Nonprofits | Philanthropy 2024: TRAVIS STATON

The United Way of Southwest Virginia named its president and CEO, Staton, to lead Endless Opportunity, or EO, in February. EO is a new nonprofit, spun off of the United Way chapter, focused on workforce development programs. As EO’s leader, Staton manages a $10 million portfolio of grant-funded economic development, workforce training and child development programs.

In June, Megan Parks was hired as the new executive director of United Way of Southwest Virginia, taking on some of Staton’s former duties and allowing him to focus on leading EO.

During his 20 years with United Way, 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 and loss of jobs and population.

Currently, UWSWVA is redeveloping a former K-Mart into a regional workforce and child development hub. It will provide child care, support child care operators and offer career exploration and hands-on opportunities to K-12 students. EO will serve as a program implementer, allowing the United Way to focus on high-level needs and gather resources.

Staton has a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University.