Old Point executive to lead community banks association
Published 6:04 pm Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Joseph R. Witt, CPA, was elected as chairman of the Virginia Association of Community Banks.
Witt is president, financial services and chief strategy officer at Old Point National Bank, which is headquartered in Hampton and has branches in Carrollton and Windsor. His election took place during the association’s recent 46th annual convention.
“Joe’s broad experience with volunteer leadership organizations makes him the right person at the right time to lead us,” VACB President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Yeakel said. “He is deeply focused on our mission, while similarly invested in the wellbeing of his bank, his community, and his customers.”
Yeakel added that Witt’s energy, commitment, and wisdom will be of immense value to their work.
Witt noted community bankers have a rich history of serving and supporting our local communities.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as chair this next year of the Virginia Association of Community Banks,” he said. “At the VACB, we are unapologetic about our advocacy for community banks. Whether it comes from our education programs, our lobbying efforts, or from the development of younger leaders, we will execute to fulfill our mission.”
Prior to joining Old Point in 2008, Witt served as treasurer at Ferguson Enterprise Inc. Earning a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in accounting at the University of Virginia and a masters of business administration from the University of Richmond, Witt started his career in public accounting with KPMG and then Price Waterhouse. He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Williamsburg.
In addition to his volunteer commitment to VACB, Witt is active on numerous local boards, including the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Hampton Roads Board of Advisors. He has also been recognized for his efforts with several awards, including the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award in 2016 and selection to the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame in 2009.
Editor’s note: Headline corrected Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at 3:18 p.m.