Monday, August 18, 2025

Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander Named Vice Chairman Sail250® Virginia Executive Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 18, 2025

Contact: Karen Scherberger

CEO/President Sail250® Virginia

Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander Named Vice Chairman Sail250® Virginia Executive Board

NORFOLK, VA — August 18, 2025 — Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., and Sail250® Virginia are pleased to announce that Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander was recently named as a new Director of the Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. Board of Directors and appointed Vice Chairman of the Sail250® Virginia Executive Board, effective immediately. Dr. Newby-Alexander assumes both positions previously held by the Honorable Jerrauld Jones, who served with distinction until his passing earlier this year. Dr. Newby-Alexander has served on the Sail250® Virginia Executive Council and Education Committee since 2020.

Dr. Newby-Alexander is a renowned historian, author of over 40 publications, and civic leader with a distinguished record of scholarship and public engagement. She currently serves as the Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture and is the former Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norfolk State University. Her extensive academic and community work has made significant contributions to preserving African American history and advancing inclusive dialogue throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Newby-Alexander into this leadership role,” said Karen Scherberger, CEO/President of Sail250® Virginia. “Her deep understanding of Virginia’s history and her commitment to civic engagement will bring invaluable perspective to our mission as we prepare to host this historic international military and maritime event in Norfolk and throughout the Commonwealth to honor America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.”

Sail250® Virginia is part of the national series of commemorative events marking the semiquincentennial of the United States. The event will bring together a majestic fleet of the world’s greatest naval and education vessels in a historic goodwill tour to five US official ports (New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston) and attract millions of visitors to Norfolk and the Chesapeake Bay region in June 2026, spotlighting the port’s maritime heritage, cultural diversity, and historic significance.

Dr. Newby-Alexander’s leadership will help ensure that Sail250 ®Virginia reflects the depth and breadth of the Commonwealth’s story, highlighting voices and experiences that have shaped the nation’s path over the past 250 years.

For more information about Sail250®Virginia visit https://sail250virginia.com

Sail250® Virginia is sponsored by:

Virginia is for Lovers, the City of Norfolk, Sentara, TowneBank, Crofton Industries, Dominion Enterprises, E. G. Middleton, Inc., McLeskey, MHI Ship Repair & Services, W.F. Magann Corporation, Colliers, Fairlead, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, Light Tech, Inc., Virginia 250 Commision, Virginia Pilots Association, Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., Perry Family Foundation, Visit Norfolk, BAE Systems, Bay Power Solutions, Coastal Precast Systems, Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance, Elizabeth River Concrete, S. B. Ballard Construction Company, Decker Law, Schaubach Fund/Suffolk Foundation.

Download All