On Sunday, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization and Hampton Roads Planning District Commission team were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our friend, colleague, and former HRTPO Board Chair, Mr. William McCarty.
Mr. McCarty was a Commissioner on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission from 2018 until 2021, and was on the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Board from 2020 until 2025. He served as the Chair of the HRTPO Board from 2023 to 2025. Additionally, based on his roles with the HRTPO, the HRPDC, and as an elected member of the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors, Mr. McCarty served on the Legislative Committee, the HRPDC Nominating Committee, and the Personnel and Budget Committee.
Thanks to his consistent work with the HRTPO and HRPDC, Mr. McCarty was well loved and respected among his Board and Commission peers. Current HRPDC Chair and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon E. Glover, offered this sentiment: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family of Mr. McCarty. His commitment and service to his community and our region will be greatly missed. Farewell thy good and faithful servant.”
During his time as HRTPO Chair, Mr. McCarty worked closely with his HRPDC Chair counterpart, Williamsburg Mayor Douglas Pons. Mayor Pons remembered Mr. McCarty as “Always a gentleman that prioritized his family, his community and the region. Having had the honor of working with him on the HRTPO was a privilege for me. He was never shy when it came time to taking a position and when he did, everyone knew that decision was rooted in sound judgement with thoughtful consideration. He will be missed.”
Of course, during his time at the HRTPO and HRPDC, Mr. McCarty was also available to the HRPDC/HRTPO staff. On behalf of the organization, Bob Crum, Executive Director of the HRPDC/HRTPO offered this: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of William McCarty. He was an exceptional regional leader and provided tremendous contributions to Isle of Wight County and the Hampton Roads region. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Isle of Wight County and our regional community.”
Mr. McCarty was, among so many other things, a dedicated leader for his Isle of Wight community and an exceptional regional leader for the Hampton Roads community. Please join us in keeping his family, and the entire Isle of Wight community, in your hearts over the days and weeks moving forward.
For more information about Mr. McCarty, you can find Isle of Wight’s press release here:
https://cms9files.revize.com/wightcountyva/Public%20Notices/Press%20Release%20-%20Supervisor%20McCarty.pdf