The Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEO), or designees, of the Cities and Counties of Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and York work collaboratively with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council Board of Directors to meet the region's workforce development needs.

The CLEOs have fiduciary and oversight responsibilities for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds awarded to the Board, and act in an advisory capacity to the Board in this regard. They also provide input for the regional workforce development strategy. The CLEOs are responsible for approving appointments to the Board of Directors.

The Mayors/Chairs of the communities may also receive direct nominations from the business community. These nominations are consolidated with others into a slate of nominees presented to the CLEOs for their consideration. The Chief Local Elected Officials may remove a Board member for due cause, conflict of interest or criminal acts, as specified in the Board's By-Laws. Additionally, Youth Council members shall be appointed by the Board, in cooperation with the Chief Local Elected Officials.