Elizabeth M. Psimas, Councilwoman

Personal

Native of Portsmouth, Virginia
1979 Graduate of Westhampton College of the University of Richmond (B.A. Political Science)

Professional Experience:

1988 to present: President/Owner – Travel Designers Inc, a full service travel agency located at High & Crawford Streets in Olde Towne. Previous to opening Travel Designers, Elizabeth worked for a travel agency and in the maritime industry in an administrative capacity.

Political Experience:

Councilmember at Large – City of Portsmouth, Virginia (Elected in 2004 to 4 year term, re-elected in 2008 to 4 year term)
Council Liaison to Mayor’s Military Affairs Commission
Council Liaison to Hampton Roads Maritime Association
Council Liaison to Cultural Alliance of Hampton Roads
Virginia Municipal League – Transportation Committee

Commonwealth Commissioner – Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Commission
(Appointed by Gov. Mark Warner in 2003 to four year term to represent the City of Portsmouth)

Awards

1998 – Elizabeth named among the “Top 25 Business Women in Hampton Roads” by Virginia Business Magazine
1999 – Elizabeth awarded “Strong, Smart and Bold Woman” award by Girls Inc, Center for Youth (In the first class of women to win this prestigious award)

Volunteer Service - Past Chairman/Director

Portsmouth Service League
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
Olde Towne Business Association
Portsmouth Partnership
HER Shelter
Full Circle AIDS Hospice
Ports Events, Inc.
American Red Cross, Portsmouth/West Chesapeake
City of Portsmouth Downtown Design Commission
City of Portsmouth Small & Minority Business Commission

Well traveled in North America, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, the Seychelles Islands, China, and Hong Kong.