From humble beginnings, Mayor Rick West began his professional life as a public school teacher in the classrooms of Chesapeake, where he committed himself to shaping young minds and preparing students to face the world. And those who have known and worked alongside him say with conviction that Rick West embodies the transformative power of public service.

"I've always believed that with a dedicated heart and a steadfast devotion to helping others, anyone can uplift their community and contribute to its prosperity," Rick says with a genuineness and warmth that have become his trademark.

Raised in rural Chesapeake by extended family-with support from a community built on hard work, faith, and deep connections-Rick seamlessly integrated these values into what has become a remarkable career. From his early days in the public schools, to serving on our city council and as vice-mayor, and now leading as the city's chief executive, Rick's path reflects a lifetime of service driven by a deep love for Chesapeake. His legacy is one of strong leadership, rooted in the very values that have defined our community for generations.

"Growing up, my brothers and sisters and I had to stick together to face life's everyday challenges," Rick remembers. "I learned quickly that family can look different for everyone. But we made it through by leaning on each other and having a strong community behind us. Those lessons are something I carry with me every single day."

After graduating from Great Bridge High in 1970, Rick earned his associate and bachelor's degrees from Ferrum College and Old Dominion, followed by a Master's in Education from UVA and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech. But he credits his high school principal, former Virginia State Senator Harry Blevins, for inspiring his pride in community and giving him his professional start.

"After college, I started my teaching career at Great Bridge High, my alma mater, working under Harry Blevins, the best mentor I could have had," Rick says. "Harry hired me as a government teacher and student activities leader, and I was passionate about my work and eager to excel in it."

And that's exactly what he did. In short order, Rick achieved the honor of becoming the youngest administrator the city had ever seen, and his tremendous influence on our schools can still be felt today.

"I know parents move their families to Chesapeake because they want their kids to get the top-notch education we're known for," Rick says. "And I truly believe our students succeed because we've got an incredible team of caring folks-parents, teachers, alumni-who all come together for the good of our children. When kids feel love and support at school, they're a whole lot more likely to succeed. And as Mayor, I'm as committed as ever to keeping that strong partnership between city council, the school board, parents, and educators, so we can keep building on the great reputation Chesapeake's schools have earned."

After retiring from the public school system and working in the private sector with much success, Rick began searching for something that would allow him to fulfill his desire to make life better for others. Encouraged by close friends, he decided to explore the world of politics, ultimately choosing to pursue a seat on the city council, where he was elected and later appointed vice mayor, a role he held for a decade.

"I loved my time on the council," Rick says, "and when my friend and colleague, former mayor Alan Krasnoff, announced his retirement, I stepped in as interim mayor and then ran for the position myself. I was elected in 2018 and again in 2020, and have been serving as mayor ever since."

As mayor, Rick often proclaims that Chesapeake is destined for incredible opportunities and a high quality of life for all its residents. Under Rick's leadership, city departments work closely together to maintain Chesapeake as a desirable place to live, work, and play.

"I'm excited about all the economic opportunities coming our way," Rick says. "Economic development is key-it helps us do everything we need to do, from better schools to affordable housing and public safety. And since beginning my service as mayor, Chesapeake's growth has been beyond what anyone expected. Just look at the business and residential hub at Summit Pointe in Greenbrier, surrounding the Dollar Tree headquarters. It's bringing in good paying jobs and showing other companies what's possible here. Dollar Tree's put over $300 million into Chesapeake, which means more revenue for the city and more opportunities for everyone."

Rick's colleagues in city government often point to how he puts Chesapeake's citizens first in every decision he makes. His commitment to the people drives him to prioritize public safety, accessible amenities, low taxes, and quality jobs. His administration backs up these goals with action, treating citizens with respect and enforcing strong public safety measures to keep families, streets, and businesses secure.

"We're truly blessed here in Chesapeake to have our sheriff's department, police, and fire department all working together to keep folks safe," Rick assures. "That's why Chesapeake is known as one of the safest cities in America."

As mayor, Rick has secured significant pay raises for public safety professionals, helping to prevent staff shortages and maintain essential services in Chesapeake. And in an increasingly polarized political climate, he remains committed to civility, focusing on facts and respect rather than political agendas. His dedication to common-sense leadership has positioned Chesapeake as a model of civility.

"Being Mayor of Chesapeake has been one of the biggest honors of my life," Rick says with sincerity. "The main reason I'm running for re-election is to keep the good work going and help Chesapeake make the most of the new opportunities coming our way. Our city's growth is so important, and I believe my experience and dedication can help us reach even greater heights. I'm ready to serve another four years and see the job through."