Florence Kingston- Speaker

Florence Kingston serves as the Director of Newport News Department of Development and has dedicated her 45-year career to economic development in Newport News. A lifelong local and proud graduate of the University of Virginia, Florence has played a pivotal role in shaping Newport News into a vibrant, business-friendly City.

Her leadership and creative deal structuring have been integral in securing transformative projects for Newport News, including multiple expansions by Ferguson, Canon Virginia and Liebherr, the development of the Tech Center Research Park and growth of Jefferson Lab, the development of City Center at Oyster Point and redevelopment in the City’s Southeast Community. Florence also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Locus, supporting community-based investments across the Commonwealth.