City Council Regular Meeting

Phillip Jones is the 27th Mayor of Newport News, Virginia, and the city's youngest directly elected mayor. In this role, he is committed to improving education, investing in public safety, and modernizing City Hall. Under his administration, Newport News was awarded the All-America City designation for the first time, highlighting the city's progress and dedication to community engagement and improvement.

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Mayor Jones received a Vice Presidential nomination to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. He later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard Kennedy School.

Over the past decade, Mayor Jones has held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. As a Marine Corps infantry officer, he led peacekeeping and security missions on four continents. As a consultant with Bain & Company, he advised Fortune 500 companies, cities, and nonprofits on strategy, marketing, organization, and operations. He continues to serve as a Major in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Mayor Jones is committed to leveraging public-private partnerships to drive growth, enhancing City Hall's efficiency, and elevating the profile of Newport News on a national scale.

Mayor Jones can be contacted by emailing the Mayor's Office, calling 757-926-8403 or by mailing the address below.

Mayor's Office
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue, 10th Floor
Newport News, VA 23607

Mayor's Office | Newport News, VA - Official Website (nnva.gov)

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Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany III is a longtime resident of Newport News and is a proud graduate of Woodside High School.

Vice Mayor Bethany is a dedicated public servant with a diverse career that spans the public and private sectors. With a strong background in economic development, finance, business analytics, and non-profit work, Vice Mayor Bethany has made significant contributions in various professional settings.

In November of 2022, Vice Mayor Bethany was elected to the Newport News City Council, representing the citizens of the North District. His election marked a historic moment, as he became the youngest Black citizen ever elected in Newport News history. Additionally, his colleagues selected him to serve as Vice Mayor, making him the youngest person to ever hold the title. In addition to his role on City Council, Vice Mayor Bethany currently serves as the Chair of the Finance and Government Performance Committee for the City of Newport News. Furthermore, Vice Mayor Bethany serves on the Virginia Municipal League's Board of Directors, helping to shape public policy at the state level and champion the needs of local governments.

Vice Mayor Bethany earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Virginia Peninsula Community College, formerly known as Thomas Nelson Community College. He then pursued a bachelor's degree in business administration, double majoring in accounting and finance at Old Dominion University. He further advanced his education by earning a master's degree in public policy with a concentration in public administration from Liberty University, along with a business analytics certification from Cornell University.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Vice Mayor Bethany is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, incorporated and is a devoted family man. He is married to Sema'J King-Bethany, and together they have a daughter, Aniyah Bethany, who continues to inspire and motivate them in their personal and professional lives.

Through his leadership in government, dedication to community service, and commitment to fostering positive change, Vice Mayor Bethany is a leading voice for the next generation of leaders.

Vice Mayor Bethany can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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Associations:
•  Newport News Green Foundation (Member)
•  Newport News Human Rights Commission (Member and Past Vice Chair)
•  Virginia Peninsula Community College Board of Directors (Former Member)

Councilman Coleman has had a remarkable journey from his early life in South Korea to becoming a dedicated public servant and community leader in Newport News. After moving to Newport News as a child, he thrived in the local school system and was deeply involved in youth sports alongside his three brothers. His commitment to the community continued after high school when he pursued higher education at Thomas Nelson Community College and embarked on his career with the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout his public safety career, Councilman Coleman was driven to make a difference, rising to the rank of Major and Operations Bureau Chief for the Newport News Sheriff’s Office. He played a pivotal role in planning and implementing advanced operational systems and serving on committees that enhanced public safety and overall community well-being.

After more than 25 years of service, Councilman Coleman retired from the Sheriff’s Office to become the Chief Operating Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. As COO, he leads a team of dynamic youth development professionals responsible for the safety, security, and social-emotional development of over 2,000 children on the Peninsula.

Outside of his professional duties, Councilman Coleman's passion for community service is evident in his involvement with various organizations, including the Newport News Police Foundation, People 2 People, Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula, Alternatives, Inc., and initiatives supporting women and children in need. His dedication to these causes reflects his deep belief in giving back and making a positive impact.

