New Members Join Onward NRV Board of Directors for FY2020-21

Onward NRV has some new members joining its Board of Directors. The board is made up of thought-leaders and community stakeholders that are passionate about Virginia’s New River Valley and the mission of Onward NRV. They are committed to improving the economic vitality of the region and work hard to bring industry expertise to the table while simultaneously representing the best interests of the NRV.

This year, fifteen of the thirty-two seats on the Board of Directors had expiring terms.  After an open solicitation process, the Governance & Nominations Committee met on May 15^th to discuss the candidates and formalize its slate of nominees to fill these seats.  At the June 17^th board meeting, the Board officially accepted and elected the candidates for a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2020.

We are delighted to have four new representatives serving on the Board of Directors, in addition to the eleven members who were reelected, including:

NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS:
Laura Darlington | BAE Systems
John Provo | Virginia Tech
Ginny Taylor | Lawrence Companies
Justin Yalung | Inorganic Ventures

REELECTED BOARD MEMBERS:
David Bennett | Appalachian Power
Cora Gnegy | Giles County
Joseph Guthrie | Pulaski County
Vince Hatcher | Hollingsworth & Vose
Richard Mitchell | Celanese Corporation
Grayson Patterson | BB&T
Scott Ross | Salem Stone Corporation
Mark Rowh | New River Community College
Lee Wheeler | Giles County
Mark Woolwine | Brown Edwards
Jon Wyatt | Pulaski County

These fifteen individuals join 16 existing board members.  You can find a list of all 31 members on our Board of Directors HERE.

Onward NRV would also like to thank the former members of the Board of Directors whose terms ended on June 30, 2020 for their service to the organization.  These members include:

John Dooley | Virginia Tech Foundation
Adam Fillmore | BAE Systems
Bob Grove | James Hardie
Nichole Hair | Town of Pulaski

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.