Onward NRV Names Katie Boswell as Next Executive Director

Scott Blankenship, Chair of Onward New River Valley, has announced the appointment of Katie Boswell to the position of Executive Director effective December 1, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Boswell served as Director of Marketing for the organization, overseeing the marketing program and promoting Virginia’s New River Valley as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Onward NRV worked with Creative Economic Development Consulting to conduct a national search for the position.

Katie Boswell

“I am very excited to have Katie Boswell on board as the next Executive Director of Onward NRV,” said Blankenship. “After conducting a national search for the position, we found the leader we were looking for right here in Virginia’s New River Valley. Katie is an example of the impressive talent that we have available in our region.”

The mission of Onward NRV is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. As Executive Director, Boswell will continue to build on the organization’s success in achieving that mission. She will lead public/private collaboration to advance Onward NRV’s five-year economic development strategy for the region and strengthen relationships with stakeholders across the NRV’s five localities.

Boswell joined Onward New River Valley in June 2020. As Marketing Manager and then Director of Marketing, Boswell managed the branding, website design, and social media presence for Onward NRV and Virginia’s New River Valley. Boswell grew up in Blacksburg and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Davidson College and a Master of Education degree from Vanderbilt University.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Onward New River Valley’s Executive Director,” said Boswell. “The economic development success of Virginia’s New River Valley is important to me because I grew up in the region and I have chosen to raise my family here. I look forward to working with stakeholders across our region to build on Onward NRV’s success in adding jobs and investment to our regional economy.”

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.