Joe S. Frank Legacy of Leadership Award
Joe Frank served on the Newport News City Council for 22 years, and 14 of those years as the Mayor. Upon his retirement from the council, he dedicated his time and energy to creating the Newport News Police Foundation. The Foundation exists because of the hard work, dedication, and passion of Joe S Frank. The Joe S. Frank Legacy of Leadership Award is an award that recognizes an individual, group or business who has made a significant impact on the quality of life in the City of Newport News.
“Every day, the men and women of our police department stand in harm’s way to protect and serve the citizens of our community. They deserve our gratitude and support. They do an exceptional job; they are even internationally recognized for doing so. With additional resources – equipment, technology, training and community outreach – they could do much more. It is the role of the foundation to provide the extra measure of support that will enable our police officers to serve us even better.”
– Joe Frank, Founding President, Newport News Police Foundation
2025 Recipient - Veronica Weymouth
Veronica currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, where she previously held the position of Vice President. In 2017, she was honored with the New Board Member of the Year Award. In 2021, she was appointed to the Christopher Newport University Education Foundation Board and is also a CNU Ambassador for the Arts. Veronica founded the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk on the Peninsula, serving as Chairperson for four years. Her leadership in this effort earned her the American Cancer Society’s Terry Zahn Award and the ACS Award of Excellence.
In addition to her work with the Boys & Girls Club, Veronica is a member of the Mariners’ Museum Bronze Door Society and Impact 100. She was also a committee member on the Newport News Planning Commission's Framework for the Future. Veronica served as President of the Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia and is a 2009 graduate of the Civic Leadership program. She has been involved with Relay for Life since its inception, serving as Chairperson multiple times. A passionate marathoner, Veronica has competed in seven marathons across the country, including the prestigious Boston Marathon.
Veronica is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the community. She sponsors the Ferguson Center's Holiday Happening Christmas show, ensuring that local families can enjoy the event for just $5. Additionally, she sponsors Symphony Under the Stars on the Lawn at Christopher Newport University, providing the community with free access to the Virginia Symphony.
A cherished piece of local history: since the 1980s, the Newport News Police Department Honor Guard has practiced at Weymouth Funeral Home. In the 1960s and 70s, Veronica’s father, TC Weymouth, would leave the front door of the funeral home open overnight, with a pot of coffee brewing for officers to stop by and enjoy a warm cup during their late shifts.
Arthur S. Casey, better known as “Art”, has owned Casey Chevrolet in Newport News since 1974. He expanded that portfolio to seven different franchises and a collision center with more than 600 employees between Newport News and Williamsburg. You can see Casey cars all over Virginia sporting an American flag as a symbol of support for the country that we live in and love.
Along the way in his 50 years of doing business, Art has committed to making a difference not only in the lives of all that work for him, but the community that has given him so much. It has been his passion to uplift the community by supporting charities that create a better future for Newport News residents. Art and his late wife Judy Casey were strong supporters of education and the arts. An Achievable Dream has benefited from financial support for our youth since its inception thirty-six years ago. In addition, the Caseys became a sponsor of the Ferguson Center for the Arts at CNU, which has elevated the cultural experience for Newport News.
Mr. Casey has used his creative business acumen to solve problems in unique ways like having Casey vans deliver food to both individuals and The Virginia Peninsula Food Bank during the pandemic. During this same period, Mr. Casey started a monthly customer match program to collect and match funds for the food bank. This charitable fund continues four years later to provide monthly donations to local charities.
Mr. Casey values creativity and integrity. No charity is better at utilizing funds in both ways than the Newport News Police Foundation. By using funds for community outreach programs not publicly funded the Foundation creates a strong partnership with our youth, our future leaders. In addition, purchasing technology that makes their lives safer is a great investment. Mr. Casey has supported this initiative for many years and has seen its benefit to all of Newport News.
All of these charities have one thing in common: public/private partnerships that build a stronger city. Mr. Casey hopes the seeds that are planted with these partnerships develop a future that is bright for Newport News.
2024 Recipient - Arthur “Art” Casey
2023 Recipient - Dr. McKinley Price, DDS
For over seven decades, McKinley Price has been a dedicated, faithful, and loving son of
Newport News. From a young man growing up in the East End of Newport News, to
becoming a successful dentist, community leader and advocate, to holding the highest
office in Newport News, McKinley has shown true leadership, character, and poise.
During his 12 year tenure as Mayor of the City of Newport News he focused his attention
on reducing gun violence, investing in mental health services, attracting businesses,
creating educational opportunities for children, and supporting our public safety
professionals. McKinley was also instrumental in the creation and funding of the plan for
the revitalization of the Southeast Community. McKinley has always said that Joe Frank
was one of his closest friends and mentors, and he modeled his life of service after Joe’s.
That's why the Newport News Police Foundation is proud to award the inaugural Joe
Frank Legacy of Leadership Award to McKinley Price.
Contact us.
757.234.1570
P.O. Box 120496
Newport News, VA 23612