How does McCoy's appointment affect ongoing port infrastructure projects?

McCoy led the team managing the $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program, ensuring continuity in execution. As permanent CEO, she maintains direct oversight of Norfolk International Terminals expansion, harbor deepening initiatives, and the Portsmouth Marine Terminal conversion—all critical to the port's competitive positioning.

What is the Port of Virginia's current ranking and throughput capacity?

The Port of Virginia handled 3.23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, ranking it sixth among U.S. container hubs. This volume reflects its significance as a major gateway for Atlantic Coast trade flows.

Why is internal promotion significant for port supply chain operations?

McCoy's 12-year tenure and prior roles as general counsel (2017-2022) and chief administrative officer provide deep institutional knowledge. This reduces transition risk and ensures strategic continuity during periods when supply chain partners depend on stable port leadership and operations.

What major facility or lease negotiations did McCoy lead?

In 2025, McCoy led the renegotiation of the Virginia International Gateway lease, including terminal sale arrangements through 2065. This represents a critical long-term partnership agreement affecting container handling capacity at one of the port's key facilities.

How does this leadership change compare to industry trends?

The Port of Virginia is one of several major North American ports undergoing executive transitions in recent years, including New Orleans, Charleston, Long Beach, Philadelphia, New York-New Jersey, Prince Rupert, and Montreal. McCoy's internal promotion reflects a trend toward maintaining institutional continuity during periods of infrastructure investment and competitive market dynamics.

Shipping & Freight

Moderate

Sarah McCoy Named CEO of Port of Virginia; Leadership Continuity

May 7, 2026

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The signal

The Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners has appointed Sarah McCoy as the permanent chief executive officer and executive director of the Port of Virginia, following her successful interim leadership since January 2026. 4 billion Gateway Investment Program aimed at expanding cargo and rail capacity. 23 million TEUs in 2025).

McCoy's appointment is particularly significant given her direct involvement in critical modernization efforts including harbor deepening, the conversion of Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a heavy-lift facility, and the expansion of Norfolk International Terminals—the port's busiest facility. For supply chain professionals, this signals stability in port operations and maintained momentum on capacity expansion initiatives that will influence container routing decisions and service availability in the Mid-Atlantic region. The broader context shows a wave of port leadership changes across North America in recent years, affecting New Orleans, Charleston, Long Beach, Philadelphia, New York-New Jersey, and Canadian ports.

S. container terminals.

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#business-continuity