2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200196D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2160

Offered June 19, 2026

Commending Vonda K. Chappell.

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Patron—Leftwich

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WHEREAS, Vonda K. Chappell, a distinguished attorney, civic leader, and community advocate, who has greatly served many families, organizations, and businesses of Chesapeake over the past 30 years, was selected as the 2026 First Citizen of Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, Vonda Chappell earned degrees from Old Dominion University and Regent University School of Law, where she was editor of the Regent University Law Review; and

WHEREAS, Vonda Chappell has been an attorney with Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., since 2001 and is a managing member of the firm's Chesapeake office and chair of its membership development committee; she has received several consecutive Best Lawyers in America accolades in recognition of her efforts on behalf of her clients; and

WHEREAS, Vonda Chappell has demonstrated a deep commitment to servant leadership as a Rotarian, serving as president of the Chesapeake Rotary Club and on the board of the Chesapeake Rotary Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Vonda Chappell has given generously of her time to support a number of charitable initiatives benefiting Chesapeake, including as co-chair of the Chesapeake First Citizen Banquet Planning Committee since 2010, as a volunteer for the Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade, and as a member of the executive committee for the Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival; and

WHEREAS, Vonda Chappell has promoted economic growth and prosperity in Chesapeake through her service with the Chesapeake Economic Development Authority, the Chesapeake Land Bank Authority, TowneBank's Chesapeake Board, the Chesapeake Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber, and the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Authority, and has also made an impact through her involvement with a variety of professional and community organizations throughout Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, the First Citizen of Chesapeake award is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Rotary Foundation to recognize outstanding individuals who have upheld the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”; Vonda Chappell will receive the prestigious award at a special ceremony held in her honor on October 1, 2026; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Vonda K. Chappell hereby be commended for her legacy of service on the occasion of her selection as the 2026 First Citizen of Chesapeake; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Vonda K. Chappell as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her contributions to Chesapeake and the Commonwealth.