Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.
Executive Director

(540) 421-6461  |  email  Jay

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 leads 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
Administrative Manager

(540) 568-3100  |  email  Jen

Jen Weaver is the Director of Operations 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.

Olivia Wright
Business Development Manager

(540) 394-8001  |  email  Olivia

Olivia Wright is the Business Development Manager for SVP. In her role, she works in business recruitment and lead generation, and serves as a liaison between member localities and the business community. Olivia brings experience in project and program management, and most recently served as the Housing Program Manager for the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. Additionally, Olivia worked with UNC’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies, where she conducted manufacturing research. She is passionate about the intersection between regional economic growth and improving quality of life in the Valley. Olivia received a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies from the University of Virginia and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bekka Harsh
Marketing and Communications Manager

(540) 568-3106  |  email  Bekka

Bekka Harsh, SVP's Marketing and Communications manager, 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 is a native of the Valley and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from James Madison University. She is on the Board of Directors for Explore More Discovery Museum and serves as a member of the Shenandoah Valley Community Air Service Task Force and the Virginia Business Roundtable for Early Education.