About Us

Chairman

John Sitka III is a well-known figure in Norfolk, Virginia, where he's spent decades making a difference in the community. With a life story that reads like an inspiring novel, John has faced and overcome significant challenges, which fuel his drive to create a better future for everyone around him.

Born the eldest of eight siblings, John knows firsthand the struggles of growing up in a large family without a father figure. He joined the Navy in 1974 and served with distinction, eventually becoming a Chief Quartermaster before retiring in 1994. Not one to rest on his laurels, John transitioned into a career as a merchant mariner, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication to hard work.

Education has always been close to John's heart. From 2004 to 2019, he taught maritime education in both commercial and community college settings, helping shape the next generation of mariners. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; he serves on the Advisory Board of the Young Mariners Career Foundation, which supports workers affected by the maritime industry.

John's educational achievements are impressive. He holds a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. These qualifications, combined with his life experiences, equip him with a unique perspective on the needs of his community.

In 2022, John ran for the Norfolk School Board after becoming concerned about the quality of education his grandchildren were receiving. Although he didn't win, the experience only strengthened his resolve to improve the community. His campaign focused on addressing educational challenges and crime, with a particular emphasis on offering young people alternatives and hope through workforce education programs.

John's political journey continued as he ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 93 in 2023. Although he faced a tough race against Democratic incumbent Jackie Hope Glass, his campaign highlighted his commitment to economic opportunities and education reform.

Currently, John serves as the Chairman of the Norfolk Republican Party, where he continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, and better opportunities for his community. His leadership is marked by a willingness to listen to dissenting voices and find common ground, always with the goal of serving the best interests of Norfolk's residents.

Looking ahead, John Sitka is taking on a new challenge by running for Congress in Virginia's 3rd District against long-time incumbent Bobby Scott. John's campaign is driven by his deep-rooted desire to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to Washington, D.C., focusing on issues like economic growth, education reform, and public safety. With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication, John aims to represent the voices and concerns of his community on a national level.

Vice Chairman

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Secretary

Pamela Brown is the current Secretary of the Republican Party of Norfolk and has been a dedicated member of the Republican grassroots for over two decades. She's a Trump Delegate for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, representing the 3rd Congressional District. Pam was also a Delegate at the 2004 and 2016 Republican National Conventions, proudly elected at the Congressional District level both times.

Pam’s leadership within the Republican Party of Norfolk is extensive. She served as Chairman from 2008 to 2014 and was a member of the RPV State Central Committee from 2009 to 2013. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including securing resources and managing the Norfolk GOP Headquarters during key state and national campaigns. Pam was crucial in organizing successful fundraisers and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) rallies, significantly boosting volunteer engagement and voter turnout in Norfolk.

One of her proudest accomplishments was raising substantial support for the USO during the 2004 Republican National Convention, where her efforts led to impressive contributions from various community members and businesses. This initiative exemplifies her commitment to both the party and her community.

Pam's involvement in the Republican Party extends beyond Norfolk. She has been active in numerous state and national campaigns, demonstrating her dedication and strategic leadership. Her experience and passion make her an invaluable asset to the Republican Party and a respected leader in her community.

Treasurer

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Communications Director

Bob West brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Communications Director of the Norfolk Republican Party, drawn from his extensive experience with the Florida House of Representatives Staff and his work as the Field Director of a Florida statewide grassroots organization. After retiring and moving to Virginia eight years ago to be near his grandchildren, Bob has continued to stay engaged in public service.

As the Field Director of a statewide grassroots organization, Bob built grassroots chapters in 60 of Florida's 67 counties. Over eight years in that position, he saw Republicans take leadership in the statewide government. In his last year, he led 20 citizen action seminars and three campaign schools, including a GOPAC school.

During the 2000-2002 redistricting process in Florida, Bob served as a non-partisan staff analyst for the Florida House redistricting committee. He was integral to the team that developed the data used to analyze and create new districts. His innovative work included helping with the FREDS program, which was distributed throughout Florida to allow citizens to draw their own districts, promoting an open and transparent redistricting process.

Bob supported the then-Representative Marco Rubio during his early political career and worked with legislators from both parties to build consensus on the House District plans. His role included providing technical support on the House floor and assisting in legal preparations for the redistricting plan's preclearance review by the Department of Justice.

As House Staff,  Bob played a key role in transitioning the legislative process to a fully electronic system called Lawmaker and later was involved in implementing the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) interfacing with all the Supervisors of Elections and the Secretary of State office. His efforts in coordinating Census programs for the legislature contributed to Florida gaining an additional Congressional seat that resulted in increased federal funding.

In his role as Policy Chief of the Redistricting Committee, Bob designed and managed the development of MyDistrictBuilder, an online redistricting program that allowed Florida citizens to build and submit district maps to the legislature. This program exemplified his commitment to transparency and public participation in the redistricting process.

Bob's expertise extends to Virginia as well, where he participated in the state's redistricting process and drew some of the most competitive plans for Congress, Senate, and House.

Bob retired to Virginia to be a part of his children's and grandchildren's lives. He volunteers with the Norfolk Republican Party to help citizens connect with their government at both the local and state levels. Bob's technical expertise, experience in bipartisan collaboration, and dedication to fair representation make him a valuable asset to the Norfolk Republican Party. His vision is to foster clear, open communication and engage the community in the party's mission and values, ensuring that the voices of Norfolk's residents are heard and represented.