A man with nearly two decades of experience leading the effort to promote regional solutions to Hampton Roads’ problems has joined Suffolk’s Economic Development Authority.

The Suffolk City Council announced the appointment of Hampton Roads planning mogul Art Collins to the city’s authority on Wednesday night.

Collins, a U.S. Army veteran and former 18-year executive director of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, attended his first EDA meeting on Thursday.

Collins has served on the boards of the United Way, WHRO, Boys and Girls Clubs of South Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads Partnership and other organizations.

Other people appointed to the city’s boards and commissions Wednesday included Sue Nichols, Library Board; Randy Brock, Local Board of Building Code Appeals; and Monette Robinson Harrell, Sister Cities Commission. Two people were reappointed to their respective seats – Geraldine Diggs, South Hampton Roads Disability Services Board, and Sabrina High, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Program.