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Real Estate 2025: LAWSON, STEVE
CHAIRMAN, LAWSON COS., NORFOLK
Virginia Business //September 2, 2025//
Real Estate 2025: LAWSON, STEVE
CHAIRMAN, LAWSON COS., NORFOLK
Virginia Business //September 2, 2025//
Lawson has been chairman of his family’s 53-year-old real estate company since 2016. Previously, he served as president for 17 years.
A third-generation builder and developer, Lawson has long been an advocate for equitable and affordable housing, testifying before Congress and using his leadership positions with the National Association of Home Builders to raise awareness. This passion is also reflected in the firm’s work.
In November, Lawson Cos. broke ground on Smith Ridge Commons, a 216-unit apartment community in Roanoke that will provide housing to people who make 60% or less of the area median income, and the company plans to build a $20 million, 144-unit apartment complex in Richmond.
In September 2024, the company announced Carl Hardee’s planned retirement as president and CEO. Aaron Phipps, formerly chief financial officer and senior vice president, succeeded him.
Lawson earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Duke University. He’s a director of the Lawson Family Foundation and the Nancy Bush Lawson Memorial fund, two donor-advised funds administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
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