About Shenandoah Valley

Our Staff

Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Jay A. Langston, Ph.D., has over 40 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. Prior work included serving as the Managing Director of Business Retention and Expansion, as Senior Business Manager/Senior Advisor in Competitive Initiatives and as Senior Research Manager at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). 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 and started in economic development in Georgia. 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 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

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

Olivia Wright serves as the Business Development Manager for SVP, where she focuses on lead generation and business recruitment efforts, connecting member localities with industry partners. She brings a strong background in regional project management roles with additional experience conducting manufacturing research through UNC’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies. Olivia moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2021, and what began as a trial run quickly became home. She loves the region’s connection to land and nature, its home-grown business community, and the collaborative spirit of Valley residents – all of which make her role at SVP so rewarding. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bekka Harsh

Marketing and Communications Manager

Bekka Harsh, SVP’s Marketing and Communications Manager, leads the organization’s strategic marketing, communications, and branding efforts to advance SVP’s mission and tell the Shenandoah Valley story. With a background in both non-profit and private sectors, Bekka brings more than 20 years of experience to her role at SVP. A Shenandoah Valley native, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from James Madison University. Bekka serves on the Board of Directors for the Explore More Discovery Museum and is a member of the Shenandoah Valley Community Air Service Task Force, the Virginia Business Roundtable for Early Education and the Public Relations Council of the Shenandoah Valley. 

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. Carolyn Bragg Board of Supervisors, County of Augusta
  • Mr. Tom Carroll 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 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 Director of Economic Development, County of Rockbridge
  • Mr. Mike Bender County Administrator, County of Bath
  • Ms. Kristina Ramsey Director of Economic Development, City of Buena Vista
  • Ms. Nina Fox Economic Development & Tourism Director, County of Page
  • Ms. Amanda Dimeo Director of Economic Development, City of Staunton

Non-Locality

  • Mr. Chris Ellis Senior Vice President, Huntington National Bank
  • Mr. John King President, VA Poultry Growers Cooperative
  • Mr. Lucas Cade Economic Development Manager, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
  • Ms. Kehris Snead Senior Property Manager, Cathcart Group
  • Dr. John Downey President, Blue Ridge Community College
  • Ms. Lisa Botkin Executive Director, Shenandoah Valley Airport
  • Ms. Mary Mannix President & CEO, Augusta Health
  • Mr. Chris Weaver President & CEO, Lantz Construction Company
  • Mr. Charles Hendricks Principal, The Gaines Group Architects
  • Mr. Andy Vanhook Imaginative Producer, Appeal Production
  • Mr. Aaron Lorson Executive Vice President, Dynamic Aviation
  • Mr. Bill Wiley Business Development, Howard Shockey & Sons

Partners

  • Ms. Courtney Thompson President & CEO, Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce
  • Dr. Patrice Ludwig  Interim Assistant Vice President for Research & Innovation, James Madison University

Executive Committee

  • Mr. Andy Vanhook, Chair Imaginative Producer, Appeal Production
  • Mr. Lucas Cade, Vice Chair Economic Development Manager, SVEC
  • Mr. Chris Ellis, Secretary/Treasurer Senior Vice President, Huntington National Bank
  • Mr. Greg Hitchin, City Designee Economic Development & Tourism Director, City of Waynesboro
  • Mr. Robin Sullenberger, County Designee Economic Development Authority, County of Highland
  • Mr. Charles Hendricks, Immediate Past Chair Principal, The Gaines Group Architects
  • Dr. Patrice Ludwig, James Madison University Representative  Interim Assistant Vice President for Research & Innovation, James Madison University

Interested in learning more?

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