Joseph C. Whitaker, Vice Mayor                                      South District 3, Seat B (Term expires June 30, 2010) Contact Information

Joseph C. Whitaker is a long-standing citizen of the City of Newport News, Virginia, having lived here since 1938. He is married to Viola Copeland and together they have four children - Lamont, Darrel, Regina and Dyveta, and eight grandchildren. Vice Mayor Whitaker is a member of First Baptist Church - Jefferson Park, located in downtown Newport News, where he previously served as Chairperson of the Health Ministry and Treasurer of the Pastor's Support and Appreciation Ministry.

Education:

• Graduated from Carver High School in 1952
• Attended Peninsula Business College of Newport News
• Attended Norfolk State College

Occupation:

• Retired Regional Inventory Manager for Boise Cascade Corporation, major wholesale lumber company

Civic Involvement

• Member, Newport News City Council since 2004, selected as Vice Mayor in July of 2008
• Chair, Regional Jail Authority Board
• Member, Hampton Roads Transportation Board
• Chair, Community Development Block Grant Committee

Community Involvement

• Board of Directors, Peninsula Business College Alumni
• Former Member, Judicial Screening Committee
• Board of Directors, Newport News Ventures, Inc.
• Vice President, Jefferson Park Civic League
• Former Vice President, Chestnut Avenue Association
• Former Secretary/Treasurer, Assisted Housing Development Corporation
• Member, Masonic order - Union Light Lodge #268 PH
• Lifetime Member, Newport News N.A.A.C.P.
• Former Vice Chairman, Trustee Committee, Dochiki Civic and Social Club, Inc.
• Member, Local Chapter, American Diabetes Association
• Member, Sentara Hampton Health and Fitness Center
• Runs 27 miles each year in the Fall to raise funds for a worthy organization. In 2008, over $4,000 was raised for the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Scholarship Program. In previous years over $80,000 has been raised for the American Diabetes Association.