Va. economic developers group elects new leaders

The Virginia Beach-based Virginia Economic Developers Association announced its new slate of officers and directors Tuesday. 

Linda Green, the Danville-based Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s vice president of economic development, as well as executive director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, will serve as president.

Gregory Hitchin, director of economic development and tourism for the City of Waynesboro, will serve as vice president. Garrett Hart, director of economic development for Chesterfield County, will serve as treasurer. Matt Johnson, assistant director of economic development for Charlottesville, will serve as secretary, and Christina Winn, executive director of Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, will serve as immediate past president.

New members to VEDA’s board include Pamela Bailey, director of economic development for Bedford County; John Matthews, deputy director of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, and Nicole A. Talton, economic development coordinator with Isle of Wight County. The board has five officers and nine directors who serve three-year terms. The officers usually progress through the positions of secretary, treasurer, vice president and president.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has more than 500 members, including local, regional and state economic development professionals.