Kelley Akers

Kelley joined the New River Valley Regional Commission in 2024 as Graphic Designer/Community Engagement Specialist. In this role, she employs graphic design and community engagement tools to increase awareness of local resources and opportunities throughout the New River Valley, and assists in keeping communication strong and meaningful between relevant external partners.
Kelley earned her BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration from the University of Worcester in England, and came back to the region in 2021. Since then, she has fully embraced her Appalachian heritage and enjoys helping the communities and people that are found within her chosen hometown. She spends her free time drawing, teaching art, playing video and tabletop games, and spoiling her cats.