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Our Steering Committee

Barry Bishop

Barry Bishop is one of our original Steering Committee members; he has been a fierce early childhood champion throughout his tenure as Executive Vice President of Greater Norfolk Corporation. He is now retired, but continues to push the Hampton Roads community to elevate the importance of quality and affordable early childhood education. Barry stands firm in his conviction that in todays economy- developing, attracting and retaining talent is critical and it starts with each each family in South Hampton Roads being equipped and supported to raise children who are healthy, thriving and ready to learn.

Barry graduated from Old Dominion University with a BA in Political Science. He served for 10 years on the Norfolk Public School Board (1999-2009) and was also a long-standing board member for Smart Beginnings of South Hampton Roads when it was the regional early childhood coalition.

His favorite children's book author is Dr. Seuss. His favorite memory from kindergarten in Norfolk Public Schools is the hot, buttered rolls- "To die for."

“Companies are seeking to locate and grow in states that can attract the talent they need. Childcare continues to be one of the chief obstacles to employees returning to the workforce, which is why the criteria for the CNBC annual ranking of Best States for Business now includes the availability and affordability of qualified childcare facilities.”