Friends Of Thomas Evelyn

08/13/2026

At tonight’s BOS meeting, it was announced that a FedEx shipping and logistics facility will be built in New Kent County at the 106/I64 interchange. This brings at Fortune 100 company to the county in an area planned for industry. Businesses such as this help the rural parts of New Kent stay rural and help keep taxes low for our citizens.

A new shipping and logistics facility leased by FedEx will open at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64 in New Kent County, Virginia. The 300,000 square foot facility will be located at the Forge Logistics Center, located along Emmaus Church Road, and will employ approximately 40 full-time and 300 part-time positions.

“On behalf of New Kent County, we are proud to welcome FedEx and its newest operation to our community.” said New Kent County Administrator Rodney A. Hathaway. “This investment represents another significant milestone in the County’s continued economic growth and demonstrates New Kent County’s strategic location, strong transportation infrastructure, and business friendly environment.”

To support FedEx’s planned expansion and anticipated investment of $40 million, New Kent County has offered the company a competitive incentive package. The incentive consists of up to $1.1 million in personal property/real estate tax rebates that will be reimbursed to the company after all benchmarks are met.

“It is important to note that these New Kent County Economic Development incentives are rebates to the company, as it is based on FedEx’s investment in New Kent County as much as it is in the County’s investment to the company,” said New Kent County Board of Supervisors Chair Ron Stiers. “We welcome FedEx and know that they will be a great neighbor to AutoZone, the Target distribution center currently under construction, and the Amazon distribution center recently announced at the New Kent City Center site.”

The property is owned by Scannell Properties, a privately owned international commercial real estate development firm specializing in build-to-suit and speculative projects for the industrial, office, and multifamily markets. Scannell Properties will lease the property to FedEx with construction scheduled to begin this year, and opening of the facility is planned for 2028.

Read the release in its entirety: https://www.newkent-va.us/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/560

07/14/2026

Thank you to every citizen that attended last week’s joint Town Hall with District 3 Rep. Amy Pearson and myself. Please reach out to me if you have any further questions or concerns. I am your representative and I work for you. Please know that I, along with all county staff, are serving with your best interest at heart. I truly love this county and am fortunate to call it home.

07/09/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight, the meeting is at Vineyard Estate not the winery building.

07/04/2026

I had a wonderful time at the New Kent County Independence Day Celebration tonight! God Bless America!

06/12/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

06/05/2026

I am looking forward to working with you.

New Kent County is pleased to announce the appointment of Benming “Benny” Zhang as County Attorney. In this role, Zhang serves as chief legal counsel to the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, County departments, and constitutional officers in matters involving local government operations, policy, and public service to the citizens of New Kent County. Zhang joined County staff June 1, 2026.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I’d like to welcome Mr. Zhang to New Kent County,” said Board Chairman Ron Stiers. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to staff as his extensive experience in local government makes him the perfect fit to support our County as we continue to grow."

Prior to joining New Kent County, Zhang practiced law with Kaufman & Canoles, where he maintained a diverse practice spanning local government, corporate, securities, zoning, real estate, and estate planning matters. During his time at the firm, he notably served as County Attorney for King William County and as outside counsel to the New Kent County Board of Zoning Appeals, succeeding the late James E. “Jim” Hudson, Esq. He also advised publicly traded domestic and international companies and underwriters as part of the firm’s Securities Team.

Zhang previously served as an elected member of the Williamsburg City Council from 2016 to 2020, becoming one of the youngest members ever elected to the body and the first Asian American to serve on the Council. He continues to serve the Commonwealth in judicial appointments as Assistant Commissioner of Accounts for several Virginia localities and as Commissioner in Chancery in Virginia’s Sixth Judicial Circuit.

“Public service has always been deeply meaningful to me, and I am honored by the trust placed in me to serve as New Kent County Attorney,” Zhang said. “I look forward to building upon the County’s strong foundation and serving the citizens of New Kent with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.”

To learn more about Zhang please visit: https://www.newkent-va.us/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/552

05/02/2026