Franklin County names economic development director

Roanoke County’s assistant director for economic development, Danielle Poe, will start her new job as director of economic development for Franklin County on April 15. 

Since joining Roanoke County in 2022, Poe has been responsible for real estate development, business retention and expansion and key community partnerships, Franklin County said in a statement. She succeeds Beth Simms, who left the Franklin County post in October 2023 after more than two years to become Patrick County’s administrator. 

“Franklin County has made key public investments that position the county for growth,” Poe said. “I’m excited to put my passion for economic development to work helping the county take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Poe previously worked as a business manager for Roanoke Regional Airport and as an economic development specialist for Downtown Roanoke Inc. She also worked in real estate and property management. 

“Dani is the experienced leader needed at a critical juncture in Franklin County’s progress,” Franklin County Administrator Christopher Whitlow said. “It was clear during the interview process that she understands the county’s value proposition and knows how to leverage the county’s advantages to create jobs and investment, develop its workforce and continue to enhance livability.”

Poe is the 2024 chair of Leadership Roanoke Valley and graduated from Radford University, where she studied sports and fitness administration and management, according to her LinkedIn page. Next month, Poe will graduate from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute program. 

Located about 10 miles south of Roanoke, Franklin County was estimated to have 55,549 residents as of 2023, according to the U.S. Census.