NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander stated he will not be seeking reelection after being appointed as the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

Chancellor of VCCS, Dr. David Doré, announced on Tuesday his decision to appoint Alexander to the role.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Alexander to our leadership team,” Doré said. “His visionary leadership and deep commitment to innovation and opportunity will help drive strategic initiatives that change lives and elevate Virginia’s workforce.”

As Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnership, Alexander would be responsible for advancing public and private resource development, legislative engagement and system-wide communications.

“This is an exciting time for me as I continue my journey in public service,” said Alexander. “I’ve been honored to serve as the mayor of Norfolk, and I am equally grateful to step into this new role. I am looking forward to joining the Virginia Community College System and working to further Chancellor Doré’s vision because I strongly believe that access to education empowers communities. Higher education is a pathway for economic growth and social mobility, and I am enthusiastic about using my experience to enhance partnerships that will benefit our students and industries across the commonwealth.”

Prior to Alexander’s role as Norfolk mayor staring in 2016, he served in the Virginia Senate from 2012-2016 and the House of Delegates from 2002-2012. Alexander has also been the Chancellor at several community colleges, including the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College and Tidewater Tech.

While Alexander’s role as vice chancellor is set to start on July 10, he stated he plans to finish out his term as mayor — which goes through 2028.

For more information on Alexander’s upcoming role at VCCS, click here.