Kenny Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Cooper Alexander
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| 167th Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia | |
| Assumed office July 1, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Paul D. Fraim |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 5th district |
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| In office September 17, 2012 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Yvonne B. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Lionell Spruill |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 89th district |
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| In office August 2002 – September 17, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Jerrauld Jones |
| Succeeded by | Daun Sessoms Hester |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kenneth Cooper Alexander
October 17, 1966 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Donna Burnley |
| Children | Kenneth, II and David |
| Residences | Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | John Tyler Community College, Old Dominion University, Norwich University, Antioch University |
| Profession | Chancellor (education), Educator and Entrepreneur |
Kenneth Cooper Alexander (born October 17, 1966) is an American politician. He currently serves as the mayor of Norfolk, Virginia. He is also involved in education and business.
Alexander leads a group of twenty career colleges as their chancellor. These schools help students learn important skills for jobs. For example, Centura College teaches healthcare and business. Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) trains people to work on airplanes. Tidewater Tech teaches welding and auto mechanics. These schools even offer a special program for wind turbine technicians.
He also works as the president of Metropolitan Funeral Services.
Alexander grew up in Norfolk. Before becoming mayor, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2012. He then served in the Senate of Virginia from 2012 to 2016. He has also written a book called Persistence: Evelyn Butts and the African American Quest for Full Citizenship and Self-Determination.
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Cooper Alexander was born in 1966. He grew up in the Berkley and South Norfolk areas. These neighborhoods are located where Norfolk and Chesapeake meet.
He went to Lake Taylor High School. There, he was the drum major for the marching band. He also helped lead the student body. He graduated from high school in 1985.
After high school, Alexander continued his education. He earned a degree in Mortuary Science. He also got a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University. Later, he completed a master's degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University. In 2019, he earned a PhD in Leadership and Change.
Political Career and Community Work
Alexander started his career as a political science instructor. He taught at Tidewater Community College. In 2002, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He represented the 89th District in Norfolk. He won this special election with 72% of the votes.
He was re-elected several times, sometimes without anyone running against him. In 2008, he became the chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. This group works on issues important to African Americans in Virginia.
In 2012, Alexander was elected to the Senate of Virginia. He represented the 5th Senate District. This district covers parts of Norfolk and Chesapeake. He served in the Senate until 2016.
On May 3, 2016, Kenneth Alexander was elected mayor of Norfolk, Virginia. He won with 51.6% of the votes. He made history as the first black mayor of the city.
Beyond his elected roles, Alexander has been active in his community. He was president of the Beacon Light Civic League. He also served on Norfolk's Planning Commission. He helped create the Norfolk Chesapeake Portsmouth Community Development Federal Credit Union. This credit union helps people get affordable financial services. Alexander also helped develop new homes and a shopping center in Berkley.
