Howard E. Gwynn, Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney, didn’t plan to practice law in his city of origin. Born and raised in Newport News, his story began downtown, about 10 minutes away from where the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office is today. “It’s been quite a journey,” he says. “I never thought about being a prosecutor in Newport News.” But for decades, that has been his exact area of expertise.
Gwynn attended segregated elementary and high schools, becoming valedictorian of his graduating class from Carver High School. He later attended Dartmouth College after being accepted and turning it down, when his guidance counselor, Flora Crittenden, wrote a letter to Dartmouth to successfully request his re-admission.
Gwynn went on to work in Washington, D.C., and Portsmouth before returning to the Virginia Peninsula and working in private practice. His high school friend, with whom he shared a workspace, suggested that Gwynn look into a prosecutor vacancy and also talk with Willard R. Robinson, Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1982, Robinson soon offered Gwynn a job.
“Interestingly, [Robinson] told me, ‘Don’t make this a career; do this for two to five years and then go do something else,’ and I’m glad I didn’t listen,” Gwynn remembers.
“I started May 1, 1982, and I’ve been here ever since,” he says. Eight years later in 1990, Gwynn took on the title and responsibility of Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney himself.
The volume of Gwynn’s work has increased significantly since his beginnings at the Commonwealth’s Attorney office in the 80s and 90s. The employee base there has grown from 14 employees in 1982 to 75 today. Each day in the Commonwealth Attorney’s shoes is drastically different. “I think success in this job really depends on the relationships you’ve built, and I’ve built some really strong, lasting relationships since serving in this office,” he says.
“Fifteen people who have worked with me have moved on to become judges somewhere, and that’s something I’m really proud of because I think it’s a testament to the culture we build here,” Gwynn says. “The people here are fair and honest, they listen, they’re compassionate and they have servant hearts These are the kinds of people who make perfect judges.” Gwynn also finds his office’s visible community impact rewarding. “We’ve made this system work for people it does not normally work for,” he says.
Gwynn says his entire attitude towards public service was shaped by his mother, Catherine. “She prayed for us all the time. She taught me the value of hard work, compassion and empathy. She was always a servant for other people, so she taught me the value of service,” Gwynn says. “One thing she always said to me was, ‘The rent you pay for the blessing of life is service.’ When you come from a community that gives a lot to you, you have an obligation to give a lot back.”
Throughout his continuing career as Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney, Gwynn has worked on many memorable cases, including gruesome crimes alongside redemption stories. Looking at 2025, he approaches the upcoming election season with an unwavering dedication to the community that first gave him life.
“In spite of [difficult cases], I am as excited as I’ve ever been to be here because I work with some amazing people. I look at what we have done, and I’m very proud, and I look at the things we will do, and I’m awed by it,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.
TO THE POINT:
Howard E. Gwynn, Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney
Address: 2501 Washington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607
Contact: Howard E. Gwynn
Phone: 757-926-7443
Website: www.nncwa.com
