Courtney Baum has been selected as executive director of university events for Christopher Newport University (CNU) . Baum joins CNU from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon where she served as protocol officer, leading the planning and execution of high-profile national and international engagements for senior military, congressional and diplomatic leaders. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and protocol officer, she brings more than 20 years of experience across government; higher education; and nonprofit sectors, including prior roles with the University of Hawaii, the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. Baum has been recognized for her professionalism and leadership—earning the U.S. Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal and being named Civilian of the Year for U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet. She holds a master’s degree in international marketing management from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University.
Elected to serve the City of Newport News as treasurer is Sanu Dieng-Cooper, the first woman and first African-American to serve in this position in the city’s history. Dieng-Cooper has more than 14 years of experience in the finance and non-profit industries. The Newport News Treasurer’s office, led by the commissioner of the revenue, is responsible for collecting personal property taxes in Newport News. Re-elected to continue serving as Newport News commissioner of revenue is Tiffany Boyle, also the first African American to serve in this role. Boyle has been commissioner of revenue since 2018. The commissioner of the revenue is responsible for the assessment of various taxes mandated by the Code of Virginia and Newport News Local Tax Ordinances. Reelected to continue serving as Newport News sheriff is Gabe Morgan, serving his fifth four-year term. The Newport News Sheriff’s office provides supervision of persons in the care of the city jail, security in the courts and serves civil and criminal warrants.
Landon Kee (center) is shown at his induction into the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center Companion Club.
The City of Newport News’ Department of Communications has been honored with six Merit Awards by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The awards highlight the city’s commitment to transparent, timely and creative communication to keep residents informed and engaged. Newport News received Merit Awards in the following categories:
- Newsletter: Newport News Now, the city’s daily digital newsletter
- Public Affairs: Joint City of Newport News and Newport News Public Schools messaging on immigration and support
- Crisis Communications: Public messaging and coordinated updates during Winter Storm Kingston
- Social Media: Campaign supporting The Great Food Truck Race filming in Newport News
- Single Issue: State of the City publication
- Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget ($5,000 or less): Grow Your Own Food event campaign
Top October listing and sales agent for Coldwell Banker Traditions’ Peninsula office was Lelani Clayton.
Emma Bassett has been named program and communication coordinator with the Newport News Public Art Foundation. Bassett earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from the University of South Carolina. She is currently working on her Master of Arts degree. Her background includes academic research, museum and art historical education, exhibition curation, object conservation and archiving.
Tiffany L. Speas has been named CEO of Peninsula Agency on Aging (PAA), succeeding William “Bill” Massey who retired after a 41-year career with the agency. Speas has been with PAA for more than 10 years, most recently serving as chief financial officer. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Speas’ efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion helped PAA earn the Peninsula Chapter of Society for Human Resource Management’s 2024 Inclusive Excellence Award.
Charvalla West, president and CEO of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, and Tiffany Boyle, Newport News commissioner of revenue, have been recognized by Inside Business magazine, receiving 2025 Woman in Business Achievement Awards.
Langley Federal Credit Union donated $25,000 to United Way of the Virginia Peninsula’s Government Shutdown Relief Fund to help families cover essentials of food and housing during the shutdown. This investment reinforces Langley’s commitment to the Peninsula community by supporting emergency assistance for households impacted by missed paychecks, delayed benefits and rising food insecurity. Shown during the check presentation are (from left) Liz Wolfson, director of foundation and events at Langley; Kelli Ragland, vice president of marketing at Langley; and Charvaˉlla West, president and CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.
Old Point National Bank’s Kiln Creek office held a food drive and was successful in donating enough food to provide 25 Thanksgiving meals to students at Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News. Pictured are Latasha Riddick, left, family engagement specialist at Newsome Park Elementary School and Sharon Martin, private banker, senior vice president at Old Point National Bank.
