A life-long resident of Portsmouth, Vernon L. Tillage, Jr. graduated from Churchland High School and Old Dominion University (ODU). Upon graduating from ODU, he began his career as a Chief of Staff in the Virginia General Assembly and a Regional Outreach Representative in the United States Senate. He currently serves as the Community Affairs Coordinator for Virginia Natural Gas.
In 2020 at the age of 26, Tillage was elected to the Portsmouth School Board, becoming the youngest person to serve in public office in the City of Portsmouth. In 2021, Tillage received the Inaugural Old Dominion University Alumni Association’s Top 40 Under 40 award, awarded to individuals who have forged exceptional achievements and will leave an indelible make before age 40.
Tillage made history again in 2022 at 28, becoming the youngest person to be elected to the Portsmouth City Council.
Education
Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University, 2016
Community Affiliations
Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court, - President, 2017 - Present
Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Steering Committee, 2016 - Present
Portsmouth Democratic Committee, - Chair, 2022 - Present; Secretary, 2017 - 2020
Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, - Board Member, 2018 - 2020
Portsmouth Complete Count Commission, - Vice-Chair, 2020
Portsmouth Park & Recreation Commission, Board Member, 2020
Portsmouth Downtown Design Commission, - Board Member, 2016 – 2018
Current City Council Liaison Assignments:
- Council Liaison to Economic Development Authority
- Council Liaison to School Board
- Council Liaison to Regional Broadband Steering Committee
- Council Liaison to Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority
- Council Liaison to Parks & Recreation Commission
- The Planning Council