It is with deep sadness that Harbor’s Edge announces the passing of our Founder and retired Chief Executive Officer, C.A. “Neil” Volder III, who died unexpectedly on January 6. Neil was a visionary leader and pioneer in the retirement living industry, dedicating his life to developing Harbor’s Edge, a unique resort-style Life Care community in Norfolk, VA. His unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation shaped a vibrant culture at Harbor’s Edge, where residents and team members were treated like family.
—Colleen Baybutt, CEO of Harbor’s Edge
Neil’s journey began in 2000 when he and his wife, Connie, established the nonprofit Fort Norfolk Retirement Community, with both serving as the only officers and investors. He worked with top industry leaders to assemble a Board of Directors, leading to the creation of Harbor’s Edge, which offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and a state-of-the-art Health Center. Harbor’s Edge opened in August 2006 and quickly achieved 100% occupancy due to overwhelming demand.
Following the success of Harbor Tower, Neil led the planning and development of the River Tower expansion, which opened in August 2021. His vision was to create a unique living experience with diverse amenities in a prime location, ensuring Harbor’s Edge would rival any Life Plan Community in the country. In 2022, it was honored as the “Best Designed CCRC in the Nation” by Senior Housing News, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most sought-after retirement destinations on the East Coast.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Harbor’s Edge Foundation, established by Neil in 2008 to support residents in financial need and enrich the lives of the community.
Harbor’s Edge Foundation
One Colley Avenue,
Norfolk, VA 23510
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Neil’s commitment to revitalization spurred economic growth in the Fort Norfolk area, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use destination. His innovative public-private partnership with the City of Norfolk, utilizing a land lease arrangement, marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration that ensured financial security for both the city and the project. He also established partnerships with Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Sentara Medical Center.
“Neil had a keen interest in transforming Fort Norfolk into a thriving community by replacing old warehouses with Harbor’s Edge,” said Bruce Holbrook, a long-time friend and Board member. “His efforts, along with Dr. Keith Newby’s guidance on the need for a Class A medical building, were key in transforming the area into a comprehensive medical community.”
History of excellence and commitment
Before founding Harbor’s Edge, Neil had an extensive career in real estate and financial management. He held prominent positions in banking, healthcare financing, and real estate development, including serving as President and CEO of UVB’s fourth-largest commercial banking operation. From 1994 to 2000, he worked for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) as Advisor to Chairman M.G. “Pat” Robertson, overseeing the development of senior housing projects on the CBN campus and managing a four-star hotel and conference center. Neil also founded the Virginia Healthcare Finance Center in 1990, focusing on financing for hospitals, and served as President/CEO of Mortgage Centers, Inc. from 1987 to 1990. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer of Great Atlantic Management, overseeing over 120 real estate development projects across the Southeast.
Neil earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Old Dominion University and graduated from the School of Banking at Louisiana State University.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter Tracie Volder Kimiayi; son-in-law Babak Kimiayi; and sister Verna “Bunny” Brock, and her husband, James Brock. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.A. Volder II and Verna Volder.
Residents here can truly say of Neil, “If you seek his monument, look around you” (borrowing from the inscription to Christopher Wren in St. Paul’s). Many of us can remember when this site was notable for feral cats and a decaying bag factory. Now it is the pride of Norfolk. Well done, Neil!
We wish to offer our condolences to Neil’s family in this time of sadness. As residents of Harbor’s Edge, we realize his vision and perseverence made this outstanding retirement community a reality. We honor him for creating our forever home that we live in today.
Neil was not only visionary but also compassionate, hardworking, and tireless. Working with the city while meticulously crafting its design, he created Harbor’s Edge which became our home. His legacy is evident in every corner, and his contributions have enriched the lives of countless residents and will continue in the future.
In 1981, Carl Albero and I were starting a new company, AMSEC, to provide engineering services to the Navy. Banks that we had previously done real estate business with declined to also provide a line of credit that was necessary for AMSEC. Neil had recently arrived in Norfolk from Northern Virginia and was more familiar with the defense contracting world. He understood the vision that we had and the potential. His bank granted the full line we were requesting. AMSEC grew to be one of the largest employers in the area and Neil should be considered an honorary founder.
I was truly saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. He was not only a leader but also an inspiration to all of us fortunate enough to work under his guidance. His vision, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the organization made a lasting impact on each of us. He fostered a workplace where we all felt supported, valued, and motivated to pursue excellence. We are deeply grateful for the enduring legacy of leadership he leaves behind.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences to Neil’s family and the entire leadership team during this difficult time. I hope they can find comfort knowing that his influence will continue to shape the work we do and the values we uphold at Harbor’s Edge.
Neil was my mentor, confidante and champion for the last twenty years. I cannot express fully the impact he has on my life, professionally and personally. Neil’s dedication and love for Connie was on display every day. His pride and confidence in his daughter Tracie would fill up a room. When we told me stories, I realize now, it was always about the people he loved and admired, not about his many accomplishments. And he cared deeply for his staff and the residents, so much so that he kept every card and photo he had received and even laminated a few. I wish I could have had just one more conversation. But, true to form, Tracie found a letter he wrote to me with instructions on carrying on his legacy at Harbor’s Edge. We lost a great man with incredible spirit, intelligence, kindness and humor. My warmest regards to Connie and Tracie and Babak and all those who will feel this loss. Colleen Baybutt
Neil and I first met in 1994 when my company was retained to be part of the team that would develop a CCRC on the CBN campus. Although that project would not succeed, he and I developed a friendship that would last until now.
Later he and I, along with a great team, pursued Neil’s dream of building a first class CCRC on the deteriorated Fort Norfolk property From that point on Neil’s life was committed to the success of Harbor’s Edge.
I have always admired his intelligence, unlimited energy and his unwavering loyalty to people and projects in which he believed.
it is unfair that he was denied the retirement he earned at the end of a long and successful career. I extend my sympathies, to Connie and all of Neil’s family and friends. He was a unique and good person, and I will miss him.