Katie Boswell, Onward NRV Executive Director, has named Laken Blankenship the organization’s Talent and Business Strategies Manager effective July 22, 2025. In this position, Laken will focus on talent attraction and retention programs, engaging with companies in Onward NRV’s targeted industries and supporting business attraction efforts in Virginia’s New River Valley.
“We are excited to welcome Laken Blankenship to the Onward NRV team,” said Boswell. “Laken’s manufacturing experience and her educational background make her uniquely qualified to support Onward NRV’s efforts in attracting and retaining talent and supporting business growth in the New River Valley.”
Laken joins Onward NRV from Tyson Foods, the largest meat processing company in America, where she served as Senior HACCP Supervisor in Wilkesboro, NC. Laken has a diverse background in project management, workforce development, and community engagement.
Originally from Western North Carolina, Laken earned a B.S. in Political Science from Appalachian State University in 2022 and a M.S. in Human Services from East Tennessee State University in 2023. Laken enjoys exploring all the NRV has to offer, especially the variety of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, culture, music, and arts the region holds. In addition, Laken enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones in her spare time.
“I am honored to be join Onward NRV as the Talent and Business Strategies Manager,” said Blankenship. “I am excited to work alongside the Onward NRV team to attract and retain world-class talent, support thriving businesses, and promote the NRV as a premier destination to live, work and do business.”
Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.