Virginia's Economic Development Arm Names Ike Prillaman, of Norfolk Southern, Board Chair
Richmond - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Board of Directors selected its new Chair, L. I. "Ike" Prillaman and Vice-Chair, Jean E. Clary. The officers were recently elected during the quarterly VEDP board meeting. The VEDP Board of Directors reports annually to the Governor on the status of the implementation of the state's comprehensive economic development strategy, and recommends legislative and executive actions related to it.
Ike Prillaman is Vice Chair and Chief Marketing Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation. He has a bachelor's degree from Emory and Henry College and a master's degree from the University of Wyoming. He is also a certified public accountant and a board member of several professional, trade and educational organizations. During his tenure with Norfolk Southern, Mr. Prillaman has been the chief real estate officer, Vice President and controller. He is currently responsible for Norfolk Southern's commercial activities and natural resources.
Jean Clary, President and CEO of Clary Realty Company, Inc., founded the firm in Emporia in September 1972 and became associated with CENTURY 21 in 1990. A regional real estate company, CENTURY 21 Clary & Associates operates in 10 counties in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina. Ms. Clary served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce from 1994-1996. Most recently, she has been a member of the board of directors for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Business Education Partnership, and Virginia Power, as well as co-chair of the Urban Partnership of Virginia.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business development and international trade.