Elijah Sharp

Eli joined the New River Valley Regional Commission in 2009. As Deputy Executive Director, Eli is responsible for managing the agency-wide annual work program and executing the day-to-day operational activities of the agency. In addition, Eli has the distinct pleasure of leading the planning and GIS team, who contribute to more than 40 projects across the New River Valley each year.

Eli has over fifteen years of combined private and public sector experience in rural and urban transportation planning, conceptual design, community and land development, agriculture, grant writing and administration, public engagement, and stormwater management. Eli enjoys working with state and local partners on collaborative projects that bring community visions to life.

Eli has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering Technology, from Bluefield State College, WV. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the NRVMPO Technical Advisory Committee, Co-Chair of the NRV Regional Transit Coordinating Council, as a representative on the National Rural Planning Organization Council of Peers, and is a founding member of the American Society for Highway Engineers, Blue Ridge Chapter. Prior to joining the Commission, Eli was a Civil Engineer for a private consulting firm in Blacksburg, Virginia.