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Onward NRV staff are dedicated to the economic success of the region and committed to moving Virginia’s New River Valley onward.
Katie Boswell | Executive Director
Katie Boswell |
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Katie manages the Onward NRV team and promotes Virginia’s New River Valley as a premier destination to live, work, and do business. Originally from Blacksburg, Katie holds a B.S. in Psychology from Davidson College and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University. Katie spends her free time reading, gardening, and exploring the NRV with her family.
Katie Boswell | Executive Director
Katie Boswell |
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Katie manages the Onward NRV team and promotes Virginia’s New River Valley as a premier destination to live, work, and do business. Originally from Blacksburg, Katie holds a B.S. in Psychology from Davidson College and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University. Katie spends her free time reading, gardening, and exploring the NRV with her family.
Rachel Johnson | Director of Marketing
Director of Marketing
As Director of Marketing at Onward NRV, Rachel oversees branding, websites, and social media to promote Virginia’s New River Valley as a top place to live, work, and do business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Liberty University and has a diverse background in management and television. After living abroad, she returned to the NRV for its opportunities and quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys family, travel, and exploring the region.
Rachel Johnson | Director of Marketing
As Director of Marketing at Onward NRV, Rachel oversees branding, websites, and social media to promote Virginia’s New River Valley as a top place to live, work, and do business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Liberty University and has a diverse background in management and television. After living abroad, she returned to the NRV for its opportunities and quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys family, travel, and exploring the region.
Laken Blankenship | Talent and Business Strategies Manager
Laken Blankenship |
Talent and Business Strategies Manager
As Talent and Business Strategies Manager, Laken focuses on talent attraction and retention programs, engages with companies in Onward NRV’s targeted industries and supports business attraction efforts. Laken holds a B.S. in Political Science from Appalachian State University and a M.S. in Human Services from East Tennessee State University and has a background in manufacturing. In her free time, Laken enjoys gardening, cooking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her loved ones.
Katie Boswell | Executive Director
Laken Blankenship | Talent and Business Strategies Manager
As Talent and Business Strategies Manager, Laken focuses on talent attraction and retention programs, engages with companies in Onward NRV’s targeted industries and supports business attraction efforts. Laken holds a B.S. in Political Science from Appalachian State University and a M.S. in Human Services from East Tennessee State University and has a background in manufacturing. In her free time, Laken enjoys gardening, cooking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her loved ones.
Mary Denson |
Investor Relations and Development Coordinator
Mary holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Virginia Tech and brings a strong background in relationship-building, event management and donor engagement. In her free time, Mary enjoys traveling, attending local farmers markets, and going to Virginia Tech football games. Go Hokies!
Mary Denson | Investor Relations and Development Coordinator
Mary holds a B.S. in Agribusiness Management from Virginia Tech and brings a strong background in relationship-building, event management and donor engagement. In her free time, Mary enjoys traveling, attending local farmers markets, and going to Virginia Tech football games. Go Hokies!
Kristy Furher | Office Administrator
Kristy Furher | Office Administrator
As Office Administrator, Kristy offers support to the Onward NRV staff. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design from Virginia Tech and has a background in adult education. In her free time, Kristy enjoys reading historical fiction, autumn in the mountains, and exploring artisan communities and international festivals.
Office Administrator
As Office Administrator, Kristy offers support to the Onward NRV staff. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design from Virginia Tech and has a background in adult education. In her free time, Kristy enjoys reading historical fiction, autumn in the mountains, and exploring artisan communities and international festivals.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Interested in attending an event?
We host events that are exclusive to our investors and events that are open to all leaders in the New River Valley. Interested in getting involved?
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