Kenneth “Kenny” Alexander, the first African American mayor of Norfolk, Virginia was born in that city on October 17, 1966. Alexander attended local schools graduating from Lake Taylor High School in 1985. After graduation he attended Brightpoint Community College (formerly John Tyler Community College) earning an associate degree in mortuary science. He then received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.
Alexander’s first full-time job was with the City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks and Recreation as a cemetery manager from 1989 to 1990. He then held positions in various organizations in Norfolk city government including the Norfolk Economic Development Authority, the City Planning Commission (vice chair), and the Human Services Commission.
In May 2002 State representative Jerrauld Jones resigned his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates after being appointed to a statewide office in Virginia. Kenneth Alexander then announced his intention to run in the upcoming special election to fill the vacant position in the Virginia House of Delegates. Alexander won the August election garnering 72% of the vote in a three-way race. Alexander then won the next three elections (2 unopposed) serving in the House of Delegates until 2012.
In 2012 when the sitting state senator from Alexander’s district, Yvonne Miller, died in office. Alexander ran for the vacant seat and won the election on September 4, 2012. Dr. Alexander served in the Senate until 2016 where he was a member of the committees on Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Elections.
In 2016, Dr. Alexander entered the mayoral race in his hometown of Norfolk. He was elected mayor on May 3, 2016, earning nearly 52% of the vote in a three-way contest. He was reelected in 2020 and in 2024 when he earned 61% of the vote in a three-way race.
As mayor, Dr. Alexander, focused on critical areas including public safety, more housing, economic and workforce development, education, and the impact of rising sea levels because of climate change. This was particularly important for Norfolk since much of it faced Chesapeake Bay and was only slightly above sea level.
In addition to his mayoral duties Dr. Alexander continued to be President of Metropolitan Funeral Service. He also serves as chancellor of a network of career community colleges including 14 Aviation Institute of Maintenance campuses across the country, and six Centura College and Tidewater Tech locations within Virginia.
Dr Alexander is married to Donna Burnely and the couple have two sons, Kenneth II and David.