My record as a City Councilman

I’ve made a number of key decisions as the City Councilman for the 8th District of Virginia Beach.  Below is a list of articles that chart my involvement in community and votes I have taken.

2023
Virginia Beach green lights country music festival; adds new beach rodeo to spring lineup
Virginia Beach green lights country music festival; adds new beach rodeo to spring lineup

Councilman Chris Taylor was the lone “no” vote. In a briefing meeting earlier Tuesday, Taylor said he had concerns about the amount of financial support for a new event. “I think $1.5 (million) is a little aggressive for the first time without any proven results,” Taylor said. The City Council…
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Virginia Beach will collect public input on the election system despite objections from several new council members
Virginia Beach will collect public input on the election system despite objections from several new council members

It’s only been a couple weeks since the new City Council members were sworn in, but differences between them and the old guard are already showing. At a meeting Tuesday, several new members tried to block a plan initiated by Mayor Bobby Dyer and approved by the previous council late…
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Career & Accomplishments

Here is a snap shot of where I’ve been as a professional and business owner in Virginia.

Great Atlantic Management, SL Nusbaum, Ripley Heatwole

Commercial Real Estate / Multi-Family Management

  • Worked as a lifeguard for Great-Atlantic in High School

  • I was promoted to Regional Property Manager within 12 months and managed over 70 employees across 3 different departments

  • Managed Midtown at City View  for Ripley Heatwole on Bonney Road – Responsible for leasing and increasing overall occupancy rates from 86% to 99% in 6 months

DuPont Sustainable Solutions

Public Sector Account Manager

  • Began with the company in 2011

  • Recognized for outstanding collaboration efforts – City of Tulsa Consulting Engagement in 2012

  • 2012 recipient of one of DuPont’s most prestigious sales awards honoring the Top 10% of sales professionals globally – Achieving Customer Excellence (ACE)

Heart of Compassion Partnerships

Non-Profit Organization

  • Managed after-school programs for two outreach centers in South Norfolk communities

  • Oversaw programming and mentoring programs

  • Promoted to Executive Director in 2018 by the founder and President Dr. John Dooley

Smoothie Stop Cafe

CFO & Founding Partner

  • Locally owned fast-casual smoothie business.  We started the business in 2018

  • Expanded to multiple retail locations across Hampton Roads

  • Responsible for a strategic growth plan across multiple cities

Family History & Bio.

I am the 6th generation in my family to have grown up in the King’s Grant area of Virginia Beach. My great-great grandmother, Mary Jane Etheridge, lived to be 112 years old.  My great grandmother, Charolette Ann Berry, and my best friend, lived to be 105 years old. They both lived their entire lives in King’s Grant.

In fact, my family has lived in the same neighborhood since the early 1900s.  Much of my family attended King’s Grant Elementary School.  My mother and neighbors helped to integrate King’s Grant Elementary.  Below is a picture of my mother, Janice Berry, in 1966.

I also attended Kings Grant Elementary, Lynnhaven Middle School, and then First Colonial High School. In 2006, I graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a degree in Business Management.

Hard work and good behavior were instilled in me from an early age. I have a passion for business and service to others. My great grandmother used to tell me,“If you can find a way to add value, you will never be without a friend.”  I’ve taken this to heart and it still guides my decisions today.

My Life Today.

Building off the foundation that the strong women in my family laid, I have focused on business and creating something lasting in our community.

My wife, Kimberly Taylor, and I were married in 2015.  We have two young sons named Caleb and Christian, and a new born daughter, Charlotte. I am a family man at heart, but my duties as a City Councilman have helped me stay in touch with the community.  I’ve learned a great deal about our city and my focus is on growth and supporting families throughout Virginia Beach.

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