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Richmond, Virginia (December 4, 2025) — The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA), the leading voice for economic development across the Commonwealth, announced its Board of Directors for 2026.
Garrett Hart, Director of Chesterfield County Economic Development, has been elected President and will guide VEDA’s statewide membership throughout the coming year. Hart brings decades of experience in advancing job creation, business attraction and community development, along with a long history of leadership within VEDA.
Joining Hart on the 2026 Executive Committee include:
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Matt Johnson, City of Charlottesville, Office of Economic Development, as Vice President
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Toi W. Hunter, Hampton Roads Alliance, as Treasurer
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Jenna French, Shenandoah County Tourism & Economic Development, as Secretary
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Gregory Hitchin, City of Waynesboro Department of Economic Development & Tourism, as Immediate Past President
Also elected as Directors for the VEDA Board:
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Pamela Armstrong, Bedford County Office of Economic Development
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Ebonie Atkins, Henrico County Economic Development Authority
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Corrie Bobe, Danville Economic Development & Tourism
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Rebekah Castle, Augusta County Economic Development & Tourism
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John Hull, Roanoke Regional Partnership
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Marian Marquez, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
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John Matthews, Joint IDA of Wythe County
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Chris McNamara, Virginia Housing
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Nicole A. Talton, Isle of Wight County Economic Development
VEDA remains Virginia’s foremost organization for shaping economic development policy, supporting professional advancement and fostering connections among economic developers.
In recent years, VEDA has expanded opportunities for member engagement through its Shared Interests Groups (SIGs) focused on Business Retention and Expansion, Diversity and Inclusion, Downtown Development, Rural Development and Workforce Development. These peer-to-peer networks allow members to share expertise, elevate best practices and collaborate on solutions to statewide challenges.
VEDA also continues to strengthen relationships with local, regional and state elected officials, ensuring that economic development remains a core priority for communities across Virginia.
Throughout 2026, VEDA will host its signature spring and fall conferences, along with professional development workshops and virtual learning sessions designed to support economic developers at every stage of their careers. These programs remain central to VEDA’s commitment to delivering high-quality education, fostering innovation and promoting collaboration across the Commonwealth.
VEDA is currently welcoming new members. To learn more about VEDA, membership options and 2026 events, visit GoVEDA.org.
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