More About Harvey
Harvey D. Brookins has called Roanoke home for two decades, and in that time he has done about as much for this city as anyone you are likely to meet. He is a banking executive with thirty years in finance, a board member who has put in real hours on the organizations that keep Roanoke running, a youth basketball official, a t-ball coach, a husband, and a father of five. Now, for the first time, he is asking voters to send him to City Hall.
As City Executive for the National Bank of Blacksburg, Harvey has spent years helping bring investment and opportunity to Roanoke. He joined NBB in 2016 to establish its Roanoke Loan Production Office, and the work he did there laid the groundwork for NBB to open its first full-service Roanoke branch on Franklin Road, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The job suits him. After more than three decades in finance, Harvey still believes the best part of the work is sitting across the table from somebody and helping them figure out how to make their plans add up.
That same approach guides him everywhere he serves; Harvey listens carefully, asks the right questions, recommends financially while community focused solutions and does the work that earns trust. Harvey believes leadership is about effective communication which leads to developing relationships that build trust. That is the practical, people‑centered leadership he will bring to City Council.
Roanoke knows Harvey because Harvey has been showing up here for a long time. Though there are frequently no easy solutions, decades of volunteer work in the Roanoke Valley has led to Harvey's deep understanding of the issues Roanokers are facing.
He currently serves on the board of the Western Virginia Water Authority, where he is been past Chair twice and has spent 10 years leading the Finance and Audit Committee. During the “great resignation” in 2021, he founded the IDEA Team to help shape the Authority's culture, recruitment and retention. He is also an advocate to households facing disconnection, leading efforts to eliminate reconnection fees and the debut of Authority Cares, a program that helps customer who find themselves past due on their water bill.
Throughout his tenure on the Board, Harvey has remained committed to ensuring that economic progress never comes at the expense of our residents. One of the most difficult decisions Harvey made as a member of the Western Virginia Water Authority Board was voting in favor of the water service agreement involving Botetourt County and Google. Protecting the region’s water resources and ratepayers remains Harvey’s highest priority.
Throughout the 21-year history of the Water Authority, they have balanced growth with environmental stewardship, and this decision is no different. Strong safeguards, accountability measures, and ongoing oversight are in place to protect the region’s water supply and the families and businesses who depend on reliable, affordable water service.
A key factor in Harvey’s decision was his trust and confidence in the leadership and staff of the Western Virginia Water Authority. After working closely with the organization for the past 14 years, Harvey has experienced firsthand the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of the team. He was also satisfied that the Authority has the capacity to meet the needs of existing customers while serving large-scale users, while continuing to strengthen drought management policies and maintain strict water quality standards.
The agreement also presents a significant economic development opportunity for the Roanoke Valley. Google’s investment reinforces our region’s growing reputation as a center for technology and innovation and creates opportunities to attract new businesses, jobs, and investment to the entire Roanoke Valley community.
Harvey also serves on the executive committee and board of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC), where he launched the Roanoke chapter of Blacks in Technology. He has mentored founders through the Regional Accelerator Mentoring Program (RAMP) since its inception in 2017 and serves on its selection committee. In 2025, he was a judge of student pitches at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC “Hokie Shark Tank”competition.
His past board service reads like a tour of Roanoke’s anchors. He served on the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center Commission. He spent six years on the board of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, from 2009 to 2015, including time as Vice Chair, Chair, and Finance Committee Chair. He returned to Goodwill to serve on the capital campaign for Melrose Plaza Previously, he sat on the Ferrum College Board of Trustees where they named him Executive in Residence. He has also served on the Roanoke County Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and the Roanoke College Roanoke Valley Advisory Board.
When Harvey is not in a boardroom, you could often find him in a gym or on a ballfield. From 2018 through 2024 he worked as a VHSL basketball official with the Western Blue Officials Association. Before that he coached t-ball through Roanoke City Rec. He says the lessons travel both ways. The kids learn the game. The coach learns the kids. The refs guide them both.
Harvey credits his faith and the steady love of his family for shaping the man he is today. He is a proud member of Sweet Union Baptist Church, where he serves in several ministries. He is supported every step of the way by his wife, Martina, and their five adult children.
Harvey will tell you that nothing he has built has been a solo effort, and that is exactly how he intends to serve on City Council: grounded in faith, guided by community, and committed to working with others to move Roanoke forward.
Harvey is running for Roanoke City Council because he believes this city can do better and deserves better. He has built his career on the belief that real progress happens when people unite around a shared goal, stay realistic, and remain disciplined in their work. He is not running to make noise. He is running to make a difference. He is running to do the work.
The Democratic primary is August 4, 2026.
This campaign runs on Roanokers.
Whether you’ve got five minutes or five hours a week, there’s a place for you on the Harvey 4 Roanoke team. Volunteer, request a yard sign, or sign up for updates to follow the journey to August 4.
Knock doors, make calls, host a meet-and-greet, or just spread the word. Tell us how you’d like to help.
Show your support where your neighbors can see it. We’ll bring one by.
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