Councilman Coleman’s personal life is anchored by his family—his wife, Jamie, and son, Jacob—and he remains extremely close to his parents and three brothers.

Councilman Coleman's story is one of dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to improving the lives of others in Newport News through his professional endeavors and extensive community involvement.

Councilman Coleman can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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Councilman John R. Eley III was elected to the Newport News City Council in November of 2022 and serves the citizens of the South District.

As a lifelong native of Southeast Newport News, Councilman John R. Eley, III has witnessed firsthand the rapid growth of our city, as well as the strong spirit of our citizens. A graduate of Menchville High School in Newport News, John is a former member of the Newport News School Board, an active member of the community, a local business owner, and the Director of the What’s Next Foundation. 

Councilman Eley is a passionate advocate for career, technical, and arts education programs.  His priorities include workforce development, affordable housing, youth programming, economic development, and quality education. 

As an elected official on the Newport News School Board, Councilman Eley led the integration of Arts into the STEM curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school levels, producing a STEAM focused educational program for the City of Newport News. This pioneered the introduction of new courses, including Music Production, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship into city schools. 

During his tenure on the Newport News School Board, Councilman Eley was instrumental in implementing policies that directly increased the city’s graduation rate to 93.4% and decreased the dropout rate to 2.2%.  He also advocated that all employees of Newport News Public School System continue to receive consistent increases in annual wages and worked to ensure that all high schools in Newport News meet or exceed the state accreditation standards for Virginia. 

Councilman Eley is the Director of What’s Next, an initiative that connects residents with workforce training to advance career preparation and financial stability. The program serves young people and adults of all ages in career readiness/entrepreneurship workshop series.   Bi-weekly meetings are held in the Southeast Community to connect citizens with community education providers, including Virginia Peninsula Community College and Hampton Roads Workforce Council. Residents are referred to workforce development programs that are tuition-free for Virginia residents whose income falls below 400% of the federal poverty level. 

Councilman Eley has initiated anti-gang violence reduction programs throughout the city to make our community safer.  Through the iCount Program, participants receive mentorship, team building, youth development, and career placement supports.   Councilman Eley also developed relationships with local small businesses to bridge the gap between education and workforce development. 

In addition to his significant public service activities, Councilman Eley enjoys volunteering in the community.  He regularly hosts toy drives and distribution events during the holidays, conducts food drives, leads and participates in stop the violence events, and helps program arts and STEAM activities. 

Councilman Eley can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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Associations:
•  Alternatives Board of Directors (Member)
•  Hampton University Repertory Theatre Advisory Council (Member)
•  Let Our Voices Empower Board of Directors (Member)
•  Newport News Education Foundation (Member)
•  Newport News School Board (Former Member)

Dr. Marcellus L. Harris III, a lifelong resident of Newport News, VA, is a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate for youth empowerment and community development. A proud member of the last graduating class of Ferguson High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from East Carolina University, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Hampton University, and a Doctor of Divinity from Canaan Theological Seminary and College.

With a career rooted in service, Dr. Harris began as a professional school counselor in Newport News Public Schools, where he founded the P.R.I.D.E. Program (Perfecting Responsible and Intelligent Demeanor Everyday) to mentor and empower young men toward academic and social success. His leadership extended to organizing career fairs, speaking engagements across the region, and serving as youth minister at First Baptist Church Morrison under the pastoral guidance of his late father, Dr. Marcellus L. Harris, Jr.

In 2016, Dr. Harris was elected to represent the North District on Newport News City Council, where he continues to serve following re-elections in 2020 and 2024. In this role, he has contributed to regional boards including the Hampton Roads Community Action Program, the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority, and currently, the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads.

Dr. Harris’s lifelong passion is mentoring and building safe, thriving communities. Guided by his commitment to social justice, equality, and service, he works tirelessly to empower others to reach their full potential and to continue the legacy of leadership and advocacy instilled by his father.

