Jared Chalk ’05 majored in business administration at Bridgewater College and expected to work in the real estate industry after graduation. However, when the Norfolk, Va., native was presented with the opportunity to return to his hometown and work for the city’s government, Chalk accepted.
Over his 19-year career, Chalk has risen through the ranks of local government, gaining valuable experience that positioned him well to accept a recent gubernatorial appointment to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)’s Committee on Business Development and Marketing. The VEDP works to encourage the expansion and diversification of Virginia’s economy, and, in his new role, Chalk will advise the VEDP and state leadership on business development and marketing across the commonwealth.
Chalk believes Bridgewater set him up with the skills he needed to succeed in this role and throughout his professional life.
“I think Bridgewater provides you with a foundation in leadership, critical thinking and collaboration with a team,” Chalk says. “That foundation helped push me forward in the business world.”
For Chalk, such a foundation came from more than just academics. As a competitor on the BC men’s basketball team, Chalk learned the importance of persevering and putting in the work, even when it was not easy. He says playing basketball also gave him the chance to be a part of a close-knit community and practice being an effective team member and leader.
“Sports kept me out of trouble, frankly,” Chalk jokes. He adds, “It keeps you grounded. There’s always something to do year-round, so you always have to do your work for the team’s benefit.”
The foundation Chalk received at BC has served him well as he advanced his career. His first job after graduation was as a Quality and Finance Analyst for the City of Norfolk where he learned how governments stimulate economic growth by expanding local businesses and attracting investments from both national and international organizations. A handful of years later, Chalk made the formal transition from finance to economic development, and he eventually served as Executive Director of Norfolk’s Economic Development Authority.
In 2022, Chalk accepted the position of Chief Business Development Officer with the Hampton Roads Alliance, marking a shift in focus in his work from local to regional. In his current position, Chalk works for the benefit of more than two million Virginia residents who live in New Kent County just outside of Richmond down to Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
This position has also brought Chalk closer to economic leaders at the state level. In his view, state leadership has been helpful and supportive in attracting businesses and strengthening the local economy, pointing to CNBC’s ranking of Virginia as the 2024 Top State for Business as evidence. Now, in his advisory role with VEDP, Chalk is excited to put his expertise to work on a state-wide level.
“You’ve got to evolve and go with the changing tides,” Chalk says of his career path and the opportunities that came his way. But right now, Chalk says he is focused on the opportunity in front of him. “I’m excited to keep pushing things forward at the state level.”
– Eli Quay ’20
10/21/2024
