My Bio

Here is a little bit of background info. on me...

Dave Norris grew up in a military family and has lived in Charlottesville since 1994.  With an undergraduate degree in Politics & History from Curry College and a graduate degree in Government from the College of William and Mary, Dave has long been interested in public and community service and has been actively engaged in non-profit and civic work for over two decades.

Dave & his son Ben
Among other leadership roles, Dave has served as the founding Executive Director of PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry), the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge, the Associate Director of Madison House (the student volunteer center at the University of Virginia), and a Board member for numerous Charlottesville-area non-profit & governmental organizations.

In 2006, Dave ran for a seat on Charlottesville City Council and was the top vote-getter in that election.  From January 2008 until January 2012, he served two terms as Mayor of Charlottesville, amassing a significant track record of accomplishments in areas such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, youth opportunities, fiscal stewardship, and upgrades to the Downtown Mall, City parks and other public infrastructure.

Dave has been awarded numerous honors for his professional and civic efforts.  He was named one of the region's "Distinguished Dozen" by the Charlottesville Daily Progress in 2005 and received the annual Leader's Leader Award from the Leadership Charlottesville program of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2011.  In 2013 alone, he received the first annual Champion Award to End Homelessness by Virginia Supportive Housing, the first annual Political Action Award by the Charlottesville Pride Community Network, and the Integrity Award by Charlottesville First Tee.  Dave has also been named an honorary chief (Osahene) by the Effutu people of Winneba, Ghana, in recognition of his efforts to promote international exchanges and friendship between Charlottesville and Winneba.

An avid traveler, Dave has visited over 30 countries on 4 continents and all 50 of the United States.  He has three wonderful children, Eli, Chloe and Benjamin, and one special cat, Hermione, who is not the brightest bulb in the batch but does excel at playing fetch with drinking straws.

Obligatory Hermione-with-
drinking-straw photo.