Capt. Janet H. Days, USN (Ret.), served with distinction in the United States Navy for 37 years, culminating her career as the Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval installation. She made history as the first Black woman to command the installation, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to service. Throughout her career, she held multiple key positions in naval operations, logistics, and strategic planning, earning a reputation for excellence in crisis management and mission execution.
Days' outstanding contributions to the Navy were recognized with numerous commendations, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Following her retirement in August 2024, she transitioned to civilian leadership, continuing her commitment to public service as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Suffolk, Virginia. In this role, she leverages her strategic expertise to drive economic growth, foster business partnerships, and support workforce development initiatives in the region.
My time at Naval Postgraduate School was instrumental in shaping my approach to strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. NPS provided me with the academic foundation and critical analytical skills needed to navigate complex operational environments. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of transparency and clear communication—a principle that I carried throughout my career.
The program emphasized collaborative decision-making and adaptability, essential traits for any leader in today’s dynamic military and global landscape. The professors at NPS challenged me to think beyond conventional solutions, fostering a mindset of innovation and operational agility. That ability to anticipate challenges and find creative solutions was critical when I later commanded at sea and ashore.
Commanding Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, was a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. I learned that effective leadership requires a balance of decisiveness, empathy, and accountability.
One of my greatest takeaways was the power of building a strong team. Leadership isn’t about individual accomplishments—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Every Sailor and civilian working on base knew they were integral to our collective mission. Their well-being and success were my priority because a team that feels supported performs at its best.
Additionally, being the first in any position comes with unique challenges. I recognized that my role was bigger than me—it was about breaking barriers and paving the way for those who would come after me. That meant leading with integrity, setting high standards, and ensuring every decision I made reflected excellence and inclusivity.
One defining moment came during an exercise with the Red Sea Navy, where we worked alongside our partners to ensure mission success in a highly strategic and complex maritime environment. The exercise reinforced the significance of partnerships, trust, and shared responsibility in international operations.
Leading USS McFaul on deployment also reaffirmed the importance of clear communication and mission ownership. Every crew member understood their role in achieving operational success. Whether conducting joint exercises or responding to real-time threats, we operated with unwavering focus and cohesion. Ensuring my crew was informed, well-trained, and motivated was critical—we didn’t just complete the mission; we excelled in it.
That experience shaped my leadership philosophy: people first, mission always. When your team knows they are valued, they will rise to any challenge.
My transition to economic development is rooted in my passion for service, leadership, and community impact.Throughout my naval career, I was responsible for mission execution, resource management, and team development—skills that directly translate to fostering economic growth and investment in Suffolk.
I was drawn to this role because economic development is about strategic growth, creating opportunities, and improving the quality of life for the people you serve. Just as I ensured my crew was mission-ready, I am now focused on ensuring Suffolk is positioned for long-term success. I will leverage my leadership experience by:
My primary objectives focus on growth, sustainability, and inclusivity. I want to ensure Suffolk is a city where businesses thrive, families prosper, and opportunities are accessible to all. Key priorities include:
Engaging with the community is essential to achieving these goals. I plan to:
At the end of the day, economic development is about people—creating an environment where businesses, families, and individuals can thrive. Just as I led my teams in the Navy, I am committed to leading with transparency, collaboration, and a relentless focus on success.
My journey from military service to civic leadership is a continuation of my lifelong commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact. Whether in uniform or now in city government, my mission remains the same: build strong teams, foster growth, and ensure those I serve are set up for success.
I am honored to be featured in Faces of NPS and hope my story serves as a reminder that leadership is not about a title—it is about how we inspire, uplift, and drive change for the better.
