Case studies: US Offshore Wind Opportunity 

• Exporting European offshore wind experience to the emerging US east coast market
• Update on upcoming projects, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Kitty Hawk
• Port of Virginia and supply chain readiness

Charles Macdowell, Representative Europe - UK Office , City of Virginia Beach

Charles Macdowell has represented Virginia Beach and its wider region of Hampton Roads since 2002. He works with British companies to help them establish and grow their US operations. Based near Ipswich, he is well connected in the offshore wind industry, and is a Founder Member of the European Foreign Direct Investment Association (EFDIA).

Virginia Offshore Wind Projects

John Larson, Director of Public Policy and Economic Development, Dominion Energy 

At Dominion, John has held leadership positions in business development, alternative energy technologies and construction.   He is well versed in offshore wind through his experience in the development and permitting for Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Pilot Project and is responsible for Dominion Energy’s B2B and outreach activity for the 2.6 GW CVOW Commercial Project.

Ian Robertson, HR/Crewing Manager, Seajacks 

Seajacks’ HR/Crewing Manager, Ian Robertson, has been responsible for the recruitment and development of Seajacks’ on and offshore crews since the company’s inception in 2009. Before Seajacks Ian was based in major oil and gas contracting companies servicing their global recruitment and management requirements.

With Seajacks operating offices worldwide, Ian has successfully navigated various country’s employment laws and requirements to crew 5 vessels and offices in the UK, Abu Dhabi, Taiwan and now the US.

The Port of Virginia: Building on Momentum. Moving Virginia’s Clean Economy Forward.

Chris Gullickson, Director, Economic Development, Port of Virginia 

Chris Gullickson joined The Port of Virginia in August of 2013.  He works closely with state, regional and local economic development professionals, with a goal of locating manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and maritime-related operations in Virginia. He previously served as Vice President of the regional Hampton Roads Alliance, charged with attracting new businesses to southeast Virginia.  

Offshore Wind Opportunities: how Virginia Beach can help

Laura Hayes, Business Development Coordinator, City of Virginia Beach 

Laura is responsible for business relocation or expansion assistance for international businesses in Virginia Beach. She meets regularly with corporate and site location decision makers around the world and within the United States. Laura has a Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Roanoke College. She also studied at Regents University in London.

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Virginia Beach Economic Development