Onward NRV held its annual board elections this spring and is pleased to announce the members of its FY 2026-27 Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of leaders from across Virginia’s New River Valley who bring diverse expertise and perspectives to support regional economic development and advance the goals of the Onward 2028 strategic plan. Through their service, these community stakeholders help guide Onward NRV’s efforts to foster business growth, talent development, and regional collaboration.
This year, Onward NRV welcomes two new board members who began their terms on July 1, 2026: Lyndsi Hale of Mountain Lake Lodge and Paul Smith of Celanese. Additionally, Lydeana Martin of Floyd County and Michael Orr of Freedom First Credit Union began their terms during FY 2025-26. The organization also extends its sincere appreciation to departing board members Brian Alexander, Lauren Dudley, Sara Eaton-McDaniel, Adam Keffer, Carrie Kingery, and Randy Wingfield for their service and commitment to advancing the New River Valley.
Onward NRV is proud to have these new members join a strong group of returning board representatives whose leadership and expertise help strengthen the organization and the region. Together, they will support Onward NRV’s mission of attracting and retaining world-class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley.
FY 2026-27 Board of Directors
Elected Executive Committee and Officers
- Mark Woolwine, Chair | Brown Edwards
- Rodney Fultz, Vice Chair | Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
- April DeMotts, Treasurer | Montgomery County
- Cora Gnegy, Secretary | Giles County
- Jody Lambert | James Hardie Building Products
- Lydeana Martin | Floyd County
- Kim Repass | City of Radford
- Paul Smith | Celanese
- Mike Vellines | Hurt & Proffitt, Inc.
- Laura Walters | Pulaski County
Elected Board Members
- Hansen Ball | New River Computing
- Jon Fitzwater | Appalachian Power
- John Gardner | Branch Builds
- Lyndsi Hale | Mountain Lake Lodge
- Brian Hamilton | Montgomery County EDA
- Matt Hanratty | Town of Blacksburg
- Vince Hatcher | Hollingsworth & Vose
- Nathan Hockersmith | Atlantic Union Bank
- Marty Holliday | Floyd County EDA
- Angela Joyner | Radford University
- Kevin Meredith | Pulaski County EDA
- Michael Orr | Freedom First Credit Union
- Cameron Peel | Camrett Logistics
- John Provo | Virginia Tech
- Scott Ross | Salem Stone Corporation
- Mark Rowh | New River Community College
- Lee Wheeler | Giles County IDA
- Abram Williams | City of Radford EDA
Onward NRV is grateful for the dedication and leadership of its Board of Directors and looks forward to working with these regional leaders during FY 2026-27 as the organization continues to advance economic development priorities and build momentum toward the goals outlined in Onward 2028: Join the Movement.
