Irvine B. Hill has been a prominent broadcasting executive, politician, and civic leader in Norfolk, Virginia for over 40 years. Born in 1927 to Madeline and Herman Hill, he graduated from Norfolk’s Maury High School and later attended the College of William and Mary Norfolk Division in 1949. He also studied broadcasting management at Harvard’s School of Business in 1964.
From 1963 to 1979, Hill was President and General Manager of WCMS AM/FM Radio in Norfolk, Virginia. He was also a member of Norfolk City Council from 1972 to 1976, and served as the city’s mayor from 1974 to 1976. In 1983, Hill joined Cox Communications serving as Vice-President of Public Affairs, where he was charged with programming and community relations. He did more than 15,000 interviews and 5,000 programs for WCOX channel 11, most notably “Hampton Roads Speaks Out." Other programs included “Portraits,” “Viewpoints," and “A Visit With."
Hill is distinguished for his community service in the Tidewater region, particularly his work in helping to raise money and recruit volunteers for numerous organizations and charities. In 1996, Hill received the first Eastern Virginia Medical School President’s Medallion for Service and Support. In 2001, Hill received Norfolk’s First Citizen award for his civic and volunteer endeavors. He was honored in 2002 by The Virginia Chorale as an advocate for hundreds of civic and charitable organizations. In 2003, Hill received The General Assembly of Virginia Commendation for Outstanding Service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also received the Meritorious Public Service Award from the IRS and the U.S. Secret Service Award for Public Service
Hill served on numerous boards and commissions throughout his career. Among others, he was National Director Emeritus of the Navy League, President of the Southside Boys Club, Urban League Board Member, Chairman of the United Nations Association, and President of the Economic Club of Hampton Roads.
Hill’s wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Stewart Hill, with whom he had two daughters, passed away in 2000. In 2001, Hill married Marjorie Batty Dey. She passed away in 2011.
Author: Sonia Yaco
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