As Norfolk positions itself as a national hub for innovation, few leaders have had as pivotal a role in shaping this vision as Linda Peck, Executive Director of the Norfolk Innovation Corridor (NIC). With an impressive background in corporate finance and a passion for community development, Peck has spearheaded numerous initiatives that are setting Norfolk apart as a beacon for technological and economic advancement.
A Strategic Vision for Growth
Peck’s leadership of the NIC began with a deeply personal mission: to make Norfolk an appealing place for future generations, including her own children, to thrive. Since stepping into her role in July 2021—right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—she has taken bold steps to strengthen the NIC. Under her guidance, the organization expanded its board with influential business leaders, reinforced its strategic planning, and established partnerships with local institutions like Norfolk Public Schools to inspire young innovators. One of her most significant accomplishments is NIC’s membership in the Global Institute on Innovation Districts, which connects Norfolk to a global network of pioneering districts.
Leveraging Corporate Finance Expertise
Peck brings a wealth of financial acumen from her time at GE Capital. This experience has been instrumental in her approach to NIC’s growth, emphasizing sustainable funding and operational efficiency. She is dedicated to building a resilient tech ecosystem in Norfolk, one that is both financially sound and innovative. “It’s always helpful to understand numbers and how to finance one’s operations,” Peck notes, highlighting the necessity of economic foresight in her work.
Building a Resilient Tech Environment
Creating a resilient environment that attracts and retains tech talent is central to Peck’s vision. “To attract the tech talent and startups we need,” she emphasizes, “we must create a vibrant community that supports and retains innovation.” This involves working on Norfolk’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan to ensure policies foster dense, vibrant growth within the NIC, alongside developing roles such as an innovation concierge to assist startups and emerging companies.
A Look to the Future
Peck is candid about the challenges and aspirations ahead. Despite the NIC operating under her part-time management, the Corridor has made significant strides. Still, she is committed to expanding NIC’s financial model to support full-time executive and additional administrative support roles, which she views as essential for sustained impact. In the long run, her goal is for Norfolk to be recognized nationally and internationally as a hub for resilient technologies.
Empowering Future Leaders
Peck also has a message for aspiring community leaders: “We are they,” she says, echoing her friend Chuck McPhillips. She encourages emerging leaders to engage actively, volunteer, and lean into opportunities that align with their values. This hands-on commitment, she believes, is key to enacting meaningful change.
Linda Peck’s forward-thinking leadership and strategic initiatives are not only reshaping the NIC but also elevating Norfolk’s status as a rising center for innovation. Her work exemplifies the power of strategic vision and community-driven action, laying the groundwork for a future where Norfolk thrives as a global leader in resilient technology.
