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Norfolk City Ward 5 Representative
Councilman Tommy Smigiel
Phone: 757-664-4293
thomas.smigiel@norfolk.gov
Thomas "Tommy" R. Smigiel Jr. was elected to City Council in 2010 and represents Ward 5. Councilman Smigiel is the principal of Granby High School. He previously served as the principal of the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood. Prior to becoming principal, he served as an Assistant Principal at both Granby and Lake Taylor High Schools. He was recognized as Norfolk Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was notably selected as the 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. He taught Earth Science and Leadership at Norview High School.
Mr. Smigiel co-chairs the East Little Creek Road Advisory Committee and the Mayor’s Ocean View Advisory Committee. On October 8, 2019, Councilman Smigiel was elected as the 100th President of the Virginia Municipal League (VML) and served on the 2020-2021 Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President. He returned to VML's Board of Directors as the Urban Section Chair in 2024. He is also a past member of the Old Dominion University Darden College of Education and Professional Studies Advisory Board, and the YMCA’s Youth Advisory Committee. Prior to being elected to office, Mr. Smigiel served as the Treasurer of the Ocean View Civic League and then Vice President of the East Ocean View Civic League.
A life-long Norfolk resident, Mr. Smigiel attended St. Pius X Catholic School, graduated from Norview High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, where he served as Student Body President. He later earned a master’s degree in administration from Cambridge College and his Educational Specialist Degree from Walden University.
Councilman Smigiel was honored for his work in education with the 2009 Old Dominion University Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2015, he was recognized by Inside Business as a Top 40 Under 40 Leader in Hampton Roads. In 2024 he was honored by Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education and Professional Studies as a Darden Fellow for his work with our schools and community.
He is married to Shannon Walsh, an elementary school counselor, and they have two daughters and one son.
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Ward Representative: Councilman Tommy Smigiel specifically represents Ward 5, the geographic district that encompasses East Ocean View, Bayview, Crossroads, and surrounding communities.
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City-Wide Representation: East Ocean View is also represented by the council's city-wide "Superward" and mayoral seats:
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Superward 6: Councilman Jeremy D. McGee
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Mayor: Kenneth Cooper Alexander
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Norfolk City Superward 6 Representative
Councilman Jeremy McGee
Phone: 757-664-4268
Email Jeremy McGee
Jeremy D. McGee was elected to represent Superward 6 on November 5, 2024.
Mr. McGee is the President and CEO of Radiant Digital, a nationwide digital media company. Together with his wife Malia, Jeremy has founded several Norfolk-based businesses in the residential and commercial real estate sector. He and Malia are the proprietors and owners of The Inn and Restaurant at Four Eleven York. His passion for innovation and technology is instrumental in building and growing businesses for 20+ years. Prior to joining Radiant Digital, Mr. McGee launched a family-focused internet service, which was sold to a Norfolk-based company after attending the University of South Carolina.
Councilman McGee made Norfolk his home after a short visit in 2005. He fell in love with the city’s unique charm, established roots, and has fully immersed himself in serving the community with various Civic Leagues and Boards Appointments. He previously held the position of President of the Ghent Neighborhood League and was appointed to the City of Norfolk's Architectural Review Board (ARB) as well as the Norfolk Planning Commission. In these roles, he collaborated closely with fellow citizens and city officials to create opportunities for small businesses while promoting safe and inclusive neighborhoods. Previously, Mr. McGee also served on the Board of Directors for VisitNorfolk. Councilman McGee believes that Norfolk’s rich history, tremendous assets, and diverse population is extremely attractive for regional competitiveness.
Mr. McGee currently serves on the Erosion Advisory Committee, Coastal Management and Review Board, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, and co-chairs the Mayor’s Housing Commission.
Councilman Mr. McGee is very excited to serve honorably with members of the council and supports the vision of making Norfolk a vibrant and inclusive city. Guided by collaboration, innovation, and hard work, he is committed toward the economic growth of the City of Norfolk where all families can thrive, businesses can flourish, and neighborhoods are safer. He envisions a Norfolk that champions and empowers business, revitalizes education for a stronger workforce for the future, and ensures thriving and safe neighborhoods for all citizens.