North Tidewater News

RADM Mark A. Hugel, USN, Ret. has been chosen as the 2024 Portsmouth First Citizen. The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of citizenship through their service to the community. The announcement was made by a committee composed of former First Citizens, who reviewed nominations submitted by the public.

Admiral Hugel, a native of Mansfield, OH, attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in June 1977. He went on to earn two engineering master's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992. Throughout his 32-year naval career, Admiral Hugel served at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth on three separate occasions. After retiring from the Navy in 2009, he returned to Portsmouth and joined CACI International, Inc., where he now leads the company's Norfolk office, providing strategy and business development advisory services.

Admiral Hugel's contributions to the community have made a significant impact on the lives of many residents, particularly in Portsmouth. He is actively involved in various charitable organizations and civic initiatives. Admiral Hugel serves as a voluntary board member of the STARBASE Victory STEM program, a member of the Portsmouth Public Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at The Up Center. He has also represented Portsmouth on the Tidewater Community College Board of Directors. Currently, Admiral Hugel serves on the Portsmouth City Council and holds positions on several committees and commissions, including the Portsmouth Mayor's Military Affairs Committee, Portsmouth Planning Commission, Portsmouth Ports and Industrial Commission, and the Virginia Maritime Association. In addition, he has served as the national president of the American Society of Naval Engineers for the past four years.

The event honoring Admiral Hugel as Portsmouth's First Citizen will take place on April 25 at 6:00 pm at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel. The celebration is hosted by the Portsmouth Service League and is open to the public. Ticket sales and donations from the event will benefit the STARBASE Victory STEM Program, The Up Center, and the Portsmouth Service League.

The Portsmouth Service League invites everyone to join in this celebration to recognize Admiral Hugel's generosity and service to the community. The event aims to foster a spirit of civic-mindedness among the attendees. For ticket purchases or more information, please contact [email protected] or visit the website https://givebutter.com/PFC2024.

This year, Portsmouth is proud to honor RADM Mark A. Hugel, USN, Ret. as its First Citizen, recognizing his exceptional commitment to service and his dedication to making a positive difference in the community.