Onward NRV Welcomes Samantha Livesay as Director of Business Engagement

Scott Blankenship, Chair of Onward New River Valley, has announced the appointment of Samantha Livesay to the position of Director of Business Engagement effective September 6, 2021. Samantha will lead Onward NRV’s investor relations program, engage with local companies in the organization’s targeted industries, and forge partnerships with area employers and educational institutions to support talent attraction and retention in Virginia’s New River Valley.

Samantha Livesay

“I am thrilled to have Samantha join the Onward NRV Team!” said Blankenship. “Her experience coupled with her enthusiasm, network, drive and passion for the communities in the New River Valley make her a natural fit for the role.”

Samantha joins Onward NRV from Community Housing Partners in Christiansburg, where she has served as the Community Relations Coordinator for CHP Homeownership since 2015. She has never met a stranger, and she loves engaging and volunteering in her community. She is always on the move, and you’re likely to find her at ribbon cuttings and networking events. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has recognized Samantha’s hard work and dedication three times with the Volunteer of the Year award in 2017, Community Builder award in 2018 and the Spark Plug Award in 2019 through the Leadership New River Valley program.

Samantha was born and raised in Christiansburg and is a graduate of Radford University. She is a proud wife, and she’s mother to two children. She loves spending time with her family either hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or camping on the New River, and they appreciate the opportunities to enjoy nature that making their home in the New River Valley provides. Samantha is an avid volunteer in her community and church, and she encourages her children to do the same whenever possible.

“I am excited to work alongside the dedicated team at Onward NRV as the Director of Business Engagement to recruit and retain world-class talent here in Virginia’s New River Valley, the region I call home,” said Livesay. “I am eager to meet with Onward NRV’s investors and partners when I start work in September.”

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.