Chief Paul W. Neudigate Selects Rae Pearson Benn as PD Chief Communications Officer

The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is pleased to announce the selection of Rae Pearson Benn as its new PD Chief Communications Officer (CCO), effective July 24, 2025.

In this role, Ms. Benn will oversee communications efforts, including media and community relations, internal communications, strategic communications, brand storytelling, social media, and crisis management.

Ms. Benn brings extensive experience to the VBPD, with over 20 years of developing valued communications and public relations initiatives with an impact on the region, across the country and around the globe.

Ms. Benn most recently served as Director of Communications at Regent University, where she was presented with the President's Award of Excellence by Chancellor Gordon Robertson in December 2024 for her innovation, excellence, and integrity. 

Ms. Benn is still featured in a myriad of City of Virginia Beach informational videos produced while she was with the Public Communications Office as a Media Communications Coordinator III, where she earned two Emmy nominations as a writer/producer in 2019 and 2020.

Her early proficiencies as a media professional were enhanced while working at WAVY TV-10, the Christian Broadcasting Network, the City of Chesapeake, and the Office of Attorney General.

Ms. Rae Pearson Benn’s combination of skills, experience, and her personal commitment to servant leadership will be an asset to the VBPD team.