Nonprofits | Philanthropy 2025: STATON, TRAVIS

Spun off from the United Way of Southwest Virginia last year, EO is focused on workforce development programs. As the nonprofit’s leader, Staton manages a $10 million portfolio of grant-funded economic development, workforce training and child development programs.

During his 20 years leading the United Way chapter, Staton created and grew a cradle-to-career nonprofit to train people for new careers amid the collapse of the mining industry in the region.

In October 2024, EO finished redeveloping a former K-Mart into a $26.5 million, 87,000-square-foot regional workforce and child development hub. The hub provides child care, support for child care operators and career exploration and hands-on opportunities to K-12 students. It’s also expected to address workforce development, attraction and retention challenges.

An East Tennessee State University alumnus, Staton is a founding member and vice president of EO Holdings, a nonprofit public benefit corporation established in January to support EO.

ADVICE FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADS: Lead with curiosity, humility, and service. Relationships matter — build them with care. Take bold steps, but stay grounded in your values. The world needs not just your skills, but your integrity and heart.

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