W Howard Myers President/CEO

The Honorable W. Howard Myers, former Mayor and current Councilmember representing Ward 5 in the City of Petersburg, is now serving in his third 4-year term.

He attended John Marshall High School, graduating from the Adult Accelerated Learning Center, focusing on Computer Operations at J Sargeant Reynolds, VCU Community Music School, and recently after delivering the 2015 Commencement Speech at Centura College of Richmond, VA received an Honorary Associate of Applied Science In Business Management Degree. Councilman Myers is also recognized as an International Recording Artist signed with Veksler Records Bronx, New York. The genre encompasses Deep House, Soulful House, interpretive spoken word, and Afro House.

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

18 years’ experience providing consultative and managerial services to public municipalities, and private sector agencies.

30 Years managing and/or interpreting policies and procedures in the realm of marketing and public relations, HR recruitment, classification, compensation, employee relations, as well as holding leadership roles on neighborhood boards and public commissions.

AWARDS

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority “Minted Coin” for Excellence in Public Service 2017

Recognition of Service Crater Planning District 2017

U.S. Army Command Logistics “Minted Coin” for Excellence in Public Service 2016

Honorary Associate of Applied Science in Business Management – Centura College 2016

Tim Reid Scholarship Foundation Award 2000 – 2002

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Project Management – 30 Franklin Building Petersburg, VA

Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters such as work procedures, complaints, or construction issues,

plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.

Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.

Facilities and Event Management – Cameron and 30 Franklin Buildings

Coordinate, Construct and Review Leasing Contracts

Verify and carryout agreed contractual responsibilities by parties.

Secure applicable cost and deposits

Coordinate scope of work contracted.

Ensure that all liability coverage is secured as mandated.

Manage and assist staff in various operations for setup and breakdown of events.

Manage facilities operations and maintenance daily.

Housing Specialist/Housing Counselor

Interview and screen clients for housing barriers and needs.

Interact and build relations with Landlords to promote permanent housing opportunities for homeless veterans/persons with HIV AIDS and their families.

Outreach and coordinate resources and services

Inspect and provide safe affordable permanent housing.

Provide housing and financial counseling when appropriate.

Public Relations and Marketing

Created, produced, and wrote content for WVST Student Council Radio broadcast.

USDA Conference 3 years VSU/RadioOne Richmond

Publish materials, public and communications to include TV appearances by Dean Hairston, flyers, newsletters etc.

Design and prepare weekly updates to website, both text, media, and pictures, serving as webmaster

Implement marketing tactics to improve company and university visibility.

Produce daily and annual updating of all materials including brochures, FAQ's, fact sheets, etc.

Create and maintain all related art and media databases.

Provide staffing support to local charitable committees and sub-committees in need of PR and Marketing

Employment/Selection

Advised HR staff in the recruitment process.

Investigated safety issues and conducted inquiries for accurate information and develop action plans.

Advised and implemented recruiting practices through various network opportunities.

Directed and administered background checks and drug/alcohol screenings when/where applicable.

Developed Internship opportunities for Dislocated Workers

Executed occupational placement for trained Interns.

Enforced policy and procedures as mandated.

Created customized training for specialized occupations.

Create occupational training sites with Employers.

Specific occupational placement for trained Interns

Serve as the liaison between Case Managers and Training Sites (employers)

Employee Relations

Interpret policies and procedures.

Counsel and determine resolutions of employee issues and documented concerns.

Oversaw employee grievances and mediated conflicts.

Established business and community partnerships to fulfill quarterly staffing goals.

Developed candidate qualifications to meet client goals and requirements.

Processed determinations of unemployment claims and grievances

Ensured compliance with regulations of state and federal laws.

Overview benefits and compensation with new employees

WORK HISTORY

Commercial Consultant Private Development 2017 - present

Housing Specialist 2016 - 2017

Housing Specialist 2012 – 2014

Public Relations and Marketing Specialist III Virginia State University 2011 – 2012

Crater Regional Workforce Investment Board 2010 - 2010

Public Relations/Facilities Manager Petersburg Regional Art Center 2008 - 2013

Vice President Light Industrial Division Excel Staffing Services 2008 - 2008

Customer Service Representative City of Petersburg 2004 - 2008

Program Support Technician Department of Motor Vehicles 2000 – 2004

Virginia Employment Commission 1999 - 2000

HR/PR and Facilities Manager Gipson’s LTD 1993-1998

HR Assistant/Principal Clerk City of Richmond 1980 – 1993

Boards and Commissions

Petersburg City Council 2011 – 

Chairman Economic Development and Tourism Standing Committee - Mayor’s Appointment (2017) Reappointed (2018)

Mayor Petersburg City Council (2015/17)

Board of Directors Virginia Gateway Region (2015/17)

Board of Directors Virginia First Cities (2015/17)

US Conference of Mayor’s (2015/2017)

Commission Member / Executive Committee Member Crater Planning District Commission (2015/17)

