OUR STAFF
Jay A. Langston, Ph.D., has over 30 years of extensive experience in economic and business development, strengthening community engagement, and developing entrepreneurial initiatives. Jay joined SVP in December 2018 where he is leading efforts to expand and relocate business to the Shenandoah Valley region. Most recently serving as the Managing Director of Business Retention and Expansion at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Jay also served as Senior Business Manager/Senior Advisor in Competitive Initiatives and Senior Research Manager. Prior to working at VEDP, Jay was the Executive Director of Virginia’s Gateway Region, a regional economic development organization, and Senior Business Development Representative for Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development. Jay received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and Masters in Public Administration and Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He also received accreditation from the Virginia Executive Institute and National Center for Economic Gardening and received the 2010 Virginia Economic Developers Association’s Cardinal Award, the highest award for economic development leadership, career accomplishment and service.
Jen Weaver is the Administrative Manager for the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. Jen is a native of Augusta County and graduated from Bridgewater College with degrees in Business Administration and Economics. She brings to SVP over 25 years of office experience, primarily with small construction and telecommunications companies. Having lived and worked in Baltimore for nine years, it was Jen's love of the Shenandoah Valley that eventually brought her back to this area. Jen supports critical functions and her strong administrative and accounting background are instrumental in SVP's success.
Nathan Garrison, a life-long resident of Rockingham County, and alumni of both Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University, serves SVP as Business Development Manager. Nathan’s past experience includes serving as the Tourism Director for the town of Grottoes and General Manager of Grand Caverns, Town Manager for Grottoes, and worked alongside the Community and Economic Development team at the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. Additionally, Nathan lead the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association (SVTA) as President from 2020-2022. Bringing a strong passion for the Shenandoah Valley, his goal is to share why it is the best location to live, work, and play. Nathan supports SVP’s core missions by working towards attracting new and expanding existing businesses in the Valley, improving opportunities and quality of life across our region.
Bekka Harsh is a native of the Shenandoah Valley and graduate of James Madison University. In her role as Marketing and Communications manager, Bekka coordinates and oversees marketing, communications and branding strategies that promote the mission of SVP. Bekka has more than 15 years marketing and communications experience in both the non-profit and for profit sectors. Her past roles includes Marketing and Communications director at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and marketing director for a commercial real estate firm in Charlotte, NC. Bekka has a passion for the Valley and enjoys highlighting the stories, people, programs and businesses that make our area thrive!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership Board of Directors guides the organization in fulfilling its mission to facilitate regional and local economic development efforts through and in support of member jurisdictions, private partners and strategic alliances.
Locality
- Ms. Pam Carter Board of Supervisors, County of Augusta
- Mr. James M. Halasz City Manager, City of Lexington
- Mr. Greg Hitchin Economic Development Director, City of Waynesboro
- Mr. Robin Sullenberger Economic Development Authority, County of Highland
- Mr. Casey Armstrong Assistant County Administrator, County of Rockingham
- Mr. Peirce Macgill Assistant Director of Economic Development, City of Harrisonburg
- Ms. Jenna French Director of Tourism & Economic Development, County of Shenandoah
- Ms. Brandy Flint Business Development Assistant, Rockbridge County
- Mr. Roy Burns Board of Supervisors, County of Bath
- Mr. Jason Tyree City Manager, City of Buena Vista
- Mr. Mark Stroupe Board of Supervisors, County of Page
- Ms. Amanda Dimeo Economic Development Specialist
Non-Locality
- Mr. Tony Biller President & CEO, Nielsen Builders, Inc.
- Mr. Brad Cornelius CEO, Farm Credit of the Virginias
- Mr. Bryan Smith Economic Development Manager, Dominion Energy
- Mr. Keith May Owner, Cottonwood Commercial Realty
- Mr. Greg Godsey Commercial Market Executive, Atlantic Union Bank
- Ms. Kathleen Gass Manufacturing Liaison, Blue Ridge Community College
- Ms. Beth Alltop Executive Projects and Communications Manager, Cadence
- Mr. Chris Kyle Vice President of Industry Relations & Regulatory, Shentel
- Dr. Nick Swartz Interim Dean of Professional & Continuing Education, James Madison University
- Mr. Charles Hendricks Principal, The Gaines Group
- Mr. Andy Vanhook Imaginative Producer, Appeal Production
- Mr. Joel Shank VP Human Resources, Dynamic Aviation
Partners
- Ms. Bonnie Riedesel Executive Director, Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
- Mr. Brandon Davis Executive Director, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
Executive Committee
- Mr. Chris Kyle, Chair Vice President of Industry Relations & Regulatory, Shentel
- Mr. Charles Hendricks, Vice Chair Principal, The Gaines Group Architects
- Mr. Greg Godsey, Secretary/Treasurer Commercial Market Executive, Atlantic Union Bank
- Ms. Jenna French, County Economic Development Designee Director of Tourism & Economic Development, Shenandoah County
- Mr. Jim Halasz, City Economic Development Designee City Manager City of Lexington
- Mr. Keith May, Past Chair Owner, Cottonwood Commercial Realty
- Dr. Nick Swartz, James Madison University Representative Interim Dean of Professional & Continuing Education, James Madison University