On October 22nd, the New River Valley Regional Commission board of directors, comprised of elected officials and citizen appointees across the region, hosted a reception event at The Farmhouse in Christiansburg to honor the 2026 award recipients. Approximately 100 local government elected officials, state and federal representatives, and local government planning commission chairs were in attendance.
Timothy D. Sands, Ph.D., President of Virginia Tech, was the recipient of the Champion of the Valley award. This award is given to an appointed or elected official within, or representing, the New River Valley who has greatly assisted communities and residents during their service to the public. President Sands was recognized for his leadership in mobilizing Virginia Tech to work alongside communities in the region during the COVID-19 Pandemic Response; launching the Virginia Tech Early Childhood Education Initiative in partnership with local providers and nonprofits; engaging with regional housing challenges; and establishing the Partnership for Progress initiative, a collaboration among local governments and the university.
Jessica Wirgau, Ph. D. CEO of the Community Foundation of the NRV, was the recipient of the Citizen of the Valley award. This award is given to a citizen within the New River Valley who has made significant contributions to the betterment of the region. Jess Wirgau was recognized for her passion and success in aligning philanthropy with community needs and organizational capacity building. The Give Local NRV campaign raised over $1M for local nonprofits in 2026, the first time it surpassed the $1M threshold during the 24-hour giving campaign. Perhaps more impressive is that 3,386 people contributed. The number of people engaged with local philanthropic giving and the funds raised is attributed to her leadership at the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.
Each award recipient was provided a custom stained-glass piece of art by the local artist Sandy Davenport, a member of ‘Round the Mountain, Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network.