Policy Committee / Voting Member Metropolitan Planning Organization (2015/17)

State and Local Schools Steering Committee / Petersburg City Partnership with Schools (2015/16)

Member of the Virginia Municipal League and National League of Cities (2011/16)

Probation and Parole Re-Entry Council (2011/ )

Co-Chair Petersburg City of Readers (Public Library) Steering Committee 2007

PUBLIC SERVICE

Back to School and Health Day initiative with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield 2016

Vice President, Southside Virginia Council of the Arts, Petersburg, VA 2009

President, Folly Castle Neighborhood Association, Petersburg, VA 2006/08

Trustee, Historic Petersburg Foundation, Petersburg, VA 2005/07

President, Southside Virginia Council of the Arts, Petersburg, VA 2004/06

Designed for the Mayor's platform the Petersburg Public Library’s "Life Through Literature Annual Hometown Festival"

Advisory Board, Friday for the Arts, Petersburg, VA 2004/06

Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator; Tim Reid Scholarship Foundation Tidewater area 1998 - 1999

Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator; Tim Reid Scholarship Foundation Richmond/Petersburg Tri-cities Area 2000 – 2002

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Since January 2011 Councilman Myers facilitated the following initiatives to best serve out his representation of Ward 5 and the greater city of Petersburg.

To name a few…

1. 75+ demolished unsafe dilapidated houses in Ward 5 

2. Ban the Box on city applications 

3. City Recycling in school program 

4. Community Healthcare Initiatives to reduce health disparities

5. Virginia Avenue School as a Community Health, Wellness and Recreation Center (2015)

(Update 2023) adaptive reuse of the school into a Senior and Veterans Housing facility, as well as 50 additional affordable newly constructed homes for rent and homeownership

6. Humane treatment and less euthanization at our Animal Pound (2011 – ongoing) update initiating the fundraising and construction of a new Animal Sanctuary Facility 2024

7. Instrumental in bringing the Red Cross Administration back to Petersburg 

8. Negotiated the future arrival of a Bon Secours Primary Care facility to be located in the Freedom Support Center to serve our locality at large, as well as our veteran population. (closed 2016) currently Appomattox Health Network 2023

9. Created and motioned for the New Arts and Cultural Affairs Department update 2023 Initiated a newly formed Arts Council approved by City Council 2023 

10. Petersburg Communities Incorporated PCI movement for an African American Museum (ongoing in progress)

11. Petersburg Freedom Support (Veterans) Center former JET Furniture Store (update 2023)

12. Former Petersburg Freedom Support Training Center 22 W. Washington St. (Now Virginia Community Resource Center VCRC OneStop)

14. Restoration of Rights w/ the Rolling for Freedom Project (ongoing)

15. Street re-paving and marking (on going)

16. Wrote and submitted legislation for non-responsive derelict homeowners passed by the General Assembly

17. Tabernacle Baptist Church land acquisition for seniors and affordable housing 

18. Third Baptist Church land acquisition Farmer and South Streets 

19. To sell excess city owned real estate properties for redevelopment (ongoing)

20. Transparency of City Government (ongoing)

21. Voter Registration Drives

22. Major sponsor for the Delectable Heights Reunion 2014, 15, 16, and 17 (ongoing)

23. Ward 5 Community Clean Up (ongoing)

24. Initial supporter for the VSU Harding Street Community Hydroponics Garden Project (closed 2022)

25. Supporter of Petersburg Symphony Orchestra

26. Supported Concurrent (Dual) Enrollment programs for VSU with the Office of Partnerships and Engagement

27. Initiated the return of the Virginia Employment Commission to relocate in Petersburg

28. Facilitated the negotiations for the combined Workforce “Onestop” facility.

29. Initiated and reconvened the Workforce CLEO Regional Board 2016

30. Demanded accountability for the City of Petersburg’s Financial insolvency through the hiring of the Rob Bobb Group 2016

31. Provided Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to our Senior population 2016

32. Continued efforts in assisting people with barriers and conflicts to resolve key health and financial issues.

33. Advocate to enhance the delivery of service to the community, i.e. sidewalks, beautification and street repair.

34. Staunch supporter of Low-Income Tax Credits LITC revitalization of City run-down structures with Council approval of private economic developments for the working class. Totaling more than $150M

35. Facilitated and with Council’s authorization granted the City Manager the authority to accept the McKinney Library Bldg., as a Deed of Gift. This in conjunction, working with the City Librarian, to acquire the McKinney Library and its use for the benefit of the public and tourism, in the creation of an African American Museum of Petersburg’s 400 years of history. As a result of further research the McKenney Library did not need to be acquired by the City and as a result a Foundation was formed to accept the building from the family to start the efforts of an African American Museum with much debate.

36. ETC…

“Dreams should be fulfilled by the boundaries of your efforts, not the results of hatred, bigotry and remorse…”

W Howard Myers 2019