2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: WILLIAM E. HARRELL

As leader of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Harrell brings more than 35 years of public service experience to this regional provider of public transportation serving the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. In his role, Harrell oversees a $145.4 million budget and more than 1,050 employees. For FY2025, HRT carried 9.46 million passengers.

HRT operates nearly 300 buses along more than 65 routes, as well as The Tide, Virginia’s only light rail system, which runs 7.4 miles through Norfolk. The transit provider also operates four 150-passenger ferries on the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Prior to joining HRT as its chief executive in 2012, Harrell worked for five years as Chesapeake’s city manager. He was previously a deputy city manager for Richmond and assistant city manager for Suffolk and Greensboro, North Carolina.

Harrell earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban and regional planning from the University of Virginia, as well as a master’s degree in public administration.

HOW I GIVE BACK: It is imperative for seasoned professionals to give back to the communities that helped shape them. I remain deeply grateful to those who offered me guidance, encouragement and support along my own journey. Their investment in me has inspired my commitment to pay that generosity forward by mentoring young professionals in both the transportation and local government fields.

SOMETHING I’VE LEARNED: Over the years, I’ve learned in countless ways that courage is not just important — it’s transformative. It is often the very thing that allows us to move forward when the path is steep or uncertain. In my leadership roles, I have always tried to let faith guide me, bringing light into dark places and strength into moments when it’s needed most.