JUDY BARRETT

Early in her career, Judy Barrett combined her love of water with her passion for serving clients. She’s spent most of her banking career in Norfolk, where she developed a niche working with harbor pilots, maritime attorneys, logistics coordinators and the like.

Barrett took the time to learn the different sectors in the maritime industry to better understand something as simple as how a can of beans ends up on the grocery store shelf. “It’s a beautiful dance,” she says. “I just found it so fascinating years and years ago.”

Barrett’s specialization in maritime logistics has led to other opportunities. She’s currently president of the Virginia Maritime Association, only the second woman ever to serve in this role. In 25 years with the association, Barrett has advocated for women and minorities to be considered for leadership positions and strives to be an “open book” for the next generation. In 2019, the Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk, honored her by establishing a fund in her name to benefit a sailing program for underprivileged children. 

Though she has yet to take up sailing herself, Barrett loves spending time boating, kayaking or getting her toes in the sand. Her love of water is only rivaled by her love for work. Barrett has become the point of contact for her clients — most of whom she’s worked with for decades, including the past 20 years at TowneBank. “I love knowing all about them and taking care of them, and they know that.”