City Manager

Larry "Chip" Filer, Ph.D.

With an extensive career in Norfolk as well as the Hampton Roads region, Larry “Chip” Filer, Ph.D., accepted the role of City Manager in September of 2019, a few months prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During a period of incredible uncertainty, Dr. Filer provided strong leadership, clear vision and a focus on adaptability to strengthen Norfolk’s resilience. He was instrumental in the disbursement and allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. This both reduced the negative effects the pandemic had on Norfolk’s economy, and laid the foundation for its successful economic rebound. 

Dr. Filer also championed the utilization of surveys to better inform City leadership and departments of residents’ and employees’ priorities, quality of life desires and overall areas of concern. Studying these survey responses has led to numerous improvements including more effective policing practices, new hiring and employee retention efforts, as well as a stronger focus on diversity, equity and inclusion successes. 

Prior to his role as City Manager, Dr. Filer served as the Associate Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at Old Dominion University. He was also a Senior Fellow in the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, and a Fellow in the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency. His research includes work on flood mitigation, the use of economic development incentives by states and localities and economic forecasting. Dr. Filer served on several regional boards including the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative. 

Dr. Filer received his master’s and doctorate in economics from the University of Kentucky. He and his wife Katherine are the proud parents of two children.