Onward NRV Host Multi-Regional Talent Summit at Radford University

On March 13, 2025, over 120 business leaders, educators, and workforce professionals gathered at Radford University’s Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity for the second annual Future of Talent Summit. Organized by Onward NRV, in partnership with GO Virginia Region, Radford University, Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, Roanoke Regional Partnership, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, and the Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership, the event focused on leveraging data to drive workforce development strategies.

The summit opened with a welcome address from Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, followed by two keynotes that set the stage for the day’s discussions:

• Rachel O’Brien, Interim Director for the Virginia Office of Education Economics
• Emily Eller, Marketing Director for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Both speakers shared regional workforce data and employment trends, providing valuable insights into the GO Virginia Region 2 coverage area. Their presentations reinforced the summit’s theme—turning data into action—by emphasizing the importance of aligning talent strategies with evolving industry needs.

Following the keynotes, President Danilowicz moderated an employer panel, diving into key topics such as internship programs, company culture, and workforce challenges. Panelists included:

• Kenna Smith, Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development Manager, Branch
• Jodi Estienne, Human Resource Manager, CBIZ
• Kyle Kinski, Biomedical Engineer, CytoRecovery
• Teresa Penrose, Senior Human Resource Manager, Hollingsworth & Vose
• Ashley Fiore, Chief Business Intelligence Officer, KlariVis

The discussion provided valuable employer perspectives to help attendees better understand the needs of today’s workforce.

The afternoon session featured a Strategic Doing workshop, facilitated by Tim and Nancy Franklin of Franklin Solutions. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions, working through a framing question:

What would it look like if every employer in GO Virginia Region 2 had highly qualified talent filling every available position?

Using structured exercises, attendees collaborated on actionable strategies to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. The session encouraged cross-sector partnerships, empowering participants to take an active role in shaping the future of workforce development.

The 2025 Future of Talent Summit reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making, employer collaboration, and strategic workforce initiatives. By connecting industry leaders, educators, and economic development professionals, the event served as a catalyst for actionable solutions to enhance talent attraction and retention in Virginia’s New River Valley and beyond.

Thank you to Onward NRV’s partners, speakers, panelists, and attendees for making this year’s summit a success!

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.