This annual award, determined by a committee composed of former First Citizens from nominations submitted by the public, recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of citizenship through service to the community. This event honoring Michelle Wren is hosted by the Portsmouth Service League and is open to the public. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations from the event have been designated for Bon Secours: Advance & Empower Campaign, and the Portsmouth Service League.

Michelle Wren is the Executive Director of the Portsmouth Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Portsmouth, Virginia’s economic growth. Originally from Richmond, she earned a BSBA in Finance and Accounting from East Carolina University and began her career with Blue Cross and Blue Shield before serving as Comptroller for a Portsmouth-based in-home medical company. She has lived in Hampton Roads for over 32 years and is married to Ken; together they have three children.

Michelle has been deeply engaged in the Hampton Roads community, holding leadership roles including Past President of the Portsmouth Service League, Co-Chair of the Antiques & Art Show and Point of View Speaker Series, Chair of the Woman’s Club Capital Campaign, and board service with the Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Elizabeth River Garden Club, Portsmouth Community Foundation, Portsmouth Crime Line, Friends of the Portsmouth Library, Past President of the Suffolk Sister Cities Commission, and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Development Advisory Board. She has also served as NSA Art Show Chairman, Treasurer of the Western Branch Athletic Club, and Deacon and Youth Chair at Churchland Baptist Church.

During her nine years with the Portsmouth Partnership, Michelle has led transformative initiatives, including redeveloping a blighted property into a thriving coworking space supporting minority entrepreneurs and raising over $2 million for renovations and small business support. Most recently, she has guided Portsmouth’s designation as a Mobilizing Main Street Community, launching lighting and security improvements and High Street Fest, which drew thousands of visitors and energized the downtown corridor.

2026 First Citizen of Portsmouth

Michelle Wren

Team Members