades of service and leadership in advancing Virginia’s port community.

“The Annual Maritime Banquet is about more than recognition; it’s about connection,” said David White, Executive Director of the Virginia Maritime Association. “It brings together the people and partnerships that continue to move Virginia’s ports, and our Commonwealth, forward.”

The 106th Annual Maritime Banquet will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026.