Onward NRV Welcomes New Board of Directors Members for FY 2023-24

Onward NRV held their yearly scheduled elections in May 2023 for the FY 2023-24 Board of Directors and are excited to announce their new members. The Board of Directors is made up of community stakeholders in Virginia’s New River Valley who are committed to improving the economic development landscape in the NRV. The Board helps to represent the best interests of the NRV’s communities, allowing Onward to bring their industry expertise to the table.

This year, Onward NRV welcomed three new board members who began their terms on July 1st: Mindy Boyd of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Angela Joyner of Radford University, and Carrie Kingery of Freedom First Credit Union. Additionally, Brian Hicks from Celanese began his term on May 17th to finish the remainder of Richard Mitchell’s term on the Board.

Onward NRV also welcomed a newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors, Mark Woolwine. Mark steps into the position formerly held by Scott Blankenship. Onward NRV is thankful to Scott for his three years of service as Chair and is looking forward to working with the new Chair Mark Woolwine. Onward NRV also welcomed a new Vice-Chair, Lauren Dudley of HCA LewisGale Hospital Montgomery.

Onward NRV is proud to have these four new board members as well as fourteen reelected representatives. They include:

REELECTED BOARD MEMBERS:

• Scott Blankenship | Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
• Keith Boyd | Hurt & Proffitt
• April DeMotts | Montgomery County
• Lauren Dudley | HCA LewisGale Hospital Montgomery
• John Gardner | Branch Builds
• Brian Hamilton | Montgomery County
• Marty Holliday | Floyd County
• Chris Lawrence | Town of Blacksburg
• Linda Millsaps | Floyd County
• Craig Parrent | Atlantic Union Bank
• Kim Repass | City of Radford
• Wayne Whitlock | 1901 Group
• Abram Williams | City of Radford
• Randy Wingfield | Town of Christiansburg

These 18 new or reelected Board members join the 13 members whose terms expire in 2024 to make up Onward NRV’s 31-person Board of Directors for FY 2023-24. View a full list of Onward NRV board members here.

Every two years, the Board of Directors also conducts elections for the Executive Committee and Officers. The individuals elected to these positions are:

ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS:

• Mark Woolwine, Chair | Brown Edwards
• Lauren Dudley, Vice-Chair | HCA LewisGale Hospital Montgomery
• April DeMotts, Treasurer | Montgomery County
• Cora Gnegy, Secretary | Giles County
• Scott Blankenship | Carilion NRV Medical Center
• Keith Boyd | Hurt & Proffitt, Inc.
• Brian Hicks | Celanese
• Linda Millsaps | Floyd County
• Kim Repass | City of Radford
• Laura Walters | Pulaski County
• Wayne Whitlock | 1901 Group

Onward NRV would also like to thank former Board members, whose terms ended on June 30, 2023, for their service to the organization. These include:

• John Cox | Radford University
• Trip Kellam | Lawrence Companies
• Brandon Quesenberry | Citizens Telephone Cooperative

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.