Chamber Staff

Favorite Chamber Event
Since starting with the Chamber on December 1, I’ve only been to one program, which was The Annual Meeting.  I was amazed by all the hard work and dedication from staff, members, and volunteers to put it on.  Everyone in attendance couldn’t have been more welcoming to me as I take on this new role.

Why I love this job
The best part of this job, so far, is seeing how every member wants to help their fellow business owner succeed and grow which results in win-win for the community.

Favorite Community Event
My wife and I enjoy attending the Christiansburg Wilderness Trail Festival each year.

Why I love our community

This is a great place to live and work.  It has everything a large metropolitan area would offer but maintains the small-town feeling.   

Something that would surprise people about me

I’m a fan of the show The Office.  My wife will see my watching an episode and say, “didn’t you see that one?”

Hobbies

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, geocaching, and fishing. 

Where do you go for the most scenic views

Almost anywhere you go in this area will provide some of the best scenic views.  You could be traveling on 460 or 81 or even standing in your backyard.  That’s what makes this area so unique.

What’s your favorite Chamber program or event
I’m looking forward to the Golf Tournament. Growing up, I was a big golfer and spent a ton of time around the sport. I love watching how people from different industries can come together for some fun competition.   

What do you love about the job
As a part of the Chamber I get to know both incredible businesses and individuals, all working to support our local community.

Favorite community event
Anything related to Virginia Tech athletics. As a graduate, I enjoying seeing my school compete at a high level within the ACC. 

Why I love the community
There are too many things to mention as to why I love this community but I think it all starts with the childhood memories I have of going to Virginia Tech football games with my dad. It was during that time that I fell in love with the mountains, river, and communities here. Once I started to attend Virginia Tech myself, I knew this was the place I wanted to start my own family.  

Something that would surprise you about me
I have been on ESPN multiple times. 

Hobbies
I love to golf, hike, and play tennis. I try to stay pretty active and be outside when I can. 

Where do you go for the most scenic views
I just love to drive down McCoy Rd and take in the views along the ride. The New River is also one of my favorite places to go to take in the views. 

What is your favorite Chamber program or event? Our Women’s Leadership Conference. The event celebrates women in business, acknowledges their accomplishments, and all their hard work. 

What do you love about the job? I really enjoy networking with our members and watching businesses grow.  I grew up in this area. I am passionate about supporting our local community and seeing it thrive.

Favorite Community Event: 4^th of July festivities like the Shawsville parade, music, and fireworks.

Why I love the community: I love how our community has a lot to offer such as two large well known universities, but maintains a welcoming small-town feeling.

Something that would surprise you about me: I don’t have any siblings.

Where do you go for the most scenic views? This area offers some of the best spots for scenic views. Especially during the fall US Route 8 and US Route 460

Hobbies: I enjoy volunteering in our community, spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, attending live music events, riding Harley motorcycles, boating, and rooting for my favorite sports teams!  

What is your Favorite Chamber program or event?

I love meeting and interacting with new businesses at our Ribbon Cuttings. There’s an abundance of great Chamber programs and events that allow for making new connections. I’m very competitive so the Bocce Ball and Golf tournament will be especially enjoyable. 

What do you love about the job?
My favorite part of the job is networking with other professionals and watching businesses grow! I love to see hard working professionals experience success. The friendships and connections established in this profession have been wonderful

Favorite Community Event
The fall season in the New River Valley is my favorite. There are many fall events that span across the community. You can always catch me at the pumpkin patch, corn maze, or tailgating for football games on the weekends!

Why I love the community
Growing up in a small town, the community greatly influenced and shaped my career path. I felt compelled to enter a field of work that gave back to the community through educating children and now, working with business owners. I’ve always been a believer in connecting, serving, and giving - I love our community because it is welcoming and upholds those same values.

Something that would surprise you about me
I was a teacher and coach for nine years in public education spanning Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I love working with students of all ages!

Hobbies

I am a foodie! I love trying new restaurants and types of food. In addition to being a self-proclaimed foodie, I love to travel and indulge in new experiences. My other hobbies include exercising, enjoying time outdoors, catching up with family and friends, and rooting for my favorite sports teams!

Where do you go for the most scenic views?
I’ve always loved being on or near the water. Taking a walk along the New River in Bisset Park or exercising on the Huckleberry Trail are two of my favorite spots to enjoy the beautiful views offered in the New River Valley.

What is your favorite Chamber program or event?

My favorite events are the networking events, especially for new businesses. I like to see smaller businesses getting recognition in a sophisticated way which can normally be hard, but the Chamber makes it less stressful. The Chamber gives upcoming businesses the chance to be seen and I’m excited to see the outcome and success of these businesses. 

What do you love about the job?

I love that this job is very community oriented. It is very important to me to help the ones around us and the Chamber does exactly that. The women’s leadership events is just one example of that.  

Favorite Community Event:

I want to learn more about the women’s leadership event, it seems like a great program and like it would me one of my top favorites

Why I love the community:

A reason why I love the community is because it gives a sense of collectiveness. Working together and combining ideas can be more efficient that doing everything on your own.

Something that would surprise you about me:

Trick question, I would have to say most of my friends don’t know how artistic I am. I think if I were to show them some of the projects I’ve made they’d be surprised. I don’t really show it off, it is something I do for personal enjoyment. 

Hobbies:

Some of my hobbies includes cooking, my family has some great cooks, I like doing art projects, and believe it or not… I really enjoy cleaning

Where do you go for the most scenic views?

On a regular basis, a drive town down can be the most scenic view. Finding joy out of the simple things is very important, so just a drive on an early morning can be super relaxing.