Welcome to our new Economic Development Planning Specialist, Leo Priddy! He previously served the region as a Small Business Advisor for the Greater Roanoke & New River Valley Small Business Development Center and has several years of experience with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Leo’s background lends to his passion of supporting our region, as his curiosity and resourcefulness provide communities with someone eager to help them thrive.
Leo received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech. In support of his professional development, Leo has also graduated from the Montgomery County Chamber Leadership New River Valley program, attended three years of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives staff development conference, and completed two years through The Institute of Organization Management.
While originally from Roanoke, Virginia, he is delighted to call the New River Valley his home. Leo and his wife Emily, an Art Teacher for Blacksburg Middle School, live in Christiansburg with their dog, Odie, and hedgehog, Hokie Pokie. Their family enjoys exploring the New River Valley, whether it’s hopping on the Huckleberry Trail or experiencing the countless community events that make this part of Southwest Virginia a great place to live. Leo can be reached at lpriddy@nrvrc.org.