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May 8, 2026
Railway Age
The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) Board of Commissioners has appointed Sarah J. McCoy as CEO of The Port of Virginia®, the fifth leader since port unification in 1972. She has been serving as interim CEO and Executive Director since January.
McCoy, 40, joined VPA, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 12 years ago. Before taking on the interim post, she was VPA’s General counsel from 2017-22 and subsequently served as Chief Administrative Officer. In those roles, she oversaw legal strategy, human resources, risk management, procurement, contracts and enterprise governance.
In 2025, McCoy led the team that helped the port renegotiate its lease for Virginia International Gateway, and in doing so secured an agreed upon sale price for the terminal when the lease expires in 2065, according to VPA. Additionally, it said, she has been an integral part of the team leading the port’s $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program, a capital construction campaign that will lead to more cargo and rail capacity at Norfolk International Terminals, the deepening and widening of the Norfolk Harbor and shipping channels, and the conversion of Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a heavy-lift facility.
“We spoke to many very capable and experienced leaders inside and outside the maritime industry across the globe” VPA Board Chairman Bill Kirk said. “We are very fortunate to have the best candidate for the job right here at the VPA. Sarah is an experienced and perceptive business leader and has the vision and skillset to lead The Port of Virginia into the next decade as we continue our work to make the Commonwealth of Virginia the best place to locate your business.”
“I am honored to serve as the CEO of one of the Commonwealth’s leading economic engines,” McCoy said. “We have the infrastructure, people, and performance to continue defining the future of American trade, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. I look forward to putting these advantages to work to attract business to Virginia and continue delivering for our customers and communities across Virginia.”
“The Port of Virginia is an important engine for trade, investment and job creation throughout the Commonwealth and having a leader like Sarah, who brings significant institutional knowledge to the leadership role, is important,” Virginia Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue said. “This decision also brings continuity with it, so the port will be able to continue on its path forward without any disruption in leadership. This sends a strong message that the port will continue to be a powerful economic engine for Virginia, helping attract new businesses and anchoring a healthy maritime trade industry on our shores.”
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