Councilman Harris can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E. was elected to the Newport News City Council in November of 2022 and serves the citizens of the Central District.

Cleon M. Long. P.E. is a native of Newport News and a proud product of the Newport News Public School system. As a youth, he volunteered with various organizations throughout the city, including St. Francis Nursing Home, student tutor, and member of the Newport News Superintendent’s Education Advisory Group.  He was also involved with the Mayor’s Youth Commission and the Youth Task Force for the Newport News City Planning Commission.

After graduating high school, Councilman Long attended college in Atlanta, GA.  He received a Bachelor of Science in General Science from Morehouse College and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Upon graduating from college, Cleon returned to his hometown in 2004. In 2011, Cleon obtained a Professional Engineering License. He is currently an engineer with Zachry Nuclear Engineering Inc.

Cleon is married to a former high school classmate and has two children. As a family, they enjoy relaxing at the Lion’s Bridge, attending local summer concerts at Port Warwick, spending time with family and friends as well as weekly Mass.

Cleon is passionate about supporting small businesses and ensuring all individuals have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing, employment opportunities, and quality education. 

Councilman Long can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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Community Involvement: 

• Thrive Board of Directors - (January 2025 - Present)
• Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of the VA Peninsula (Member, January 2020 – December 2022)
• Board of Directors for Girls Scouts of the Colonial Coast (Member, March 2007 – March 2009)
  
• Board of Directors First Spark (formerly Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula) (Member, July 2021 – Present)
• Board of Trustees for the Virginia Living Museum (Member, July 2018 – July 2023)
• Newport News Board of Zoning Appeals (Member, July 2020 – December 2022)
• Newport News Commission on Youth (Member, November 2004 – December 2009)
• Newport News Planning Commission (Member, March 2008 - January 2016, Past Vice Chair, Jan 2014 – Dec  2014)
• Virginia Living Museum, Board Representative (Board Representative, July 2016 - June 2018)
• Warwick Rotary Club (Member, April 2006 – Current, Past Club President, July 2010 – Jun 2011)

Councilwoman Tina L. Vick was elected to the Newport News City Council in May of 2008 and serves the citizens of the South District.

Councilwoman Tina Vick was born and raised in Newport News in the southeast community, where she continues her desire to implement policy and programs to enhance the lives of all Newport News residents.

Councilwoman Vick has also published several articles including:

• A Human Resource and Community Development Journal, Helping Virginia’s Future: The Resource Mothers Program, Volume II; October 1988
• Daily Press, Take this job…and love it; September 1988
  

Councilwoman Tina Vick has one daughter, Teunsha Vick and a son, Terrance Vick. She also has three grandsons, Shamar Vick, Brandon Diggs and Tyson Carter.

Education

• 1980: Homer L. Ferguson High School
• 1984: Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications – Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia
• 2001: Alpha College of Real Estate

Experience

• Owner / Principal Broker: Tina L. Vick Realty & Development, LLC
• Director: Peninsula Community Development Corporation
• Real Estate Agent: John E. Wood Realty, Inc.
• Director: New Orleans Marine Institute
• Counselor: Peninsula Marine Institute
• Marketing Specialist: Community Arts Program
• Resource Specialist: Office of Human Affairs

Honors

• 1998: Outstanding Leadership and Dedication Award, New Orleans Marine Institute
• 1992: Outstanding Staff Award, Peninsula Marine Institute
• 1980: Recipient of the 1st Newport News Redevelopment & Housing Authority Scholarship

Organizations

• Member of Experience Life Church
• Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads
• Hampton Roads Regional Jail
• Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
• First Vice President National Council of Negro Women
• Peninsula Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board
• Virginia Association of Housing Counselors
• Hampton Roads Housing Consortium
• VHDA Multicultural Advisory Committee
• VHDA Homeownership Education Trainer
• National Association of Minority Contractors

Councilwoman Vick can be contacted by emailing City Council, calling 757-926-8618 or by mailing the address below.

City Council
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

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