Marlene W. Randall, Councilwoman

Marlene W. Randall is a retired educator/administrator having worked 38 years with distinction in the Portsmouth Public School System. Married to retired principal, Vernon L. Randall, they are proud parents of Ricardo C. Randall, Veronica R. Williams and Michelle D. Bryant. Marlene and Vernon are devoted to their church, New Bethel Baptist, as well as their community. Education has always been a focal point in Marlene’s life, and she holds a B.S. in Elementary Education – Virginia State University; M.A. Early Childhood Education – Columbia University; Advanced Certificate in Administration – University of Virginia; Certificate in Administration and Supervision – Old Dominion University; and further studies toward an Ed.D. in Educational Administration – Nova University.

She has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and commissions in the Hampton Roads area to include: HER Shelter, Portsmouth School Foundation, YMCA of South Hampton Roads Board, Effingham Street YMCA; Chamber of Commerce; Tidewater Chapter of American Red Cross (Diversity Task Force); School Board Oversight; Clean Community Commission; Sister City Commission; United Way – Residential Area; Central Civic Forum; Norfolk/Portsmouth Empowerment 2010 Board; S.T.O.P. Consultant; Election Precinct Officer; Urban League; Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast and Past National Treasurer of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; AAUW, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Links, Inc., Drifters, Inc., Portsmouth Moles, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Saturday Evening Bridge Club, Pinochle Bugs Inc., and number other social and civic groups.

Many honors, awards and citations have been bestowed upon Marlene. They include the NAACP Community Service Award, National Life and Virginia Life PTA, NAACP Life Member Award, Now Black Woman of National Drifters, Inc., Portsmouth Schools Humanitarian Award, YMCA Service to Youth Citation, Smart, Bold, Strong Woman Award – Girls, Inc., Order of the Red Triangle YMCA of South Hampton Roads, NCCJ (National Conference Community & Justice) Humanitarian Award, Trailblazer Award (Leadership in Politics Les Gemmes Inc.), Influential Americans (African American Historical Society), Distinguished Service Award (National Jack & Jill of America Inc.; and the recipient of an “Honorary Citizen” title from the City of New Orleans as National Treasurer of Jack & Jill, Inc.

Marlene continues with her energetic endeavors serving as treasurer of Church and Community in Action; Secretary Area II NAACP (Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk), Vice Chair Norfolk/Portsmouth Empowerment 2010 Governance Board, and “motivator” to everyone in the G.E.D. Program at the Queen Street Center. Political Actions Chair NAACP (Portsmouth Chapter); and serves on the Portsmouth City Council. As a Councilwoman, Marlene serves on the Virginia Municipal League’s Educational Policy Committee.

She is the wife of Vernon L. Randall, retired school administrator and volunteer Safety Town Instructor. They are members of New Bethel Baptist Church.