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.
“Neil’s impact on all of us will be felt for many years to come,” said Colleen Baybutt, CEO of Harbor’s Edge. “He was fiercely committed to our residents and staff, and his legacy of leadership and excellence will continue to inspire us.”
Vision for the future
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.
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.
